Anwar-e Ma`rifat

Comparative studies of mysticism facilitate dialogue and convergence among diverse spiritual traditions. This article undertakes a comparative study of the concept of "spiritual marriage" in the Christian tradition based on the works of Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591 CE) and the spiritual marriage in the thought of the Muslim poet-mystic Ibn al-Fāriḍ of Egypt (576-632 AH), and its role in the mystical journey. Using content analysis and library resources, the present research compares the foundations, stages, and results of "spiritual marriage" in the thought of these two mystics. Both consider the effect of "the flaming of love" and "enduring hardships" as leading to "liberation from attachments," "the strengthening of the soul's faculties," and attainment of the desired true union. In Ibn al-Fāriḍ's interpretation, marriage is founded upon a "monotheistic" perspective, based on transcending attachments to the lower levels of existence and becoming a polished mirror for the manifestation of Divine Beauty. In contrast, in Saint John of the Cross's discourse, a "Trinitarian unitive vision" and a journey through the three stages of the "Dark Night" without a rational and ontological explanation serve as the basis. "Spiritual marriage" in both mystical systems is a profound and intuitive bond between the soul of the seeker and the Divine Beloved, which arises at the peak of the spiritual journey in their views. This bond, sometimes understood as "union" or "unity," essentially refers to the station of amorous union and the indwelling of the Beloved in the seeker's soul, which, according to both, results in liberation from the darkness of ignorance and the pain of wretchedness, and attainment of true awareness and pure bliss.