ARABIC-7 Understanding the terminology of mysticism in the light of Risala-tul-Qasheeria

Abstract

All branches of knowledge, art and literature contain multiple distinctions in themselves which distinguish them from one another. The Sufi Literature too, has many such feathers in its cap which make bring prominence to it mong the rest. Isharaat e Sufia – the metaphors and symbols, are of pivotal significance in this context.  Imam Qusheri (D.465)  has used many Ishaaraat i.e. metaphors and symbols, in his “Risala Qusheria” and explained their meanings to in sufistic context to avoid misunderstanding and confusion in their meanings by the preceding scholars and Salikeens. The words like Time, Space, Metaphysics, Ecstasy, Haal, Alhaibat, Being, Self and Jama ul Jama have their specific meanings in typical Sufi context. This helps avoide distraction regarding false meanings and hence, explanation of Sufi terms. This also restricts the students and scholars of Sufism in drawing and there after relying the wrong interpretation of Ishaaraat. In this article, a conscious effort has been made to explore the symbols and metphors of Sufism (Ishaaraat e Taswuf) and their meanmgs used by Imam Qusheri