assistant professor in Imam Khomeini Institute of Research and Education
Abstract
In view of some arguments a number of eminent scholars regard Islamic mysticism in its cognitive doctrines, ways in spiritual journey, method of understanding religious texts and even its origin as incompatible with Islam. Mystics, however, consider both the very intuition as mystical method and mystical doctrines such as Oneness of the Ultimate Reality, perfect man and resurrection as consistent and supported by Islamic Sharia. In practical dimension, they strengthen the status of spiritual journey on one hand, and introduce observation of the Sharia rules as a criterion for authenticity of spiritual wayfaring. In addition, on understanding scriptural texts they believe that esoteric meanings of holy Quran cannot be grasped without considering the literal meanings because such layers of meaning constitute one single revealed truth of the Book. As to the origin of mysticism they remark that mere similarities of doctrines, practices of Islamic mysticism with other school can regarded as reliable evidence for its lack of authenticity with
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