Ahwal

/ə'hwɑːl/ noun

Definition

An Arabic word referring to states or conditions; used in Islamic philosophy and theology to describe spiritual or psychological states.

Etymology

From Arabic 'ahwal,' the plural of 'hal' meaning state or condition; rooted in Semitic language patterns expressing the concept of temporary states versus permanent attributes.

Kelly Says

In Islamic mysticism, 'ahwal' describes fleeting spiritual states that come as gifts from God, contrasting with 'maqamat' (stations) that are earned through spiritual practice—a sophisticated framework for understanding consciousness.

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