A Model for Analyzing the Process of Mystical Language Formation Derived from the Qur’anic Language System

Abstract

The process of mystical language formation spans a wide range and comprises various dimensions. The aim of this paper is to present a model for analyzing the process of mystical language formation derived from the holy Qur’an. This model consists of stages based on which the process of mystical language formation can be analyzed out of the Qur’anic language system in mystical-didactic texts. It focuses on the relative meanings of Qur’anic words in mystical-didactic texts via drawing semantic fields, and is developed from re-constructing Izutsu`s theory in the book God and Man in the Qur’an. The analysis of semantic changes of the words requires attention to the relationships among the text, society, and author. In view of that, the proposed model aids to understand the reason for semantic changes of Qur’anic words in mystical texts through considering the quadrilateralrelationships among the text, society, status of Islamic mysticism, and author. The research shows that in this reciprocal attitude, which is based on the influence of the Qur’an on Islamic mysticism and the influence of Islamic mysticism on the meanings of Qur’anic words, the process of mystical language formation can be directly analyzed from the Qur’an using this novel model.

Keywords

• qur’anic language system
• mystical language
• mystical-didactic texts
• sharh al- ta'aruf (commentary on al- ta'aruf)