Abstract

As a matter of fact, saint and sainthood are among the most pivotal
issues in the Islamic mysticism that have been widely discussed by many
mystics. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest Muslim mystics was Shams
al-din Muhammad Tabrizi who lived in the 7th century AH. Substantially
affecting Rūmi’s attitudes, Shams founded a new school of mysticism.
In his only literary work known as “Articles”, he has stated unchallenged
and interesting opinions about various aspects of mysticism. The book
is a disorganized collection of quotations from Shams. Due to lack of
organization, it is so hard and time-taking to find a specific subject
among so many sporadically included in the book.
In this study, Sham Tabrizi’s approach and opinions about sainthood
are explained, classified, and compared to the corresponding ideas of
other mystics prior and contemporary to him. Also, the rate and
influence of his ideas as reflected in Rūmi’s Mathnawi is investigated.
Shams has put forth ideas of interest and novelty about sainthood
unprecedented even in Rūmi’s works. This along with other issues such
as saints’ characteristics, their covertness, and the way of recognizing
them is dealt with in details in this paper.