Mysticism

Habāʾ (هباء‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the term 'Habāʾ,' its meanings both in the physical and metaphysical sense, and its significance in Sufi mysticism. Understand how the concept of Habāʾ reflects the relationship between creation and the Divine.
Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim (الوقت الدائم) in Sufism
Explore the term 'Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim' in Sufism, its profound implications, and spiritual significance. Learn about the concept of Everlasting Time and its link to the Eternal One.
al-Yaqīn
Concept of Certainty in Islamic Theology and Mysticism
Asfar
Journey or travel, especially in the context of Sufi spiritual development, which often involves a fourfold journey of mystical realization.
Darvesh, Darwīsh (درويش‎)
Explore the term 'Darvesh,' its etymology, and significance in Islamic mysticism and Sufism. Understand the role of a Darvesh in the spiritual and communal life of Muslims.
Dhawq
Mystical Intuition in Islamic Mysticism
Fana
Fana, a pivotal concept in Sufi Islam, refers to the state of mystical annihilation of the self, representing the stage just prior to experiencing union with God.
Ghaib
Explore the term 'Ghaib,' its spiritual and theological implications in Islam, particularly within Sufi mysticism. Understand the esoteric dimensions and how they shed light on the mystical nature of God.
Hamadani, Ayn al-Qudat al-
Islamic scholar and mystic known for his contributions to Sufi thought and literature.
Haqiqah
Haqiqah, meaning 'reality,' represents the inward vision of divine power attained through mystical union with God in Sufi thought.
Huwiyyah
Concept of identity in classical Islamic philosophy and mysticism, denoting a thing’s essential existence
Iqrar
The transformative experience of mystical union and self-transcendence in Sufism
Kashf
Uncovering or revealing what is hidden, often used in Sufi terminology to describe the mystical process of illumination and seeking hidden truths.
Murid
Disciple or aspirant in a Sufi order who follows the guidance of a Sufi master
Murshid
One who guides and directs novices and disciples in the Sufi path to mystical knowledge of God.
NĀSŪT in Sufism
Explore the term 'NĀSŪT' (ناسوت‎), its meanings, and its role in Sufi thought and practice. Learn about the concept of human nature in Islamic mysticism and its relationship to spiritual development.
Numerology in Islamic Traditions
Numerology is the practice of interpreting numbers in a mystical or magical sense, which has historical prevalence in traditional Islamic beliefs.
Nur
Light, one of the names of God in the Quran, signifying divine guidance
Qabd (Contraction)
A stage of mystical or spiritual development in Sufism characterized by feelings of constriction and sadness, often in response to the divine attributes of majesty and severity.
Qalandar
A Persian term for mendicant Sufi mystics unattached to any specific shaykh or order, known for their disheveled appearance and unconventional public demonstrations of devotion.
Rabiah al-Adawiyah
A seminal female mystic who introduced the doctrine of selfless love into Sufism.
Raniri, Nuruddin al-
Seventeenth-century Indian scholar and author influential in the Islamic intellectual tradition in Southeast Asia
Ruhaniyyat
Spiritual beings significant in Islamic philosophy and mysticism, often associated with angels governing heavenly spheres and mediating between the spiritual world and humanity.
Sa'di, Musharrif al-Din Muslih
Sa'di, Musharrif al-Din Muslih (d. ca. 1291), Persian mystic poet member of the Suhrawardi tariqah.
Shath
A Sufi term referring to ecstatic expression or utterance, often of an apparently blasphemous nature.
Tadhkirah
A collection of biographical accounts of noteworthy individuals, primarily mystics and scholars, often including narrative elements and personal anecdotes.
Wajd (وجد) in Sufi Mysticism
Explore the meaning of 'Wajd,' its connotations within Sufi mysticism, and its role as an essential stage in the spiritual journey towards divine illumination.
Zulaykha
Zulaykha: The figure in Islamic tradition identified as the wife of the Egyptian official who bought Joseph, known for her complex role involving seduction and later spiritual transformation.
