Ayn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī’s Innovations in the Coinage of Mystical Terminology

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 M.A. in Persian language and literature, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran,

Abstract

The emergence of Islamic mysticism and Sufism in the early centuries of the Hijri calendar was accompanied by the formation of a set of mystical terms that Sufis and mystics used to express their specific teachings. These terms were gradually codified over time, and many mystics provided interpretations of them. Ayn al-Qudat Hamadani (d. 525 AH) is among the prominent thinkers and mystics who, in addition to employing the common mystical terminology, contributed innovative concepts to this field. A close examination of his works reveals that, in order to articulate his profound and novel mystical ideas, he coined and introduced new terms such as “pir-parasti” (devotion to the spiritual master), “ʿādat-parasti” (habit worship) including sub-concepts like “ḥijāb-e ʿādat” (veil of habit) and “sharīʿat-e ʿādat” (sharia of habit), “spiritual incarnation” and “virtual incarnation,” “ṣād,” “alchemy,” and “sharīʿat-e ʿishq” (sharia of love). This article identifies, analyzes, and explains the most significant innovative mystical terms introduced by Ayn al-Qudat Hamadani and clarifies their place within his intellectual system. The findings of the study show that his novel terminology stems from his effort to present mystical concepts beyond the framework of the conventional terms of his time and plays a key role in expressing his unique mystical ideas.

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Main Subjects

Persian Language and Literature

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 March 2026
  • Publish Date: 03 June 2026

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