An Analysis of the Nature of the Soul in Mersad al-'Ibad and Misbah al-Hidaya

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer in the Department of Persian Language and Literature of the Language and Culture Complex of Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya University

2 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, Arak University

3 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, Qom University

Abstract

Islamic culture places significant emphasis on reflection upon the non-material aspects of human existence. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) have both identified self-knowledge as the key to knowing God. Consequently, the concept of the soul has been explored from various perspectives across different disciplines, with particular prominence in the fields of mysticism and Sufism. Najm al-Din Kubra and 'Izz al-Din Kashani are among the scholars who, in their writings, have examined and elucidated the soul from a mystical standpoint.
This study, employing analytical, descriptive, and comparative methods, aims to explore the definitions of the soul according to these two thinkers. The research concludes that while Kubra and Kashani generally agree on the nature and stages of the soul, they differ in some specific details, particularly concerning the relationship between the soul and morality, as well as its connection with the heart and spirit. For instance, Razi holds that the heart and soul emerge when the spirit becomes attached to the body, whereas Kashani views the heart as the product of the union and marriage between the spirit and the soul. Additionally, Razi mentions four types of souls—ammara (the commanding soul), lawwama (the reproachful soul), mulhama (the inspired soul), and mutma'inna (the tranquil soul)—while Kashani's classification does not include the inspired soul (mulhama).

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Scientific Biannual Journal of Language and Culture of Nations
Volume 6, Issue 12
January 2024
Pages 227-257

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