Abdalar

Abdalar (also spelled Abdal, Arabic: أبدال, meaning "substitutes") refers to a specific class of Sufi saints in Islamic mysticism. The term signifies a select group of highly advanced spiritual beings believed to exist at all times, maintaining the spiritual order and balance of the world.

Beliefs and Role:

The Abdal are considered to be among the highest-ranking saints in the Sufi hierarchy (the awliya or "friends of God"). They are believed to possess exceptional spiritual powers and are characterized by qualities such as piety, detachment from worldly affairs, and complete devotion to God. According to Sufi teachings, the number of Abdal is fixed, and when one passes away, another is immediately chosen to take their place, hence the name "substitutes." Their existence is considered essential for the well-being and preservation of the world. Without them, divine grace and blessings would cease to flow, and the world would collapse.

Number and Location:

The exact number and identities of the Abdal are generally kept secret, known only to other high-ranking saints and God. However, various traditions offer different figures. The most common belief is that there are forty Abdal. They are often believed to reside in various hidden locations throughout the world, often unrecognized by ordinary people.

Significance in Sufism:

Belief in the Abdal reflects the hierarchical structure of Sufi sainthood and the emphasis on divine intervention in the world. The concept provides a framework for understanding the unseen forces that maintain spiritual equilibrium and offers a source of hope and reassurance for Sufis seeking divine guidance. The Abdal serve as exemplary figures of spiritual attainment and inspire practitioners to strive for greater proximity to God. Their existence underscores the importance of hidden sanctity and the continuous presence of divine grace within the world.

Related Concepts:

The concept of the Abdal is connected to other Sufi ideas, such as the Qutb (the "axis" or spiritual pole of the universe), the Ghawth (the succor), and the broader hierarchy of saints. These figures represent different levels of spiritual authority and play specific roles in the cosmic order according to Sufi cosmology.