FEBRUARY 25 Social Aspect of Islamic Mysticism

FEBRUARY 25 Social Aspect of Islamic Mysticism Mysticism is generally called tasawwuf in India and irfan (realization) in Iran. To me irfan is the most appropriate word, for mysticism, in actual fact, is another name for the realization of inner reality. The word mysticism has been variously defined in academic works. By way of a simple definition, it means to penetrate one’s inner soul and to enable it, by developing it, to establish contact with God, the Greater Soul. This process purifies the human personality, and the soul comes to realize itself. The latent natural potential of the soul is ultimately awakened; in the words of the Quran, it becomes the serene (89:27) or pure soul (87:14). It is but natural that the personality developed by the mystic (or the Aarif) in this way does not remain enclosed within a boundary. His inner state also having its external manifestation, his personality finds expression in his social relations. One who has realized himself will, at the same time, place a higher spiritual value on other human beings too. One whose heart is filled with God’s love, will necessarily be filled with the love of human beings — the creatures of God. One who respects the Higher Reality will surely respect other human beings. It is this aspect of mysticism, which I have called its social aspect. A Persian mystic poet has expressed the mystic code of behaviour in these most beautiful words: “The stories of kings like Alexander and Dara hold no interest for us. Ask us only about love and faithfulness.” Another mystic poet has this to say: “The comforts of both the worlds are hidden in these two things: Being kind to friends and according better treatment to foes.” When a sufi or mystic is engrossed in the love of God, he rises above the mundane world and discovers the higher realities. He becomes such a human being as has no ill-feelings for anyone. In fact, he cannot afford hatred, as hatred would nullify his very spirituality. He cannot divest himself of feelings of love as this would amount to divesting himself of all delicate feelings.