What is a 'maqam' and 'hal' in Sufism?

I try to make it simple. Maqam: When a Sufi reach to a state which is stable and he/she can reach there frequently. Hal: When a Sufi find an intuition or revelation which is not sustained and happens rarely. Maqam qualities: - can be reached by Sufis effort and concentration. read more

- The Maqam is not the same experience for everyone. But the mentor (Murshed) can interpret what the Sufi experienced during his/her stay in Maqam. Hal qualities: - Hal can't be reached by effort. It's not an achievement. - Sufi just can prepare his heart to find the state of Hal. But no one knows when it comes. read more

Maqaam (also known as maqām) or maqaamat (plural), translating to "stations" in Arabic, is the various stages a Sufi's soul must attain in its search for God. The stations are derived from the most routine considerations a Sufi must deal with on a day-to-day basis and is essentially an embodiment of both mystical knowledge and Islamic law . read more

The various stages of self-awareness on the Sufi path are known as ‘Maqamat’, or the ‘stations’, which are attainable through continuous spiritual practices and sincere efforts. However, ‘haal’ or ‘state’ can only happen by the Grace of God. read more