The diversity of sources of mysticism in religions and its impact on mystical perception and behavior: a comparative critical analytical study

Abstract

This research titled "The Diversity of Sources of Mysticism in Religions and Its Impact on Mystical Perception and Behavior" addresses the key features of mysticism in major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as a shared spiritual phenomenon that transcends doctrinal particularities. Mysticism in Hinduism originates from the Upanishadic texts and the practice of yoga, while In Buddhism, it is based on meditation and the pursuit of Nirvana. In Judaism, mysticism is manifested in Kabbalah and concepts of union with the divine world, while in Christianity it appears in monasticism and union with Christ. In Islam, mysticism is founded on spiritual purification and the concept of annihilation in God. The study has shown that the multiplicity of these sources and their influences contributed to the formation.

The study concluded that Sufism was not the product of a single religious environment but was influenced by the diversity of its religious and intellectual sources from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and various philosophies. This diversity reflected on the Sufi perception of existence, humanity, and the relationship with the divine, creating a variety of concepts (such as Sufi asceticism, annihilation, and divine love), It also created a variation in Sufi practices and behaviors. The results showed that this overlap and influence allowed for a significant degree of similarity and sometimes alignment in Sufi concepts, leading to many deviations in perceptions and practices from the doctrinal foundations of Islam.