We have heard that in this blessed seminary (of Najaf), mysticism courses are being introduced which follow the books of Ibn Arabi. And this is a danger for the seminary, especially for our young students. Anyone who has read the books of Ibn Arabi approves that he is a heretic (zindeeq), and he has no faith in Allah Almighty.
True spirituality is in the divine rulings, that is the comprehension of jurisprudence of the Household of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his progeny. This is the real theosophy. And the real commitment to true spirituality means insight into the divine rules and living by the jurisprudence of the Household of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his progeny.
True piety is acting on this jurisprudence, as stated in the Holy Qur’an:
«إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ»
“Surely the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you.” (49: 13)
In hadith, piety has been interpreted as adherence to divine obligations and avoidance of sins. This is the essence of piety.
Popular mysticism claims discovery of the hidden secrets and unveiling through mystical revelations. This knowledge of the unseen is nothing more than an illusion and has no substance in it, and it is not supported by empirical evidence. It is also an explicit contradiction of the Holy Qur’an. God Almighty says:
«عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلا يُظْهِرُ عَلَى غَيْبِهِ أَحَدًا إِلا مَنِ ارْتَضَى مِنْ رَسُولٍ»
“He knows the unseen, disclosing none of it to anyone, except messengers of His choice.” (72: 26-27)
Therefore, teaching of these courses is a danger for the seminary and especially for the youth, and it is obligatory for us to be vigilant about these developments.
Grand Ayatullah Is’haq al-Fayadh
December 2011
