Journal Of Islamic Denominations

Journal Of Islamic Denominations

A Mystical Comparison: The Effects of Annihilation (Fanā) from the Viewpoint of Sayyid Baḥr al-ʿUlūm and Liberation (Mokṣa) from the Perspective of Shankara

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 PhD student in Sufism and Islamic Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
10.22034/jid.2025.464708.2507
Abstract
The aspiration for "liberation from the sufferings of the natural world" has always been a common desire among humans across different eras and cultures. This perennial human aspiration could not remain hidden from philosophical and gnostic schools of thought; therefore, each gnostic school has addressed it under a specific title and method. In Islamic mysticism (Irfan), this lofty goal is generally referred to as "Fanā" (annihilation in God), while in Indian philosophical schools, it is known by the concept of liberation or salvation, or in Sanskrit (Sanskṛt)—the ancient religious language of Hinduism — as "Mokṣa". Between Islamic mysticism and some Indian philosophical schools, there are commonalities in their ultimate goal, which is absolute liberation from suffering and a monistic view of existence, as well as a liberation that is epistemological rather than ontological. There are also points of divergence, including the perspective on multiple entities, differences in the theistic background, and the differing status of ascetic practices. Among Islamic mystics, Sayyid Baḥr al-ʿUlūm, as a Shiite mystic, holds specific views on the issue of "Fanā" that bear significant resemblance to the opinions of Shankara, the Hindu sage. This article, using an analytical-comparative method, explores the concepts of Fanā and liberation (Mokṣa) based on the viewpoints of these two intuitive thinkers from two seemingly distant religions. Ultimately, after explaining both views separately and listing the points of commonality and difference in the concept, effects, and requirements of Fanā and liberation from the perspective of these two sages, a new window is opened in the field of comparative mystical studies among religions.
Keywords
Subjects

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