baqāʾ

Ṣūfism

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June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

In Sufism, baqāʾ (Arabic: “subsistence”) is a state of spiritual permanence and union with God, achieved after the Sufi has passed through the state of fanāʾ (annihilation of the self).12

The journey toward baqāʾ involves intense spiritual discipline and meditation, aiming to shed earthly desires and human attributes. After achieving fanāʾ, the Sufi experiences a revival through divine grace, leading to the revelation of divine secrets. This is followed by baqāʾ, where the Sufi regains consciousness but remains in a state of subsistence with God, preparing for direct divine vision. This ultimate state is known as ḥaqīqah, or divine reality.12

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fana
…the more sublime state of baqāʾ (subsistence) and finally become ready for the direct vision of God.
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…the more sublime state of baqāʾ (subsistence) and finally become ready for the direct vision of God.
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Shaṭṭārīyah
… (“dissolution”) of self and the baqāʾ (“subsistence”) of God. The Shaṭṭārīyah, on the contrary, stress the self, personal deeds, personal attributes that make a person godlike, and personal union with God. They maintain that fana would imply two selves, one that is to be annihilated and another that is to…
Read More
… (“dissolution”) of self and the baqāʾ (“subsistence”) of God. The Shaṭṭārīyah, on the contrary, stress the self, personal deeds, personal attributes that make a person godlike, and personal union with God. They maintain that fana would imply two selves, one that is to be annihilated and another that is to…
Read More