It is related that Separation is the invention of the Name from the light of the Essence and his separation from it after having been connected. It has also been said: Separation is the separation of form from form so that this may be known from that—this is a Lord and this is a servant; this is a form of vast unitary knowledge, and this is a Muhammadan, unique, produced, nominal form.

It was said: Connection is the knowledge of the Meaning’s manifestation—exalted be his glory—as the Name in the Exemplary stations. These are called the "Manifestations of Relief" (al-Afraj) through which the Meaning—Exalted—honored His Name and appeared in the likeness of his form. During his separation from Him, he was a Name and a Veil; upon his connection, He returned as an Exemplary Meaning. Any other manifestations of the Name are pure Mim, where the Name appeared in his own essence and the Meaning did not remove him. The station of honor is that He removed him and appeared in the likeness of his form. The Essential Nominal manifestations are nine: Adam, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Solomon, Jesus, Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Muhammad the Messenger of God, and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan the Awaited Mahdi, the Qa’im—exalted be their glory. These nine are the Essential Names.

It has been related regarding the fetus: if its mother delivers it at seven months, it lives; or at nine months, it lives. But if she delivers at six or eight months, it does not live, because six and eight are bewildered between seven and nine. This is a parable for the seeker of knowledge: if he recognizes the seven Essential manifestations of the Meaning, he is granted [life] and his life—meaning his knowledge—is complete.

Likewise, if he is born at nine months, there is no fear for him, for he has recognized the Name in reality and recognized his nine Essential manifestations. He thus reaches the knowledge of the Meaning—exalted be His Grandeur; his knowledge is perfected and his life is completed in the outward sense, which is his suckling and nourishment.