Nasafi’s Innovations in the Interpretation of Noor Verse

Abstract

Due to its allegorical structure, Noor (light) verse is one of the most mysterious verses of the Quran. Because of this, many mystics have tried to decode its complex structure and deep notions. In this regard, the works of Sheikh Aziz-al-Din Mohammad Nasafi –the great mystic of seventh century- are among the most outstanding texts which can help us in interpreting this verse and offering a philosophical and mystical decoding of it. As a mystic, he not only inherits the past flourishing thought, but also investigates the concepts of this verse with an innovative and profound attitude. In this way, he ties the past intellectual tradition with extensive changes of seventh century. As a result, a novel attitude towards the allegories and intricate structure of Noor verse is formed. To do this, Nasafi used the method of Mashaee philosophers for reasoning as well as the precious heritage of illuminationist philosophers for interpreting. He also used mystical revelations for the interpretation of this verse. Analyzing his interpretations of this verse, this article also tries to elucidate similarities and differences between his innovations and earlier famous mystics and thinkers.

Keywords

• Noor
• interpretation
• Meshkat
• Zojajeh
• Oneness of Being
• Knowledge of the Self
• Perfect Man
• monotheism