Reason and Love in Mysticism and Philosophy – Volume 1

Seyyed Hashem Miri Rostami, in the book Reason and Love in Mysticism and Philosophy (from the perspective of Ibn Arabi, Mir Haider Amoli, and Mulla Sadra) – Volume One, examines the views and opinions of Islamic philosophers on the differences and similarities between love and reason, which are among the most important topics of interest for mystics. Love and reason are two major and fundamental aspects of human existence, and human nature depends on these two matters. The grandeur and glory of humans come from reason and love, and their happiness, misery, paradise, and hell are determined in light of these two subjects. Exceptional attention to the two concepts of “reason” and “love” has occupied human thought possibly more than any other topic. Reason and love are among the most important topics of concern for mystics, often accompanied by scientific debate and conflict. The history of disputes between philosophers and mystics mainly centers on this issue, as mystics value love and heart more than reason, while philosophers prioritize reason and advance on the basis of reason and rational argument rather than the heart. One of the most sorrowful damages humanity has paid throughout history is the distortion of the meanings of words and playing with language. The two words “reason” and “love,” which are highly attractive and rich in meaning, have suffered a sad fate similar to other words such as freedom, politics, mysticism, and justice. Moreover, some words like love, when repeated excessively, can become tiresome and misleading. One of the injustices modern culture has inflicted upon humanity is that by presenting superficial topics, empirical reason has closed the way to the realms of great humans, as if the thoughts of great sages have become outdated and their era is past, and the culture of thinking connected to the heavens is considered backward. Studying the works of great religious scholars, especially of Islam, guides us to the authentic culture of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet). To reach the culture of the Quran and Ahl al-Bayt, reasoning is necessary, and great scholars, philosophers, and divine mystics such as Ibn Arabi, Seyyed Haider Amoli, and Mulla Sadra open the path of thought, and through reflection and contemplation on the Quran and traditions, we can benefit from them.