Mystical Literature

From the perspective of cultural semiotics, texts as cultural repositories, are the products of intercultural conditions and interactions, and represent the culture and its organizational ... Read More From the perspective of cultural semiotics, texts as cultural repositories, are the products of intercultural conditions and interactions, and represent the culture and its organizational structure. Over centuries, Islamic Mysticism and Sufism, as a collection of beliefs, practices and customs, permeated the layers of society and gradually evolved as a coherent culture within the framework of the comprehensive Islamic culture. This emerging culture systematically organized itself through the use of linguistic paradigmatic structures, particularly in the realm of mystical literature. To achieve a systematic understanding of the organizational structure of the culture of Islamic mysticism and Sufism, the first independent Persian text of this culture was explored using a descriptive-analytical approach. Through this examination, the semiosphere of mysticism and intercultural relations in Kashf-ol-Mahjub by Hujwiri was identified. The represented culture in this book exhibits a dual pattern, consisting of a “core” with cohesive symbols such as poverty, esotericism, the scientific nature of Sufism, veiling (the wearing of patched clothes), etc., to distinguish Self from Others, and a “periphery” that continuously interacts with others. The articulation of a specific Sufi worldview and its validation in theological and jurisprudential frameworks and their cited sources; compiling of the principles; Sufi leaders and sects in accordance with these principles; narrators and the various schools of thought in the linguistic and jurisprudential spheres; and discussions on topics such as the attributes of God, their classification, the contingent nature of these attributes; the oneness of God; divine occurrence, divine precedence; and the richness and independence of God in Kashf-ol-Mahjub reveal border spaces that constitute arena for intercultural exchanges. This central and peripheral space shapes the cultural identity of Sufism with internal coherence and dynamic external relationships.

Scientific-research

Studying Mystic Waaqeah and Its Symbolism as a Religious Experience

Ehsan Pourabrisham

Volume 15, Issue 34 , October 2023, Pages 39-69

https://doi.org/10.22051/jml.2023.44152.2483

Abstract

The term “waaqeah” in Islamic mysticism refers to a state achieved through specific practices and conditions (such as seclusion, immersion in remembrance, and similar activities), ... Read More

Scientific-research

Investigating the Characteristics of “This World’s Man” in Al-Mawaqef and Al-Mukhatabat by Abu Abdollah Neffari

Reza Abasi; Azim Hamzeian

Volume 15, Issue 34 , October 2023, Pages 71-100

https://doi.org/10.22051/jml.2023.42106.2411

Abstract

Following theology, anthropology is undoubtedly one of the most important issues in mysticism, and mystics have had a unique perspective and interpretation in this regard. Abu Abdollah ... Read More

Scientific-research

Morphology of Didactic and Mystic Masnavis Based on Literary Traditions (From the Beginning to the End of the 7th Century AH)

Rahman Moshtaghmhr; Yadollah Nasrollahi; Ali Hajizadeh

Volume 15, Issue 34 , October 2023, Pages 101-139

https://doi.org/10.22051/jml.2023.43770.2471

Abstract

The history of Persian literature owes the immortality and influence of its pure didactic and mystical topics in its various forms to the form of “masnavi” poetic genre. ... Read More

Scientific-research

Distance between Faith and Belief in Rumi's Theory

Ghodrat Allah Taheri

Volume 15, Issue 34 , October 2023, Pages 141-168

https://doi.org/10.22051/jml.2023.44620.2495

Abstract

The two terms, “faith” and “belief”, due to their common semantic field and widespread usage, are used interchangeably, without clear conceptual boundaries between ... Read More The two terms, “faith” and “belief”, due to their common semantic field and widespread usage, are used interchangeably, without clear conceptual boundaries between them, not only among ordinary people, but also among elites, such as some poets and writers. However, they exhibit significant distinctions in their true meanings and concepts. In this regard, “faith holders” and “believers” have obvious differences in their perception of God and the way of communicating with Him, the way of perceiving and interacting with existence, as well as their perception of religion and religious experiences. In contrast to many poets inclined towards mysticism and gnosis who often did not perceive a distinction between faith and belief, Rumi, similar to most of the mystic Muslim intellectuals, places “faith” and “disbelief” in opposition and explicates their origin, causes of creation, and their impacts. In fact, he separates his path from the mystical poets preceding him. In Rumi's intellectual framework, which is similar to the views of philosophers such as Kierkegaard, faith is a fluid and ever-evolving matter, while belief is something fixed and static. Consequently, faith is an unlimited affair stemming from an individual’s experiential inclination towards God and is attained through the spiritual journey of the self. On the other hand, belief is established in community and society, evolving through various means such as individuals, books, documents, and exoteric developments. Faith belongs to the impossible, while belief belongs to the possible affairs. Believers are dogmatic and antagonistic, fearing that others challenge their convictions. However, faith holders are tolerant. Those in faith are always in an endless relationship with God and continue this relationship in love, while others have a transactional relationship with God, viewing their religion as a means to achieve worldly and otherworldly desires.

Scientific-research

The Archetype of Ascent and the Structural Relationship between Miraj Nameh and Conference of the Birds in Early Modern Literature and Islamic Mysticism

Fatemeh Niknafs Malekshah; Reza Forsati Joibari; Hossein Parsaei

Volume 15, Issue 34 , October 2023, Pages 169-197

https://doi.org/10.22051/jml.2023.43585.2461

Abstract

The journey of souls, which is referred to as the ascent, initiation, and ascension within the mythology of nations and monotheistic religions, represents an archetype aimed at salvation ... Read More

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Volume & Issue: Volume 15, Issue 34, October 2023, Pages 9-197 (Autumn2023)

Examination of the Semiosphere of Mysticism and Islamic Sufism in Kashf-ol-Mahjub

Abstract

Studying Mystic Waaqeah and Its Symbolism as a Religious Experience

Abstract

Investigating the Characteristics of “This World’s Man” in Al-Mawaqef and Al-Mukhatabat by Abu Abdollah Neffari

Abstract

Morphology of Didactic and Mystic Masnavis Based on Literary Traditions (From the Beginning to the End of the 7th Century AH)

Abstract

Distance between Faith and Belief in Rumi's Theory

Abstract

The Archetype of Ascent and the Structural Relationship between Miraj Nameh and Conference of the Birds in Early Modern Literature and Islamic Mysticism

Abstract