Glossary Entry

Kashf

Definition

Kashf — literally 'unveiling' or 'disclosure' — refers to the direct, immediate perception of spiritual realities that is given to the heart cleansed by sustained practice and divine grace. Al-Ghazali uses the term carefully: he is not describing mystical visions or supernatural experiences in a dramatic sense, but the kind of direct, luminous understanding of divine realities that no amount of rational argument alone can produce. The person of kashf knows, with a certainty deeper than intellectual conviction, that God is present, that divine love is real, that the path leads somewhere. This knowing cannot be fully transmitted in words — it can only be pointed toward and invited.

As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.

In the library's own words

How the scholars use Kashf.

"The unveiling here is not the partial unveiling shared by all, such as the unveiling of secrets. Rather, it is the unveiling of three things, which are the ultimate unveiling for the truthful: The first is the unveiling of the stages of the spiritual journey. The second is the unveiling of the flaws of the self, the defects of deeds, and their corruptions."

— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Two
"revealing their flaws so they may correct them, and uncovering their sins so they may repent. This unveiling is a great honor, making them obedient and acting according to its demands. When combined with the unveiling of previous veils, their hearts journey towards their Lord as rain is driven by the wind. Returning to the شَيْخ's words, "The third degree: the unveiling of the eye, not the unveiling of knowledge," means this unveiling pertains to the essence of reality, unlike the unveiling of knowledge, which pertains to the mental image corresponding to external reality."

— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Three
"The tranquility of the soul is to be at peace in its state of intention and not to turn towards what is behind it. The intended unveiling is the unveiling of truth, not the partial, lower unveiling. This unveiling has three degrees. The first is the unveiling of the path leading to the desired goal, which is the unveiling of the realities of faith and the laws of الإِسْلَام."

— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Two

Appears in

1 book in the library

The Book of Love, Longing, Intimacy, and Contentment

Imam al-Ghazali · 4h 57m

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