• Islah wa Irshad
• By: mehrbanfnd@gmail.com

The Seven Spiritual Subtleties in Tasawwuf (Lataif-e-Sab‘a)

In the science of Islamic spirituality (Tasawwuf), the human being is said to possess seven subtle spiritual centers, known as Lataif. These centers are gradually awakened and purified through the remembrance of Allah (Zikr), under the guidance of a perfected Shaykh. Each subtlety serves as a station on the path of nearness to Allah.

1. Latifah al-Qalb (The Heart)

This does not refer to the physical heart, but to a spiritual point where divine illumination begins. It is the first station on the path of purification and connection to the Divine.

• Location: Two fingers below the left chest (under the left nipple)

• Fana (Manifestation): Appearance of Allah’s Sifaat-e-Fa‘liyyah (Active Attributes)

• Sign: Forgetfulness of all besides Allah during Zikr; temporary absorption in the Divine

• Effect: Removal of heedlessness and control over base desires

• Light (Noor): Yellow

2. Latifah al-Ruh (The Spirit)

As mentioned in the Qur’an: “Say: The spirit is from the command of my Lord” (Al-Isra: 85). It is a divine gift and the source of physical life.

• Location: Two fingers below the right chest (under the right nipple)

• Fana: Manifestation of Allah’s Sifaat-e-Subutiyyah (Affirmative Attributes)

• Sign: Intensification of spiritual states during Zikr

• Effect: Tempering of anger and development of inner peace

• Light: Red

3. Latifah as-Sirr (The Secret)

This is the station of witnessing (mushahadah) and spiritual vision, a hidden dimension of the soul.

• Location: Two fingers left of center chest, aligned with the left chest

• Fana: Manifestation of the meanings and dimensions of divine attributes

• Sign: Continued flow of Zikr; progress in spiritual states

• Effect: Elimination of greed and miserliness; spontaneous generosity in matters of faith

• Light: White

4. Latifah al-Khafi (The Hidden)

A more inward and subtle point associated with deep purification and strange spiritual states.

• Location: Two fingers right of center chest, aligned with the right chest

• Fana: Manifestation of Allah’s transcendental (tanzih) attributes

• Sign: Ongoing Zikr with emergence of unusual inner states

• Effect: Freedom from jealousy, envy, hatred, and backbiting

• Light: Black

5. Latifah al-Akhfa (The Most Hidden)

The most concealed and sublime subtlety, representing the station of Wilayah Muhammadiyyah (Prophetic Sainthood). It is a meeting point between the divine transcendence and unity.

• Location: The center of the chest

• Fana: Manifestation between pure Tanzih and Ahadiyyah (Absolute Oneness)

• Sign: Uninterrupted Zikr and deep awareness of closeness to Allah

• Effect: Release from pride, arrogance, and egotism; presence and tranquility

• Light: Green

6. Latifah an-Nafs (The Ego)

This is the first subtlety of the physical realm (‘Alam al-Khalq). It is the center of lower desires and spiritual struggle begins with its purification.

• Location: Some say between the brows or forehead; others say below the navel. Imam Rabbani reconciled both by stating its “head” is at the forehead, while its “foot” extends below the navel.

• Sign: Increase in spiritual yearning and taste in Zikr

• Effect: Humility, obedience, and suppression of rebellious tendencies

• Light: Greenish-blue

7. Latifah al-Qalabiya (The Bodily Subtlety)

This subtlety encompasses the entire body. When fully activated, Zikr flows through every limb and part of the body.

• Location: Entire body (some say close to the navel)

• Sign: Continuous Zikr from every cell and body part

• Effect: Detachment from worldly desires and human weaknesses

• Light: Fire-like (Flame-colored)

Latifah and Elements Relationship

Each Latifah of the ‘Alam al-Amr (Spiritual Realm) has a corresponding connection with an element from the ‘Alam al-Khalq (Physical Realm):

• Qalb → Nafs

• Ruh → Water

• Sirr → Air

• Khafi → Fire

• Akhfa → Earth

As the great Sufi Abdullah ibn Kharrāz (رحمه الله) said:

“The scholars know what is written in books. The wise understand what is conveyed through gestures. But only the masters of the path understand the secrets of the Lataif.”

This journey through the Seven Lataif leads the seeker toward Fana (Annihilation of the self) and Baqa (Enduring with Allah) — the ultimate goals of the Sufi path.

Online Bay’ah for International Seekers

For those living abroad or unable to meet in person, online Bay’ah is also facilitated under his direct supervision. Spiritual lessons (Asbaaq) are given through proper channels, often starting with Zikr-e-Qalbi (remembrance of Allah by heart) and progressing step-by-step with guidance.
This online system helps genuine seekers stay connected with a living Shaykh while remaining consistent in their journey of purification and nearness to Allah ﷻ.

How to Take Bay’ah (Spiritual Allegiance)

If you sincerely wish to begin your path of inner transformation and spiritual development under the guidance of Maulana Syed Abdul Wahab Shah Shirazi, you may send a message via WhatsApp:

📱 +92 321 5083475

“Those who seek the path of Allah will always find a guide if their intention is pure.”