The nature of revelation from Mawlana 's view point

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

This research is intended to describe the origin of revelation. The question which is to be answered is whether the revelation descended to the Prophet by God or it was originated in the Prophet's innate self. Regarding the doctrine of pantheism in Masnavi, is it possible to assert that the revelation has merely originated in his own nature. To answer this question, it would be better to review the viewpoint of Mawlana on Universe and its relation with God and also his anthropology. There are many verses in Masnavi which refer to the marvelous internal capabilities of human being. By actualization of these capabilities, the ground for inspirations is provided. Mawlana believes that the revelation is a hidden consciousness that the prophets could grasp it by their intuitions. Hence, the descent of revelation is from the heaven and not from the innate self of the prophet. Although hearing the voice of God lies in the Purification of human essence, but initial nature of men is merely the means of receiving the voice of God. In fana (unifing with God) the whole essence of the Prophet is connected with God, to make the Prophet's faculty speak out. For Mawlana revelation is the word of God and whoever denies it is an infidel.

Keywords