Iqrar
Definition
Iqrar - The term iqrār (اقرار) refers to a profound moment in Sufism where a mystic transcends daily reality to experience deep mystical sensations and emotional release, often in the divine presence. Mystics use the concept of iqrar to describe the self’s dissolution and the affirmation of their established divine station by God.
Etymology
The word iqrār is derived from the Arabic root “ق ر ر” (q-r-r), which means to affirm, confirm, or acknowledge. The Turkish equivalent for the term is also iqrar.
Detailed Explanation
Iqrar refers specifically to stages in the mystic’s journey where one feels the transformative presence of the divine so intensely that it creates a profound and unmistakable affirmation of one’s spiritual progress and placement with God. During iqrar, the mystic often feels engulfed in an enveloping sensation of divine love and unity, leading to an ecstatic experience that transcends ordinary perception and the physical self.
This concept highlights the personalized spiritual realization of knowing and access within God’s domain, validated through experiential knowledge (ma'rifah). It is both an acknowledgment from God of the mystic’s spiritual endowment and an internal realization experienced firsthand.
Within the Sufi framework, such experiences are typically described in detailed metaphoric language, emphasizing the intense psychological and spiritual impact they hold for the seeker (Salik سَالِك).
Further Readings
For more comprehensive insights on the topic of iqrar and related Sufi mystical experiences, consider the following sources:
- Schimmel, Annemarie. Mystical Dimensions of Islam. University of North Carolina Press, 2011.
- Chittick, William C. The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination. State University of New York Press, 1989.
- Nicholson, Reynold A. The Mystics of Islam. Arkana, 1989.
Takeaways
- Iqrar articulates a divine acknowledgment and the seeker’s existential realization within Sufism.
- It signifies a shift into mystical sensation, transcending daily perceptions.
- The term originates from the Arabic root “ق ر ر” and denotes confirmation or affirmation.
- Described in Sufi literature as a deeply transformative spiritual experience.
Conclusion
The concept of iqrar is central to understanding the profound, ineffable experiences that characterize the Sufi mystical journey. It captures the essence of divine confirmation and personal spiritual transcendence, as celebrated within the rich tapestry of Islamic mysticism.
By framing iqrar within these structural elements and through detailed explanations and further readings, this dictionary entry becomes an accessible, comprehensive reference for understanding its significance in Islamic mysticism.
