Types, Levels and Uses of Light in Mathnavi

Abstract

Light is one of the most important topics in Islamic mysticism and it is also one of the most popular theoretical-theological issues among theologians and philosophers. Among Muslim mystics, Jalal-o-Din Mohammd Molavi has paid attention to this issue a lot and used it for expressing various epistemological and monotheist goals. Under the influence of Islamic culture and its main sources (the Quran and hadith), he investigated types and levels of light (permanent vs. transient light). While explaining these issues, the authors of this article study the secular and eschatological functions and uses of light in Mathnavi and try to compare the optical thought of Molavi with other mystics, and explain some of their similarities and differences. Authors show that, by using this central mystical element and through personal experiences, Molana describes and explains elusive and difficult epistemological problems to his addressees in a simple and intelligible manner and persuades them to acquire light and knowledge of the Self for passing the difficult course of the Path.

Keywords

• Molavi
• Mathnavi
• types and levels of light
• functions of light
• motivations of Molavi