Sufi Experience and Symbolic Language
Magdy Mohamed Ibrahim
مجلة وادي النيل للدراسات والبحوث الإنسانية والاجتماعية والتربويه October 1, 2023 DOI: 10.21608/jwadi.2023.320903 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Sufi experience is conveyed through a symbolic language that transcends literal and sensory meanings, and that emotion and heightened perception open language to abstract interpretation. The author contends this symbolic mode aligns with Quranic interpretation based on "inspiration" and "deduction," and that neglecting to imbue words with meaning strips language of metaphor and significance. |
Abstract
This paper explores the intricate relationship between the Sufi experience and its symbolic language. The research delves into two fundamental assumptions. The first assumption challenges the confinement of language interpretation within the bounds of the literal, urging exploration of deeper, abstract meanings. It posits that language must transcend visible boundaries to touch the unseen and extend into the realm of abstract concepts. The second assumption refutes the notion of constraining words to sensory realities, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of infusing words with meaningful content. Neglecting the task of imbuing words with semantic charges results in rendering language devoid of significance and stripping it of its pivotal element, namely metaphor.The Sufi surpasses the limits of the observable world, connecting with the unseen through moments of revelation. This connection communicates through symbols and signs, bridging the gap between surface expressions and deeper meanings. The Sufi adept utilizes a symbolic language of love, unity, and tolerance, speaking through hints rather than direct statements.The Sufi uncovers this symbolic language after experiencing heightened consciousness and perception beyond ordinary awareness. This research adopts an aesthetic analysis method to explore the Sufi experiences. In conclusion, this research uncovers how the power of emotion shapes the Sufi experience, opening language to abstract interpretations. It underscores the reception of meanings through "indications" and the extraction of meanings from open-ended words, transcending apparent meanings. This aligns with interpretive approaches to the Quran that hinge on "inspiration" and "deduction," both connected to symbolic language and imagination. The article contributes to understanding the intricate world of Sufism and its profound language of symbolism, revealing its potential to convey truths that go beyond the constraints of ordinary language.