Morality in the book Misb h al-Hidaya

Misbāh al-Hidaya which is one of the mystical text of the seventh century and written by 'Izo al-Din Mahmud Kāshani, includes a section regarding moral behaviors. It is stated in this section that the mysticism and morality are equal and consequently all the virtues of this world and hereafter lie in morality. According to a recent ethical analysis, the morality stems from five agents: purification of nature, good habit, wisdom, faith and monotheism. The author of the book extracts moral behaviors, confirmed by mysticism, from prophetic sayings and scholar's opinions and concludes that the ultimate goal of religion is to preach moral behaviors. He lists the most important moral qualities which are also recommended by God as: truth, altruism, being content, humiliation, patience, forgiveness, beneficence, cheerfulness, delight, and affection. He points out that these ethical principles can solve the individual and social problems in today's world.The present essay would point to the ethical discussions presented in some early mystical works and then provides the readers with a report on the morality section of the book Misbāh al-Hidaya.