Criticism and Analysis of the Theological and Anthropological Foundations of Paulo Coelho's Thoughts

Hamed Husseiniyan * / Ahmad Hossein Sharifi**

Abstract

Nowadays, Paulo Coelho's works have been classified as the new and emergent mysticisms. His works are mostly in the form of novel. Although it is very important for the readers of his works to understand the principles of his thought, it is difficult to find its foundations. Knowing these principles is the best criticism for these false and imported mysticisms. The present paper criticizes and analyzes the principles of theology and anthropology in his works. In the discussion of theology, his views on God, His attributes and worship have been studied. In the discussion of anthropology, his views on the man's status in the creation, his duties in the world and knowing his essence have been studied.

Key words: Paulo Coelho's, the criticism of false mysticisms, theology, anthropology.

The Conceptology of the Issue that Mysticism is Non-expressive

Mas'ood Esmaeili *

Abstract

The present paper investigates those issues which are suspect to be confused with non-expressiveness of mysticism. Such issues as rhetorical inability, recommending the silence, precautionary concealment, and confidentiality, not explaining the inward aspects of intuitive affairs to the common people, non-expressiveness with the aim of expressing the difference between the final end with sensible are not hermeneutic meaninglessness and non-expressiveness. Therefore, it follows that the only rational and correct definition of expression in relation to the "non-expressiveness of mysticism" is to put it into words. If so, non-expressiveness means that mystical intuitions cannot be put into words. Finally, this paper mentions and analyzes some cases in which "non-expressiveness of mysticism" is conceptually confused with other issues. Paying attention to the correct definition of "non-expressiveness of mysticism" and its difference with other issues and subjects is the only way to settle and solve the problem.

Key words: mystical experience, expression, non-expressiveness.

Suhrawardi (Shaykh al-ishraq) and Early Mysticism

Hussein Mozaffari*

Abstract

The present paper studies the extent to which Suhrawardi (Shaykh al-ishraq) was aware of and influenced by early mysticism and mystics (from the formation of mysticism in second century ['AH'] to Ibn 'Arabi's time), and the extent to which mystical issues of that period included in Sohrewardi's works have come under careful scrutiny. First, it refers to some technical terms of early mysticism in Suhrawardi's works. Then, expounding mystics' personality from Suhrawardi's viewpoint, it seeks to see how much Suhrawardi (the Master of Illumination) was influenced by the mystics of that time in terms of scientific and practical Sira (conducts and states), and mystical and theosophical works. Finally, it touches on the extent to which mystical issues in Suhrawardi's works have been analyzed including theoretical and practical mysticism.

Key words: Master of Illumination, Suhrawardi, mysticism, early period.

The Relationship between Perfect Man and Imperfect Man (Insän al-Haywän) in Ibn 'Arabi's Psychological Thought

Mohammad Miri*

Abstract

Are all the questions on perfect man discussed by Ibn 'Arabi related only to perfect man and has nothing to do other type of men? This is the fundamental question with which the present paper is concerned. There are at least two common features between the perfect man and imperfect man (Insän al-Haywän), and all human beings share the judgments related to these two features.

1. All human beings share most judgments related to the arc of descent.

2. The judgments are considered to be actual in the case of perfect man and they can be proved to be potential in the case of imperfect man.

Therefore, in Ibn Arabi's mystical psychology, the judgments related to perfect man can apply to all people according to one these features, and they can be used to investigate his viewpoint on different psychological questions. On the contrary, the judgments that Ibn 'Arabi proves for the attainment of perfection by man are exclusive to him and can only potentially apply to other people.

Key words: perfect man, imperfect man (Insän Al-haywän), the knowledge of soul, Ibn 'Arabi

The Order of the Universe from Ibn 'Arabi's Viewpoint

Ali Reza Kermani*

Abstract

Mystical monotheism and unity of existence, according to which all multiplicities are manifestations of one Truth, are the central points in the discussions of Ibn 'Arabi's mysticism and those of the researchers of theoretical mysticism in Ibn 'Arabi's school. Given the doctrine of unity of existence as one of its prerequisites in theoretical mysticism, the idea of expounding multiplicities and way of organizing the system of manifestations is discussed and has led to developing an important discussion in the mystical works of the researcher. The present paper investigates Ibn 'Arabi's view about the order of these manifestations. He places Divine a real region and divine world first, then he mentions the Mohayymah (spirits ecstatic with the love of God), first intellect, Universal Soul, the world of nature, Habä' (dust cloud), spheres of the fixed, stars and the earth and heavens.

