Beyond Separations: Mystics Merging Across Time and Space

Abstract

Mystics distill scriptural messages in their respective traditions into a convergence into the Divine. Mystical experiences across the board tend to be transformative due to the awe that ensues from a holistic vision of the ultimate oneness beyond all separations. For Muslim mystics this is the realization of Tawheed, which is the crux of Islam. This bespeaks of an inherent interreligiosity within the mystical vision. This chapter will explore two Muslim mystics and their interreligiosity to argue for the mystical approaches as the most conducive toward peace and tolerance in our increasingly diverse societies. These mystics from different eras and regions are the medieval Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi and the modern Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. “Every community faces a direction of its own, of which He is the focal point. Vie, therefore, with one another in doing good works. Wherever you may be, God will gather you all unto Himself …” (Quran, 2:148).