Author

• ali Bādāmi

Abstract

Mysticism is a broad spiritual trend, which is prevalent among religions. There is a close resemblance and understanding among religions when considering mysticism. Similarly, there is much close resemblance and understanding between two mystical systems of Christianity and Islam. The present article attempted to compare practical mysticism in two systems of desert fathers’ practical mysticism and Sufism. At the outset of the study, the development of desert fathers’ speeches in first four centuries is studied. The genesis of Islamic mysticism and the significance of practical mysticism in both schools of thought are also pointed out. The article has been divided based on Abu Nasr Sarrāj “Al-luma' fi al-Tasawwof” into seven stages of repentance, asceticism, renunciation, poverty, patience, self-surrender to him and contentment. Concerning the stages, some verses of the Holy Quran and the Bible, which have been invoked by Muslim and Christian mystics, have been quoted first. Then some quotations from the prophets of Islam and Christianity and from Sufi Scholars of the two systems have been cited and analyzed. There are lots of similarities and closeness between the two intellectual systems however Islamic renunciation is more reasonable than Christian monk’s Seclusion.

Keywords

• Desert Fathers
• Christian Mysticism
• Muslim Mystics
• Path- Stations
• Abu Nasr Sarrāj