Key words: first intellect, Universal Soul, the world of spirits, the world of spheres, Ibn 'Arabi.

The Characteristics of Najaf's Mystical School

Mohammad Hussein Wakili*

Abstract

The necessity of close acquaintance with genuine Shi'ah mysticism has increased due to the spread of false mystical trends and orders. Najaf's mystical school is the most comprehensive Shia mystical school and having a clear idea of it helps us to assess other mystical schools. Investigating the four pivots of this school, i.e. the aim, strategies, consequences; the present paper expounds its characteristics and introduces such matters as self-annihilation, self-knowledge, necessity of guardianship, devotion to Islamic law, love, the necessity of having a master, knowledge and sagacity, participation in social activities, and not having special customs as the characteristics of this school.

Key words: Najaf's mystical school, self-annihilation, self-knowledge, love, remembrance, meditation, self-vigilance.

The "Mystical Journey" in Religious Doctrines

Ali Amini Nezhad*

Abstract

The spiritual wayfaring or practical mysticism is, in fact, a kind of inner movement, passing relative junctures and finally reaching, union with and annihilation in the Most High God in the exact sense of the word

One of the questions that arises is whether or not this meaning can be extracted from religious doctrines and the teachings of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and his Household (peace be upon them). On the one hand, this meaning displays a deeper level of religious conception, and on the other hand, it can be a beginning of a more extensive and technical studies in this field. No doubt, following this path not only confirms the nearness of the atmosphere dominating practical Islamic mysticism to the religious doctrines of the Household of the Prophet but also leads to the displaying of valuable works in mystical knowledge and practical mysticism.

Key words: practical mysticism, religion, meeting God, annihilation, degrees of mystical perfection, spiritual stations, spiritual Path.

* A.M. Student Shahed.Safir@Gmail.com

Received: 2011/8/25 - Accepted: 2011/11/6

** Associate Professor, IKI

* Faculty member of Philosophy department, the research center of Islamic Culture and thought.

Received: 2011/8/23 - Accepted: 2011/10/26 Nashrieh@Qabas.net

* Faculty Member, IKI H.Mozaffari48@Yahoo.com

Received: 2011/9/30 - Accepted: 2011/12/1

* Seminary Student in level 3 mohammadmiri@gmail.com.

Received: 2011/10/17 - Accepted: 2011/11/26

* Assistant Professor of IKI Kermani@Qabas.net

Received: 2011/8/23 - Accepted: 2011/10/25

* Seminary Student in level 4 Mohammadhasanvakili@gmail.com

Received: 2011/8/1 - Accepted: 2011/11/14

* Seminary Student in level 4 H.E@qabas.net

Received: 2011/9/6 - Accepted: 2011/11/22

Table of Contents

The "Mystical Journey" in Religious Doctrines / Ali Amini Nezhad

The Characteristics of Najaf's Mystical School / Mohammad Hussein Wakili

The Order of the Universe from Ibn 'Arabi's Viewpoint / Ali Reza Kermani

The Relationship between Perfect Man and Imperfect Man (Insän al-Haywän) in Ibn 'Arabi's Psychological Thought / Mohammad Miri

Suhrawardi (Shaykh al-ishraq) and Early Mysticism / Hussein Mozaffari

The Conceptology of the Issue that Mysticism is Non-expressive / Mas'ood Esmaeili

Criticism and Analysis of the Theological and Anthropological Foundations of Paulo Coelho's Thoughts / Hamed Husseiniyan / Ahmad Hossein Sharifi

In the Name of Allah

Hekmat-i Erfani Vol.1, No.1

A Quarterly Journal of Mysticism Fall 2011

Proprietor: Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute

Editior in Chief: Ali Reza Kermani

Editor: Seyyd Yadullah Yazdanpanah

Translation of Abstracts: Language Department of IKI.

Editorial Board:

ª Seyyd Reza Eshaghniya: Assistant Professor

ª Ali Amini Nezhad: Seminary Student in level 4

ª Hasan Ramezani: Seminary Student in level 4

ª GhorbanAli Zamani Ghomshei: Seminary Student in level 4

ª Ahmad Hossein Sharifi: Associate Professor, IKI.

ª Abd-Al-Rasoul Obodiyat: Professor, IKI.

ª Ali Reza Kermani: Assistant Professor, IKI.

ª Seyyd Yadullah Yazdanpanah: Seminary professor, Qum Seminary.

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