Journal Of Islamic Denominations

Journal Of Islamic Denominations

An Analysis and Examination of the Place of Reason in Sayr al-ʿIbād ilā al-Maʿād

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
sedighe Sanaie 1
Fatemeh Emami 2
Shahin Ojaghalizadeh 2
1 PhD student, Persian Language and Literature, Rudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rudehen, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Rudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rudehen, Iran.
10.22034/jid.2022.202402.1916
Abstract
Reason is a defining characteristic of humanity, distinguishing people from other creatures and earning them the title of the noblest of beings. Some philosophers and mystics argue that reason conflicts with actions that lack concrete material benefits, while others view it, alongside Sharia, as a criterion for truth and revelation. Sanāʾī, a prominent mystic of the sixth century AH, explores the role of reason in his renowned work Sayr al-ʿibād ilā al-maʿād, depicting its place within the stages of spiritual journey. Employing a descriptive-analytic method, this research examines Sanāʾī’s portrayal of reason. The book occasionally presents reason as unknowable, with the rational soul, depicted as the master and leader of spiritual wayfaring, requesting to introduce itself. It reveals itself as a child of Universal Reason, the first creature of God, urging Sanāʾī to transcend animal nature and ascend from the bestial world to the angelic realm. Ultimately, in this work, love is depicted as Sanāʾī’s constant companion, though subordinate to reason. It can be inferred that reason, after a journey of transformation, evolves into love.
Keywords
reason
Sayr al-ʿibād ilā al-maʿād
Sanāʾī Ghaznawī
spiritual wayfaring
knowledge
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Journal Of Islamic Denominations
Volume 11, Issue 21 - Serial Number 21
September 2024
Pages 93-118