Alam al-khayāl

‘Alam al-khayāl’ translates to the “World of Imagination” in Sufism and Islamic mysticism, serving as an intermediary realm between the spiritual and material worlds. It is where spiritual entities are “clothed” in forms and shapes, making incorporeal realities perceptible through imagination, and is considered the realm where humans first existed as conscious, imaginal presences before their physical bodies.

Key characteristics of Alam al-khayāl

An Intermediate Realm:

It functions as an isthmus or filter between the invisible World of Command and the physical World of Creation.

Imaginal vs. Imaginary:

The realm is not “imaginary” in the sense of fantasy, but rather a real, albeit immaterial, existence that possesses forms, colors, and even a semblance of time and space.

Barzakh or Intermediate Realm:

It is also known as Barzakh, or the Intermediate Realm, and is where souls may encounter the deceased or receive spiritual instruction from saints.

Dream-like Qualities:

Experiences in Alam al-khayāl can be akin to dreams, where one’s changing inner states manifest as changing outward surroundings.

Manifestation of Truth:

Spiritual meanings and intelligible truths are brought down to sensory forms in this world, making them perceptible to the soul.

Significance in Islamic thought

Pre-existence of the Soul:

It is believed that the soul existed in Alam al-khayāl as a conscious, imaginal presence before being embodied in a physical form.

Spiritual Encounters:

The Murshid (spiritual guide) and other saints can be encountered in this realm, transmitting powerful lessons and instructions to the Murid (disciple).

Symbolic Imagery:

The realm is rich with symbolism, where objects can embody pure meanings, like a ram symbolizing death or a rose representing joy.