Re-examination of Chelleh-neshini in Islamic-Iranian Mysticism

Chelleh-neshini (worshipping for a forty days period), as one of the special rituals for connection with the Unique Truth (God), has emerged with common and different aspects in the cultures and schools of thought in Iran and parts of Europe and East Asia. The aim of this research is to re-examine chelleh-neshini in Eastern mysticism and especially Islamic mysticism; in this regard, the attention has been paid to its social and historical resources and its individual and organizational structures. Chelleh-neshini should be considered as a religious and mystical ritual that pursues these goals: conquesting the supernatural, retreating in a secluded space, purifying the soul from impurities, acquiring high attributes, purifying the soul in order to harmonize with the spirit of creation and attaining the true perfection and the pure truth. Accordingly, the concept of chelleh-neshini is presented at two levels: general and specific. As a general concept, it refers to seclusion of the mystics based on their mystical, religious and belief foundations. By this way, we can distinguish chelleh-neshini from other methods of suluk (mystical journey). As a specific concept, it refers to sitting at a specific time in Sufi monastery (khanqah) in order to achieve the Truth. This research, by using historical and descriptive method, is based on library resources and written sources.