Self-annihilation and Voluntary Death from Viewpoints of Ayn-Al- Qodhat Al Hamadani and John of the Cross

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.A. of Religion and Mysticism

2 Associate professor of Religion Studies, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch Tehran.

Abstract

'Ayn al-Quzat Hamadani(1098-1131) and John of theCross(1542-1591) are  two great representatives of Islamic Sufism  and Christian Mysticism. There are many similar concepts in their works, such as the divine love, spiritual or mystical death, and union with God, necessity of celibacy, guidance by Pir and the imitation of Christ. Comparison of self-annihilation and spiritual death among them is very important. John's approach to annihilation has much in common with 'Ayn al-Quzat's approach to fana and baqa. They both emphasize in the necessity of following of authoritative figures and holy men, that John explains it as "the imitation of Christ" and 'Ayn al-Quzat explains it as "khedmat pir". From this perspective, relationship between Christ and monk can be compared with relationship between pir and sufi disciple. In connection with this subject issues such as fana and self-annihilation, spiritual or mystical death, union with God and necessity of celibacy are studied.
 

Keywords

Religions and Mysticism
Volume 46, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Spring & Summer
May 2013
Pages 51-62

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