نوع مقاله : پژوهشی
چکیده تصویری
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله English
نویسنده English
Siyāḥah is one of the key traditions associated with Jesus (PBUH) and a fundamental pillar of Islamic Sufism. However, despite scholarly efforts, a precise definition of this doctrine remains elusive. This deficiency has led to confusion in some related books and works, not only causing the conflation of linguistic siyāḥah with other similar concepts but also resulting in misinterpretations of certain Quranic verses and hadiths by some authors. In light of this challenge, the present study first seeks to draw the reader’s attention to the necessity of redefining the doctrine of siyāḥah. Utilizing Quranic, hadith, and mystical sources through a library-based documentary method and a descriptive-analytical approach, the study aims to identify the objectives and other defining components of terminological siyāḥah, propose a documented definition, and finally, highlight its distinguishing features from linguistic siyāḥah. The findings indicate that: Terminological siyāḥah possesses key characteristics such as continuity, intentionality, spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), movement across the land, and its classification as a devotional practice. To distinguish this form of siyāḥah from its linguistic meaning, it is essential to consider not only context, setting, and textual indications but also the presence of certain accompanying words related to siyāḥah, such as expressions denoting higher objectives, intention (nīyyah), validity (ṣiḥḥah), invalidity (buṭlān), appreciation (istiḥsān), proximity (taqarrub), submission (taslīm), contentment (riḍā), spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), and the approval of spiritual masters (idhn al-awliyā’).
کلیدواژهها English
Introduction
Christianity owes its advancement and progress to the efforts and journeys of Jesus (PBUH); however, some have taken a different stance on siyāḥah (spiritual journeying) and have even rejected it outright. In contrast to these two opposing perspectives, others have approached this doctrine with a balanced view, considering it a legitimate practice but limited to specific historical periods in divine religions or only permissible in times when religion is subject to tribulations and calamities, serving as a means of escaping the harms of such turbulent societies. Given these varying perspectives, attaining a well-documented definition of the doctrine of siyāḥah appears essential, as it plays a fundamental role in determining a justified stance on its practice or abandonment.
Initially, by utilizing existing materials from relevant books, specialized articles, and other authentic Quranic, hadith, and mystical sources, siyāḥah was examined in detail as the subject of research. Subsequently, a research framework was developed, and data were collected through a library-based documentary method and analyzed accordingly. Finally, using the gathered data, the final structure of the article was formulated, incorporating conclusions derived through an analytical approach.
At the first stage, this study identified the defining components and objectives of conventional siyāḥah. Based on these findings, a documented definition of the doctrine was proposed. Additionally, the study highlighted distinguishing features of this type of siyāḥah in contrast to its linguistic meaning. The findings indicate that: Terminological siyāḥah possesses key characteristics such as continuity, intentionality, spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), movement across the land, and its classification as a devotional practice. To distinguish this form of siyāḥah from its linguistic meaning, it is crucial to consider the textual context, surrounding indications, and accompanying expressions such as words denoting higher objectives, intention (nīyyah), validity (ṣiḥḥah), invalidity (buṭlān), appreciation (istiḥsān), proximity (taqarrub), submission (taslīm), contentment (riḍā), spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), and the approval of spiritual masters (idhn al-awliyā’).
The key findings of this study can be summarized in six main points:
1.Siyāḥah has been among the definitive traditions in divine religions. However, as its essence has undergone transformations throughout history, scholars and religious thinkers have not adopted a unified perspective on it.
2.Detailed examinations indicate that a redefinition of the tradition of siyāḥah is both essential and necessary.
3.Through an analysis of Quranic and hadith sources as well as Sufi writings, five core identity-forming elements of terminological siyāḥah can be identified: Being a devotional practice, Journeying across the vastness of the earth with the condition of submission, Continuity in movement, Undergoing spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), Pursuing a higher purpose
4.Based on the above principles, the following definition is proposed for terminological siyāḥah: “A devotional practice accompanied by spiritual discipline, in which a prophet (nabī), saint (walī), or disciple (murīd, sālik, rāhraw) continuously sets out toward a worldly destination that is entirely beyond their will and preordained by God. The objective of this journey is to attain specific spiritual goals such as seclusion (‘uzlah), repentance (tawbah), deepening divine knowledge (ma‘rifat Allāh), relief from spiritual constriction (khurūj min al-inqibāḍ al-rūḥī), self-discipline (tarbiyyah), and guiding other souls (tadbīr wa dastgīrī az nufūs).”
5.This documented definition is expected to serve two important functions:
Ensuring the correct application of the term siyāḥah in various contexts.
Assisting scholars in adopting a well-founded stance on whether to practice or abandon the doctrine of siyāḥah.
6.The contextual indicators examined in this study, along with the proposed definition, facilitate a better understanding of Quranic verses and hadiths in which the term siyāḥah appears.
7.These contextual indicators may also be applied to academic and scholarly works to systematically identify instances where the term has been misused and to uncover the authors' true intent in employing the term siyāḥah.
Additionally, it is suggested that a separate study be conducted focusing on hadiths that negate siyāḥah or replace it with an alternative doctrine. With reference to the definition proposed in this study, these hadiths can be more clearly understood.
