Alchemy of the Soul

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

ان كنت ترغب ان تعود بمسكا * ذهبا فسكن زئبقا من حسكا

'If you wish to transform the copper of your soul into gold, then quieten the liquid mercury of your desires…'

(Syedi Abdeali Imaduddin QS)

This article was written by Ra'sul Hududil Mayameen Janab Syedi Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin in 2016.

During the shukr ziafat offered by Halqa Saifiyah (students taking sabaq with Shehzadi Saifiyah Baisaheba), Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS delivered a short bayaan in which he emphasized the importance of the ‘ilm of Aale-Mohammed, its requisites and its results. In the bayaan Syedna TUS quoted this bayt composed by Syedi Abdeali Imaduddin QS – the great scholar who received the ‘ilm of Aale-Mohammed from Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin RA:

If you wish to transform the copper of your soul into gold, then quieten the liquid mercury of your desires (lit. senses).

Referencing the age old tradition of alchemy, the bayt suggests that as copper can be turned to gold, the alchemy of the soul can be achieved by calming the mercury of desires. Rising above the obsession with worldly desires is a pre-requisite for seeking ‘ilm and for the alchemy of the soul. Obsession with worldly desires leads one to materialism while rising above them opens the horizon to the true knowledge and the Hereafter (Aakherat).

Through their sayings and through their examples, our Hudaat Kiraam have always guided us to lead our lives and prioritize Aakherat. It is this mindset that determines the matters in which we spend the most precious commodity each one of us has: time.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the tawfeeq and strength to prioritize Aakherat and achieve the miraculous alchemy of our souls. May Allah Ta’ala grant longest life to Syedna TUS to continue to guide and impart the alchemical knowledge of Aal-e-Mohammed to Mumineen.