State of Haal

A haal is a state of consciousness, generally a product of spiritual practices, recognised in Sufism. Each haal (state) is associated with a maqaam (station) of along the spiritual path.
A Manzil in Sufism is a plane of consciousness. There are seven Manzils along the path to God. The Manzils are also parts of the Qur'an which help in protecting one from sorcery.
A maqaam is one's spiritual station or developmental level, as distinct from one's haal, or state of consciousness. This is seen as the outcome of one's effort to transform oneself, whereas the haal is a gift.

A ḥāl is by nature short-lived and one should not attempt to prolong it. It results from psychological or spiritual influences which affect the man of the Way during his pro gress towards God. Related concepts are

Ecstasy (wajad), Annihilation (istilam) , Happiness (bast) , depression (qabd) , Awakening (sahû) Drunkenness (sukr) , etc. 

They arise like flashes on the horizon, blinding flashes of lightning which disappear immediately. However, these stages are necessary for the liberating experience of Man; thanks to them He may distinguish the body from the consciousness anything except that which is destined to undergo.

It was not until the 11th century that aḥwāl were included into Sufi practice, but the idea of changing states dates back to the pre-Islamic religions that were dominant in the Near Eastern-Mediterranean region.

Since aḥwāl are considered in Sufism to be gifts from God, there is nothing on the part of human beings that can be done to make sure that they are granted, for man is merely the receiver. Yet, unlike material gifts given among men, man cannot do anything to avoid experiencing these special states.

No basics have been determined for man to receive any particular ḥāl since it has been noted that even the unreligious infrequently experience states that have been granted by God. The explanation given for this occurrence follows from the idea that there is an excess of divine grace and, thus, it must necessarily come into contact with nonbelievers at times. Likewise, those that are in the early stages of their spirituality may experience different ḥāl just as much as the more advanced Sufis.

When enduring a particular ḥāl, such as that of ecstasy, one must note that only those who have already experienced that state can truly understand what it is like. As well, for the one experiencing a state of ecstasy to be understood, only those that are in a similar state will understand what is being said. This also applies to one's work since someone who is viewing a piece of art or reading a particular passage must be in the same ḥāl as the creator was at the time of work's creation. Failing to do this will only result in a lack of understanding between the creator and his audience.

It is generally thought that aḥwāl are only experienced occasionally for a short time, and that each state is continuous, and that there is a necessary succession from one state to the other. Once a state has been granted by God, man maintains that state, or condition, until he has been given a new state that is spiritually higher than the previous.  Others would argue that this definition of a state actually pertains to a station (maqām) which is a completely separate notion in Sufism.  

Important Aḥwāl

Ḥāl of murāqaba ('watching')

This ḥāl is one in which its receiver can experience a feeling of joy or of fear depending on which aspect of God has been revealed to him.

Ḥāl of qurb ('nearness')
Experiencing this ḥāl causes one to lose consciousness of his acts, and to concentrate only on the acts of God.The spirit Awliah Allah (Friends of GOD ) after death or in life can give there qurb and suhbat to the seekers of God.There attention towards the salik (seeker) or student causes the state of estacsy(wajd) but if somone gets control its more better and fruitful.

Ḥāl of wajd ('ecstasy')
A state that is described by its opposites, as the one experiencing it can feel either fear or love, sorrow or joy, or contentment or restlessness.

Ḥāl of sukr ('intoxication')
Followed by a ḥāl of ṣahw ('sobriety'), this state is categorized by an union with God that inhibits man from being fully aware of his environment.

Ḥāl of wudd ('intimacy')
A state that includes a feeling of awe attached with happiness from the divine presence that fills the receiver's heart.

Other Aḥwāl
Additional aḥwāl found in Sufism include: grief, growth, irritation, contraction, or need.

Source: wikipedia