Based on a twofold definition of “practical mysticism” as a field of study dealing with 1- the stages of the path of mystical perfection, and 2- the practices ought to be performed during these stages, this PhD thesis tries to compare the practical mysticism of the two prominent medieval mystics of Islamic and Christian traditions, i.e. Rumi (1207-1273) and Meister Eckhart (1260-1327/8). It argues why the rubric of “mysticism of intellectual detachment” can provide a helpful description for understanding the special character of Eckhart’s practical mysticism, while, concerning the central role of love in Rumi’s teachings, the label of “mysticism of love detachment” performs the same function for the practical mysticism of Rumi. Differentiating between mystical ethics and practical mysticism, this study also investigates the mystical ethics of the two mystics, which characterizes the fruit of mystical perfection in their teaching.

Email: zarabizadeh@yahoo.com