Studies in Islamic Mysticism

The Absolute Essence (Dhát), or the Essence of God, is that to which names and attributes belong in their real nature, not as they appear in existence 1. It denotes the self (nafs) of God whereby He exists, for He is self-subsistent. It is endowed with all the names and ideas which His perfection demands. Amongst these are infinity and incomprehensibility. No words can express or hint what the Essence is, since it has no opposite or like. In its absoluteness it annuls all the contradictions which, as the universal ground of individualisation, it includes 2. I am convinced that It (the Essence) is non-existence, since by existence It was manifested 3. Thought hath beheld It from afar as a power exerting itself in existence. It is not other than a wall, wherein is set for thee a store of treasures. I am that wall, and It is the hidden treasure—hidden in order that I may find it by digging.