CHAPTER 8

Place [maqom]. Originally this term was given the meaning of particular and general place. Subsequently, language extended its meaning and made it a term denoting an individual’s rank and situation; I mean to say with reference to his perfection in some matter, so that it is said: A certain man has a certain place with regard to a certain matter. You know how often the people of our language use this meaning when they say: Occupying the place of his ancestors; He occupied the place of his ancestorsin wisdom or piety; [18b] or when they say: The difference of opinion still subsists in its place, which means, in its station. It is in this figurative manner that it is said: Blessed be the glory of the Lord from His place,1 meaning, according to His rank and the greatness of His portion in existence. Similarly in every mention of place referring to God, the sole intention is to signify the rank of His existence, may He be exalted; there being nothing like or similar to that existence, as shall be demonstrated.

Know with regard to every term whose equivocality we shall explain to you in this Treatise that our purpose in such an explanation is not only to draw your attention to what we mention in that particular chapter. Rather do we open a gate and draw your attention to such meanings of that particular term as are useful for our purpose, not for the various purposes of whoever may speak the language of this or that people. As for you, you should consider the books of prophecy and other works composed by men of knowledge, reflect on all the terms used therein, and take every equivocal term in that one from among its various senses that is suitable in that particular passage. These our words are the key to this Treatise and to others; a case in point being the explanation we have given here of the meaning of the term place in the dictum of Scripture: Blessed be the glory of the Lord from His place. For you should know that this very meaning is that of the term place in its dictum: Behold, there is a place by Me.2 In this verse the term signifies a rank in theoretical speculation and the contemplation of the intellect—not that of the eye; this being in addition to the meaning alluding to a local place that was to be found on that mountain on which the separation and the achievement of perfection came to pass.