A Critical Analysis of ‘Shath’ Definitions

• Main Authors: Samaneh Jafari, Seyed Ali Asghar Mirbagherifard
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Alzahra University 2016-03-01
• Series: ادبیات عرفانی
• Subjects: islamic mysticism; mystical language; shath; shath definition
• Online Access: https://jml.alzahra.ac.ir/article_2621_a2ad32ba384e0149b2cde453b052ed03.pdf

‘Shath’ is a phenomenon which has obtained different and sometimes contradictory definitions through time. This vast range of definitions could be due to the development trend of the ‘Shath’ done by mystics as well as the difference among their approach and attitudes. However, though the appealing definition of the preceding and subsequent experts to the ‘Shath’, most of them do not include it comprehensively applicable, and in most of the cases they consider either the acceptance, rejection or justification of ‘Shath’, not the essence of its definition. Therefore, the present study raises the new approaches to the definition as well as criticizing the traditional ones. Then, reviewing present definitions of ‘Shath’, different types of definitions and the frequency of the presented components of them have been analyzed, and the importance and necessity of the existence of each component has been criticized. The analysis of ‘Shath’ definitions showed that the most important presented cases in them are the domination of intoxication and ecstasy; strange and anti religious appearance; and the claim and arrogance of the one who does ‘Shath’; as well as its overflowing through the language of mystics for which    there are lots of critiques. The presented definitions could not include it comprehensively applicable accordingly. Thus, it would be better to define ‘Shath’ as follows: it is expressing and stating mysteries which are beyond the limited human capacity of words and acts. Therefore, it is formed in shape of words or acts either contradictory or similar.