"Perfect Man" in Islamic mysticism, and comparison with Hormazd-bagh in Manichaeism

Abstract

Manichaean religion founded by Mani is a Gnostic religion, which is considered as a mystical cult. The basic principle of religion is the descent of soul from the heaven and become imprisoned in the material world; the duty of mankind is to get rid of this wicked world by the mean of piety and forbearance, so that save his trapped soul from this prison along with the purity of his heart. Like Gnostics, Manicheans had a dualistic view, and considered the path of salvation through the achievement of Gnosis or wisdom; such wisdom is brought to human by the messengers of God and divine saviors. Some principles of Manichaean beliefs and Islamic mysticism are the same, including the idea of "Perfect Man". The "Perfect Man" in Islamic mystical beliefs is very close to “Hormazd-bagh” or the “First Man” in Manichaeism, so that some believe that the origin of the idea of "Perfect Man" is Manichaeism

Keywords

• perfect man
• hormazd-bagh
• islamic mysticism
• manichaeism