all-absorbing One, losing sight even of the duality of one's own self. This is the highest stage of the true devotee. It is described by the Sufis as Fanafittauhid (i.e. the effacement of one's individuality in contemplating the unity of God ).[1] To use a simile these four stages may be compared with a walnut which is composed of an external hard rind, an internal skin, the kernel, and oil. The hard rind, which is bitter in taste, has no value except that it serves as a covering for some time. When the kernel is extracted the shell is thrown away. Similarly the hypocrite who, uttering the Kalima, is associated with the Muslims and safely enjoys their privileges, but at death is cut off from the faithful and falls headlong into perdition. The internal skin is more useful than the external in as much as if preserves the kernel and may be used, but is in no way equal
- ↑ Usually Fana is translated as "annihilation," but Al Ghazzali here means what is implied in the statement: "To live, move, and have our being in Him"
