Muslims Womens Studies(MWS)

Muslims Womens Studies(MWS)

Extracting Feminine-Oriented Mystical States (Maqamat) and Conditions (Ahwal) from Quranic Verses Based on Social Psychology

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Ahlul Bayt International University (peace be upon them).
10.22034/mws.2025.734609
Abstract
The perspective of mystics on women can be explored within two distinct frameworks. The first advocates detachment from women, viewing them as symbols of worldly attachment. In this view, women are considered ill-natured beings, created from the crooked rib of man, inherently subservient to men, complicit with Satan, and responsible for the deception of Adam. They are deemed detestable, as engagement with them distracts from unity with and exclusive devotion to God. This conception is heavily influenced by the Biblical portrayal of women and an Eastern dualistic perspective that attributes an evil nature to their creation. The second theory posits that women manifest the Divine Names of Beauty (Jamāl) while simultaneously embodying latent Majesty (Jalāl). Alongside men, who manifest the Names of Majesty, women facilitate the manifestation of Divine Names in the world. In this perspective, the feminine, beautiful aspect of existence which women represent is considered a receptive and passive force, whereas men are regarded as the active force. Numerous Quranic verses serve as evidence supporting this mystical, feminine-centric viewpoint. Employing a descriptive-analytical method using Thematic Analysis, this research addresses the question of whether the mystical interpretation of the Qur'an is exclusively androcentric or if it also encompasses a form of feminine-oriented social psychology. The findings indicate that mystical commentators, in their exegesis of verses concerning women (Āyāt al-Nisāʾ), have acknowledged qualities that are fundamentally feminine and beauty-centric, leading to the extraction of five main themes.
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