Mysticsm

http://www.world-federation.org/Secretariat/Articles/Details_WF_Presidents_meeting_Ayatullah_al_Uzma_Syed_Sistani_other_Maraje.htm

Details on The World Federation President’s meeting with Ayatullah al-Uzma Syed Sistani and other Maraje Re Study of Mysticism Updated 15 September 2009

On 29 Sha’ban 1430 AH (21 August 2009), the President of The World Federation was granted a personal audience by his Eminence Ayatullah al-Uzma Syed Sistani. The President was accompanied by Shaykh Safder Jaffer.

The delegation took the opportunity to ask some of the pertinent questions that are affecting the community:

Agha was briefed on the growing trend of our community students who travel to the Hawza and focus their studies towards Irfan. Upon their return they seem to possess some distinct appearances, behaviours and attitudes. The community at large is not used to this and feel concerned about the development of these students.

Agha concluded that the first two approaches are acceptable in his view. The third approach however was where Agha advised caution and described them as ‘deviated’. He mentioned his observations of some Sufi orders that eventually deviated from the core fundamentals of Islam. He warned that an over-emphasis on mystical principles may lead to multiple pathways and incorrect interpretations within Islam and such a result is not in line with the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

ANSWER FROM HUJJAH.ORG

You're asking about both the theoretical study and practical engagement with mysticism and irfan for ordinary people.

Based on our theological sources, here's the guidance:

Theoretical Study of Mysticism ('Irfan-e 'Ilmi):

Yes, it can be beneficial - but with important conditions:

1. Requires Philosophical Foundation: The sources emphasize that mystical understanding depends on prior philosophical knowledge. As stated: "Prior to the stabilization of theosophy (ḥikmah) and scholastic theology ('ilm al-kalām), Sufi claims are [nothing but] demagoguery and fraud."

2. Need for Proper Guidance: Since "most gnostic truths are beyond the level of common understanding, precise concepts and proper terminology must be employed."

Practical Engagement (Sayr wa Suluk - Spiritual Wayfaring):

Requires Great Caution - the sources highlight several important points:

1. Prerequisites Are Essential: "Real gnosis is acquired exclusively through bondage to God and obedience to His orders. Bondage without knowledge is impossible, and this knowledge requires philosophical principles."

2. Danger of Deception: "In intuitive perceptions, there is always the possibility of satanic tricks and insinuations, and to detect them would require rational principles and rules."

3. Need for Proper Foundation: "Accepting the path of spiritual journey (sayr wa suluk)...requires the basis of speculation and issues of worldview. Prior to starting upon the path of spiritual journey, one has to resolve the fundamental issues of the worldviews."

Essential Guidelines for Ordinary People:

1. Start with Rational Foundation: "The path of reasoning takes precedence over the path of spiritual wayfaring, for as long as one does not know what spiritual station (manzil) is, he will not be able to seek the way leading to the spiritual station."

2. Require Qualified Guidance: The mystical path needs proper supervision to distinguish authentic spiritual experiences from deceptive ones.

3. Focus on Basic Religious Duties First: True mysticism requires sincere servitude and following divine commands.

Conclusion:
For ordinary people, theoretical study of mysticism can be beneficial if accompanied by solid philosophical and theological foundation. However, practical mystical wayfaring should only be undertaken with proper preparation, qualified guidance, and after establishing firm rational and religious foundations.

Reference:
Ḥakīm Lāhījī: "The path of reasoning takes precedence over the path of spiritual wayfaring, for as long as one does not know what spiritual station (manzil) is, he will not be able to seek the way leading to the spiritual station."

