all of the major branches of islamic mysticism, ‘irfān, refer to imam ‘ali (‘a) as a major source for their teachings and practices. hence, we begin with a review of how the mystics viewed imam ‘ali (‘a). after this we consider some controversies about the nature of ‘irfān and its relationship to sufism, for the terms have been used in different ways. then we turn to the sources on the basis of...

All of the major branches of Islamic mysticism, ‘irfān, refer to Imam ‘Ali (‘a) as a major source for their teachings and practices. Hence, we begin with a review of how the mystics viewed Imam ‘Ali (‘a). After this we consider some controversies about the nature of ‘irfān and its relationship to Sufism, for the terms have been used in different ways. Then we turn to the sources on the basis of...

Among the most paramount issues related to human self-understanding that are found in various cultures and ages are questions of the perfection of man and ultimate human happiness. In Islamic texts, ultimate human perfection is described as nearness to Allah. This article offers a brief review of the teachings of the Qur’ān on this topic and a sketch of the history of discussions of nearness to...

abstract: mystic literature (irfān) in general and sufi literature in particular has always been alluring to the scholars interestingly working in different fields from literary, religious, philosophical, historical to other fields which may have little in common. among sufi theologians, farid ud-din attar neishabouri is the one whom no one has ever been able to surpass in creating works which ...

Abstract: Mystic literature (Irfān) in general and Sufi literature in particular has always been alluring to the scholars interestingly working in different fields from literary, religious, philosophical, historical to other fields which may have little in common. Among Sufi theologians, Farid ud-Din Attar Neishabouri is the one whom no one has ever been able to surpass in creating works which ...