The Reasonable Explanation of Annihilation (fanā) in Mysticism
Kanz Philosophia : A Journal for Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism June 23, 2012 Abulfazel Kiashemshaki
Mystics undergo stages and spiritual stations on their journey to Allah that are difficult for non-mystics to understand. Reflective people often rely on intellectual and theoretical principles to explain mystical experiences and ecstasy, but the success of such explanations depends on the power of those principles. Fanā (annihilation) is one mystical stage that is especially hard for non-mystics to grasp, leading to various theories. The article argues that the only successful explanation of fanā is one based on transcendental theosophy and theoretical mysticism, rather than on scientific or philosophical achievements alone.