Kitab al-Jafr
A mystical book attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, containing esoteric teachings for his descendants, significant in Shia belief and associated with Jafar al-Sadiq
ḤUJJATU ʾL-ḤAQQI ʿALA ʾL-K͟HALQ (حجة الحق على الخلق) in Sufism
Explore the term 'ḤUJJATU ʾL-ḤAQQI ʿALA ʾL-K͟HALQ,' its origins, and its importance in Sufi mysticism. Understand the concept of the 'perfect man' in Islamic thought.
Ṣūfīism
Explore the profound mystical tradition of Ṣūfīism within Islam, its doctrinal roots, philosophical implications, and cultural impact. Learn about key figures, practices, and literary contributions that have shaped Ṣūfī thought.
Ittiḥad (اتحاد‎)
Explore the concept of 'Ittiḥad' in Sufism, its etymological roots, and its significance in the spiritual practice and belief system of Sufi mystics. Learn how it impacts the understanding of unity and divine presence.
Sālik (سالك‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the term 'Sālik,' its meaning, etymology, and its importance in the realm of Islamic Sufism. Understand the journey and the stages a Sālik goes through on the path to divine closeness.
Al-Ufuqu 'l-A'la (الأفق الأعلى)
Explore the term 'Al-Ufuqu 'l-A'la,' its meanings, and its significance in Islamic thought. Understand the Quranic context and its interpretation in Sufi mysticism.
Lat̤īfah in Sufism
Explore the term 'Lat̤īfah,' its mystical implications in Sufism, and how it represents divine influences on the human soul that transcend verbal expression. Understand its spiritual relevance and impact on the heart of the believer.
AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL (الظل الاول‎) in Sufism
Discover the meaning and significance of the term 'AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL' in Sufism. Understand its relation to al-ʿAqlu ʾl-Auwal and its importance in Islamic mysticism.
Ḥāl in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the concept of 'Ḥāl' in Islamic Ṣūfī mysticism, its etymology, and its deep spiritual connotations. Understand the distinction between transient and stable spiritual states and their implications in the mystic journey towards divine truth.
Malang (مـلـنـگ‎)
Explore the term 'Malang,' its origins, characteristics, and role within Islamic mysticism. Learn about the followers of Jaman Juti and their distinct cultural and spiritual practices.
KĀMIL (كامل‎)
Explore the term 'KĀMIL' in the Islamic context, its deep significance in mysticism, and the concept of Al-Insānu ʾl-Kāmil or 'the perfect man.' Understand how it impacts Islamic thought and practice.
AL-AʿYĀNU ʾS̤-S̤ĀBITAH (الاعيان الثابتة‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of Al-Aʿyānu ʾs̤-S̤ābitah in Sufi mysticism, its etymology, theological implications, and significance. Understand how it relates to the names of God and the essence of things within Islamic thought.
Al-Khiḍr (الخضر)
Explore the figure of Al-Khiḍr, his role in Islamic tradition, theological debates about his nature, and his appearances in sacred texts and mystical literature. Understand his importance in Islamic spiritual history.
Sama
Spiritual concert and Sufi music ritual in Islamic tradition.
LISĀNU ʾL-ḤAQQ (لسان الحق‎) in Islamic Thought
Explore the term 'LISĀNU ʾL-ḤAQQ,' its etymology, and its implications in Islamic theology and intellectual history. Understand the connection between the 'language of truth,' the concept of Insānu ʾl-Kāmil (perfect man), and Al-Mutakallim (the Speaker, i.e., God).
The Upward Progress or Ascent of Man in Islamic Philosophy
An exploration of the stages of spiritual ascent in Islamic thought, focusing on belief, worship, knowledge, and divine acquaintance.
Aḥadīyah (احدية‎)
Explore the term 'Aḥadīyah' (احدية‎), its significance in Ṣūfī mysticism as a state of complete absorption in meditation on Divine Unity.
