Reexamination of Mysticism in the Principles of Persian Miniatures Representing Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H.) Ascension

Abstract

One can observe many Islamic and mystic representations in Persian miniatures the most salient of which are scenes depicting the Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H.) ascension (Miraj). The present study addresses certain key elements of Islamic mystic concepts represented in ascension-related miniatures. The aim has been examining the visual aspects concerning Islamic and mystic concepts and representations applied in the ascension-related Persian miniatures. The main questions include: what is the relationship between the mystic literature and the art of miniature and what are the characteristics of the mystic symbols used in the ascension-related miniatures. In this study, 20 ascension miniatures were studied in terms of composition, color symbolism, figures and bodies as well as key visual elements such as halos, Buraq*, winged human-angel and trees, plants, mountains, clouds and decorations. The methodology was descriptive-analytic. Also, data were mainly gathered based on library sources and visual documents.

Keywords

• islamic mysticism
• miniature
• the prophet muhammad’s (pbuh) ascensio
• buraq
• halo