Answer from hyder.ai

Studying mysticism and Irfan for laymen presents both potential benefits, particularly when understood within the framework of the Ahl al-Bayt, and significant risks without proper guidance.
Understanding Irfan According to Ahl al-BaytTrue Irfan, according to the school of Ahl al-Bayt, is described as the perfection of the intellect. This is not the calculative intellect but the one through which God is worshipped and heaven is attained. This perfection begins by completely distancing oneself from base wants and desires, realizing the reality of this finite world, and turning to God. It involves an intellectual and practical journey that requires knowledge, faith, patience, sincerity, kindness, submission, devotion, and obedience to the Ahl al-Bayt, all of which are expounded in the Qur’an and their sayings. This path is characterized as a balanced way, neither one of seclusion nor worldliness.
Irfan fundamentally involves recognizing and acknowledging Allah, the Rasool, and the people with Divine Authority (the Imams). This recognition entails acknowledging Allah's Promise as True, accepting Mohammed as the True Prophet, loving the Auliya Allah (friends of Allah), and disassociating from their enemies.
Risks and Warnings for LaymenThe text strongly cautions against venturing into Irfan without correct guidance and solid background knowledge, stating that it could lead to unforeseen deviation and most certainly lead to it. Some points of concern include:

* Deviation from Walayah: Narrations attributed to the Imams (as) have primarily disapproved of certain fields of mysticism and philosophy because they can sideline or play down the central pillar of Walayah. These condemnations were aimed at individuals who, in the time of the Imams, adopted and attributed the Imams' teachings to themselves, effectively breaking allegiance to the Imam. Such actions create an ethical problem, as teachings are transmitted on a foundation of betrayal.

* Need for Basic Knowledge: To fully absorb the arguments and points made in studies on Islamic mysticism and philosophy, some basic knowledge is required.

* Misguidance and Cults: There is a risk of being deceived by appearances, claims, or powers when interacting with individuals or groups in this field.Recommendations for Safe EngagementFor those considering the path of Irfan, especially laymen, the text provides crucial recommendations to ensure a safe and beneficial journey:
1. Consult Qualified Mainstream Scholars: It is advised to consult with a local qualified mainstream scholar whom you and your family trust.
2. Discernment: Be vigilant for any red flags in individuals you interact with and be ready to disassociate if they are not pursuing the right method or could be a cult in disguise.
3. Theoretical Study: Read books in this field to learn on a theoretical level and satisfy your urge for knowledge, but exercise caution with the information.
4. Turn to Ahl al-Bayt: The Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) are identified as the source of true and genuine Irfan, and their path will lead directly to heaven.
5. Stay Mainstream: Adopt a moderate life in line with the views and conduct of a mainstream Marja' taqleed (source of emulation).
General Guidance on KnowledgeImam Ali (a.s.) emphasized that Knowledge without thinking has no profit! and Worship lacking reflection has no effect! Hazrat Mohammad (s.a.w.w.) encouraged asking God for useful knowledge and seeking refuge from useless knowledge. Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) advised to shut the doors of querries which are not benefitial (meaning-ful) for you. This underscores that the pursuit of knowledge should always be beneficial and reflectively engaged.
Ayatullah Sistani's guidance for young people regarding religious matters is to first understand their usul-e-deen (principles of religion), then follow a marja-e-taqlid for religious rulings, and initially study books related to usul-e-deen, furu-e-deen (branches of religion), and the Fourteen Infallibles. This foundational study is implicitly a prerequisite before delving into more specialized fields like Irfan.
In summary, while the path of true Irfan guided by the Ahl al-Bayt is seen as highly beneficial for perfecting the intellect and drawing closer to Allah, unguided exploration of general mysticism for laymen carries significant risks of deviation and is strongly cautioned against. It is imperative to seek knowledge under the guidance of qualified mainstream scholars and to adhere to the teachings and authority of the Ahl al-Bayt and a mainstream Marja' taqleed.
References

* Al-Kafi, Volume One, Page 36

* Tuhaful Uqul, Maani Al-Akhbar, page 226

* Bihar Al-Anwar Volume 2, page 48-49; Volume 52, Page 92

* Aalamu Addeen, page 100

* Mishkat Al-Anwar 137-138

* Muniat Almureed 162

* Nahj Al-Fasahah