Master's Thesis in Sufism and Islamic mysticism
Abstract
Nefi Khawatar means removing and emptying the mind and heart of any imports, thoughts and forms, which is done in order to prepare the seeker for the presence of truth and the rays of divine manifestations on his heart. With this explanation, the negation of thoughts is one of the fundamental teachings in mystical conduct, and the seeker is required to pay attention to it from the beginning of his journey to the end - which is the annihilation of God - and pay attention to the negation of thoughts, according to the various stages of the conduct, according to those levels and stages. This research aims to examine the quality and necessity of the negation of thoughts in Islamic mysticism and, in addition to presenting the methods of realizing it, while briefly stating the relationship of the negation of thoughts with other elements of meditation, to explain the fruits and results that the negation of thoughts will bring on the way to reach the goal. Since it is necessary to deal with the negation of thoughts, to know the nature of thoughts, their types and the method of their diagnosis, before entering into the discussion, this issue will be studied. It is worth noting that due to the generality of the use of the negation of thoughts in all mystical practices, a very brief reference has been made to the role of this teaching in other religions.
Key words: mysticism, mystical behavior, seeker, thoughts, negation of thoughts
Generalities of the research
1-1-1-Statement of the problem
The way of mysticism and discovering the truth of the truth, the way Removing and embellishing existence is, in a sense, "getting rid of extras". In this passage, "negation of consciousness" is considered as the manifestation of the atom of inner cleansing and the supreme purification of the head, in the process of which the seeker, by taking control of his mind and heart, prevents others from entering that area. The negation element of conscience has a place worthy of consideration among the mystical tendencies of other religions, especially Eastern religions, which are concerned with liberation and wisdom, due to its considerable role in opening the door to truth and intuition. Unfortunately, despite the noteworthy importance of negation of thoughts in Islamic mysticism, according to the studies conducted, no independent research has been observed about it and it is mainly discussed under Seluki orders in mystical books. The negation of thoughts and its control, in addition to being of serious concern in mysticism, will also be very effective in the field of ethics in the lives of the general public and will lead them to a life of peace, purity and spirituality. Nowadays, most of the people have felt this void in their noisy life and since they are not aware of their rich knowledge, they turn to the movements and professions claiming mysticism to satisfy their spiritual needs. Considering this issue, the need to deal with issues such as denial of thoughts with a practical view and providing practical solutions can prevent people from falling into the trap of emerging deviant trends. Of course, according to its title, this research does not explain this issue, but it is hoped that the results obtained in this study will lay the groundwork for applied research.
1-1-2-Basic research questions
With God's help, this research will answer these questions while studying and examining mystical texts:
What are thoughts?
In what ways is the negation of thoughts?
What are the results of the negation of thoughts?
What is the relationship between the negation of thoughts and other Seleucid elements in Islamic mysticism?
1-1-3- Research history
As mentioned, based on the searches, there has been no independent research on the negation of thoughts, and what exists is related to the works of the elders of the Tariqat in the past centuries; Of course, the great contemporary mystics have also paid attention to the negation of thoughts in conduct, but they have not dealt with it as a separate topic. 1-1-4- The main hypothesis of the research, considering the prominent role of negation of thoughts in conduct and also because of its close connection with other elements of conduct and knowledge, after the complete realization of the negation of thoughts in the seeker, the field of reaching annihilation in God will be realized. 1-1-5- The innovation aspect of the research
Finding practical methods of negation of thoughts by relying on mystical traditions and texts
Effect in filling the gap of practical researches in the field of practical mysticism
Using the opinions and ideas of contemporary mystics
1-1-6-Research method
The present research is based on the descriptive-analytical method. The method of collecting information is in the library method, which is done by using data collection and using information software.
1-1- Concepts
In order to understand the basic words and concepts discussed, in this section, their meaning will be explained.
1-1-Concepts
In order to have a common understanding of the basic words and concepts discussed, in this section we will explain their meaning.
1-2-1-Mystic
1-2-1-1-Lexual meaning
The word "Mystic" is the infinitive of the article Arafa meaning "to know". The subject noun of this infinitive is "arif" and its other infinitive is "knowledge". The article "customary" is used for a kind of science that is accompanied by precision and scrutiny; Therefore, it can be concluded that the term "mysticism" refers to the attainment of deep and esoteric knowledge that is not easily clear to the general public.
Another meaning that they have listed for the word "Araf" is "a kind of knowledge after ignorance or forgetfulness". [1]
1-2-1-2- The use of derivatives of the word "custom" in the Qur'an, Nahjalbalagha and Adiya in the meaning of "knowledge". "And when they hear the verses revealed to the Prophet, you will see their eyes welling up with tears, because of the knowledge they have of the truth." (Surah Al-Baqarah-Ayah 89)
"Flanarfanham fi Lahan al-Qul": "You know them by the tone of speech." (Surah Muhammad (pbuh) - verse 30)
1-2-1-2-2- in Nahjal Balagha
"Praise be to God who revealed to me the works of Sultana and the great glory of us, Heir Muqli Al-Ayun, I am the wonder of power, and the deterrence of the dangers of fellow souls from ignorance." He made it, so that he amazed the eyes of the beholders with the wonders of his power and stopped the sneaky glances of the people from understanding the depth of his description." [2] (Khatbah 195)
1-2-1-2-3- In supplications
"God and Al-Haqqani Banur Azzak Al-Abhej, Fakun Lak Arif, and An Suwak perversely": "O God, send me to Bring the bright light of your honor so that I can know you and tell you otherwise." (Manajat Shabaniyah)
"You are the God who knows no god but you, you have made yourself known to everything, so there is nothing that does not know you, and you who made yourself known to me in everything, so you are manifest in everything." I saw." [3] (Imam Hussein's prayer on the day of Arafah)
1-2-1-3- Terminological meaning
The word mysticism is generally used in the West [4] equivalent to mysticism and refers to the "direct experience of the interaction and relationship between man and God".
The word mysticism was not used much in the Islamic sphere until the 10th century (the Safavid era) and after the Safavid era it became more common. became. Until then, "Sufism" was used instead of mysticism [5], which, although according to the existing definitions, it mostly included the aspect of tariqa and ritualism, but in notable cases, it also referred to the epistemological and cognitive aspect of the word mysticism. Junaid (3rd century AH) says: "Sufism is remembrance, therefore it is ecstatic, so it is neither this nor that, so that it becomes as if it were not." The sayings of the elders of Islamic mysticism were used a lot, which we will skip to avoid delaying the words.[8] In his book "The Concept of Mysticism", Dr. Mohdian Attar discussed in detail the different angles of mysticism and finally gave two comprehensive definitions of this term with different approaches: "mysticism is the intuitive knowledge of the inner and unitary reality of existence" [9] which actually emphasizes the "essence" of mysticism. It has an unconscious and through an epistemological process, it turns into a distinct, detailed, clear, certain and realized intuitive knowledge." [10] This definition includes all the essential components and characteristics of mysticism. According to this definition, mysticism is considered to be a kind of knowledge that is naturally and unconsciously, even if in the form of abstractions and ambiguity, rooted in the institution of all human beings. Those who seek the truth are on a path to realize this simple and vague knowledge in a detailed, clear and objective manner.