Bistami, Abu Yazid al-
A notable figure in 'intoxicated' Sufism from Bistam, known for his ecstatic utterances.
Druzes - Definition, Etymology, and Beliefs
Explore the Druzes, a heretical mystic sect of Islam that arose in the eleventh century in the Syrian mountains. Understand their unique beliefs, origins, and religious practices.
K͟HARĀBĀT
Explore the mystical term 'K͟HARĀBĀT,' commonly interpreted as a wine-shop or tavern yet rich in symbolic meanings within Islamic mysticism. Understand its use in literature and spiritual contexts, especially within Sufi traditions.
Qutb (قطب‎)
Explore the term 'Qutb,' its etymology, implications in Islamic mysticism, and its significance as the highest stage of sanctity among Muslim saints.
Ẕikr
Explore the concept of Ẕikr (ذكر‎) in Islam, its significance in spiritual practice, methods of recitation, and its role in the lives of Muslims. Understand the different forms of Ẕikr and the underlying philosophy.
ʿIlm al-Bāṭin (علم الباطن‎)
Explore the concept of 'ʿIlm al-Bāṭin,' its mystical implications in Islamic tradition, and its connection with Taṣawwuf (Sufism). Understand how this internal science affects the spiritual pursuits of Muslims.
Jaẕbah (جذبة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Spiritual Significance in Sufism
Explore the term 'Jaẕbah' and its profound implications in the context of Sufi mysticism. Understand how this concept expresses the yearning for the Divine and the approach of man to his Maker through divine grace.
LĀHŪT (لاهوت‎)
Explore the term 'LĀHŪT' and its multifaceted meanings in Islamic thought, particularly within Sufism. Understand its nuanced implications in mysticism, theology, and the concept of divinity.
The Doctrine of the Ṣūfīs: An Overview
Explore the core tenets of Ṣūfīsm, including beliefs about God's omnipresence, the essence of reality, and the journey towards spiritual union with the Divine.
ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD (حفظ العهد‎) in Sufism
Explore the term 'ḤIFZ̤U ʾL-ʿAHD (حفظ العهد‎),' its etymological roots, usage among Sufi mystics, and its significance in Islamic spiritual practices.
Sharāb (شراب‎)
Discover the meanings and implications of the term 'Sharāb' (شراب‎) in Islam. Understand its applications in various contexts, from everyday use to mystical interpretations in Islamic literature.
Talisman
Learn about the term 'Talisman,' its implications, and usage in Islamic context. Understand what talismans are, how they are used, and their cultural significance among Muslims.
Waṣl (وصل‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of 'Waṣl' in Sufism, its etymological roots, and its profound implications in the spiritual journey of a mystic. Understand how this term is positioned within the stages of Sufi mystical experience.
YĀ HŪ (يا هو‎)
Explore the term 'YĀ HŪ (يا هو‎),' its etymological roots, and its significance in Islamic spirituality and practices like ẕikr. Understand its usage and meaning within Islamic mysticism.
Ghurāb (غراب‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Sufi Significance
Explore the term 'Ghurāb' in Islamic context, particularly its mystical connotations in Sufism with reference to a state of separation from God.
Ṣūfī Poetry: The Essence of Islamic Mysticism
Explore the significance of Ṣūfī poetry in Islamic mysticism, its thematic focus on divine love, and the contributions of celebrated Ṣūfī poets such as Rūmī, Jāmī, Saʿdī, and Ḥāfiz̤.
Islamic Exorcism: Techniques, Procedures, and Mystical Elements
Explore the intricate Islamic practices of exorcism that involve establishing friendships or enmities through astrological and mystical correspondences in the Islamic tradition. Delve into the unique roles of elements, guardian angels, genii, and divine attributes.
Z̤ILLU ʾLLĀH in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the Ṣūfī term 'Z̤ILLU ʾLLĀH,' its etymological roots, and its spiritual significance. Understand the concept of Insānu ʾl-Kāmil or the 'perfect man' in Ṣūfī tradition.

Dictionary of Islam

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