Negation of Thoughts (Nafy al-Khawāãir) in Islamic Mysticism: How and Why

One of the fundamental elements of mystical journey in Taßawwuf is nafy al-Khawāãir (negation of thoughts), which means cleansing of the mind from all thoughts and images. The mystic has to work on this concept from the first stage of his journey up to the last, which is anihilation in God. Only with full negation of thoughts, can the mystic receive divine lights and manifestations. This essay attempts to emphasize the role of nafy al-khawāãir by investigating its cause, function, and consequences, and by introducing thoughts (khawāãir), their types, and the method of their recognition.