Haal

"Haal" (Literally "state" or "condition", plural "ahwal") is a special-purpose, temporary state of consciousness, generally a product of spiritual practices, recognised in Sufism.

A "haal" is by nature transient and one should not attempt to prolong it. It results from psychological or spiritual influences which effect the man of the Way during his progress towards the God-King. Related concepts are Ecstasy "(wajad)", Annihilation "(istilam)" , Happiness "(bast)" , Despondency "(qabd)" , Awakening "(sahû)" Drunkenness "(sukr)" , etc. They arise like flashes on the horizon, blinding flashes of lightning which disappear immediately. However, these stages are necessary for the liberating experience of Man; thanks to them He may distinguish the contingent from the consciousness anything except that which is destined to endure. According to Ibn Arabi, ‘’Fanaa (al-fanâ)’’ (extinction) is the apex of the "ahwal".

Resource

* [http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/articles/osmanyahya.html Theophanies and Lights in the Thought of Ibn 'Arabi]