Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Role of Light in Intensifying the Spirituality of Islamic Architecture and Fostering Divine Proximity and Perfection from the Perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi, with Emphasis on the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zohreh Mardanshahi 1
Hadi Vasei 2
Mohammad Fooladi Vanda 2
1 PhD student of Islamic philosophy and theology, Qom branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
10.22034/ias.2023.397206.2202
Abstract
Human beings possess various existential dimensions, within each of which different potentials, faculties, and inclinations are inherent. The actualization of each of these propels humans forward and leads them to perfection. However, the main question is: where is the endpoint of this perfection? The category of light is one of the central axes in Suhrawardi's thought concerning human perfection and divine proximity. The present research, using a descriptive-analytical method and a library-based approach, has discussed and examined the importance of light in the spirituality of Islamic architecture and divine proximity from the perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi. The result of the discussion indicates that: in Illuminationist philosophy (Hikmat al-Ishraq), there is no path for perfection within the essence (dhat) of the soul (nafs). Although acquiring intellectual forms (suwar al-'aqliyya) leads to human perfection, these forms do not create an essential transformation; rather, they are attributes (a'rad) added to the human. Therefore, human efforts yield no gain for the evolution of his essence. The product of human striving is obtaining qualities he previously lacked; because essentially, perfection within the essence is impossible. Furthermore, in the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, the application of light has created a remarkable combination of spirituality and the power to foster divine proximity.
Research Objectives:


Examining the role of light in fostering divine proximity and perfection from the perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi.


Examining the role of light in intensifying the spirituality of Islamic architecture from the perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi, with emphasis on the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan.


Research Questions:


How is the role of light in fostering divine proximity and perfection from the perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi?


How is the role of light in intensifying the spirituality of Islamic architecture from the perspective of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi, with emphasis on the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan?
Keywords
Human Perfection
Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi
Soul (Nafs)
Intellect and the Intelligible (Aqil wa Ma'qul)

Subjects

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