Unraveling the Esoteric Tapestry: A Hermeneutical Analysis of Sufi Symbolism in Shaikh Nasiru Kabara's The Prayer of Gnostics by Abdulkadir Abubakar Adam and Fakhrudden Habib Isa

Authors

  • Abdulkadir Abubakar Adam Author
  • Dr. Fakhrudden Habib Isa Author

Keywords:

Tajalli, Fana, Baqaa, Dhikr, Fayd, Ma'rifa, Qurb, Sufi symbolism, Nasiru's Kabara

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate layers of Sufi symbolism embedded in Shaikh Nasiru Kabara's poem The Prayer of Gnostics, employing content analysis to illuminate the esoteric dimensions of Islamic mysticism. Anchored in a robust theoretical framework encompassing concepts such as Tajalli, Fana, Baqaa, Dhikr, Fayd, Ma'rifa, Qurb, and Wahdaniyya, the research critically examines the mystical language and symbolism used to articulate profound spiritual experiences. By synthesizing insights from existing scholarship on Sufi literature and Islamic mysticism, the study identifies key symbolic motifs and deciphers their significance within the broader metaphysical and spiritual discourse. The findings underscore the pivotal role of mystical language in conveying transcendental experiences, while also highlighting its implications for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of Sufism. Ultimately, this research enriches scholarly engagement with Sufi literature and lays a foundation for future inquiries into the intersections of symbolism, spirituality, and linguistic expression in Islamic mystical traditions. 

References

1. Al-Ghazali. (1997). Ihya ulum al-din (The revival of the religious sciences) (D. B. Macdonald, Trans.). Sh. Muhammad Ashraf.

2. Al-Junayd. (1992). The life, personality and writings of Al-Junayd (A. H. Abdel-Kader, Trans.). Luzac.

3. Al-Muhasibi. (2010). The book of the observance of the rights of God (M. E. Calverley, Trans.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

4. Chittick, W. C. (2001). The self-disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al- ‘Arabi’s cosmology. State University of New York Press.

5. Ernst, C. W. (1997). The Shambhala guide to Sufism. Shambhala.

6. Gadamer, H. G. (1975). Truth and method (G. Barden & J. Cumming, Trans.). Seabury Press.

7. Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row.

8. Ibn Arabi. (1980). Fusus al-hikam (Bezels of wisdom) (R. W. J. Austin, Trans.). Paulist Press.

9. Murata, S., & Chittick, W. C. (1994). The vision of Islam. Paragon House.

10. Nasr, S. H. (2007). The garden of truth: The vision and promise of Sufism, Islam ’ s mystical tradition. HarperOne.

11. Palmer, R. E. (1969). Hermeneutics: Interpretation theory in Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Heidegger, and Gadamer. Northwestern University Press.

12. Ricoeur, P. (1976). Interpretation theory: Discourse and the surplus of meaning. Texas Christian University Press.

13. Schimmel, A. (2003). Mystical dimensions of Islam. University of North Carolina Press.

14. Schleiermacher, F. (1998). Hermeneutics and criticism and other writings (A. Bowie, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.

15. Winter, T. (2005). Al-Ghazali on the ninety-nine beautiful names of God. Islamic Texts Society.

16. Rahman, F. (1982). Islam and modernity: Transformation of an intellectual tradition. University of Chicago Press.

Downloads

Published

2025-08-30