Function of Mirror in the Works of Mawlavi and Ayn al-Quzat Hamadani: A Comparative Study

In the works of Muslim mystics, mirror has a wide presence. According to historical documents, mirror has been used symbolically by Imam Alī ibn Mūsā al-Rezā, for first time to explain mystical monotheism. In prose and verse works of Muslim mystics, it is used for explanation of manifestation and presence of God and pantheism. As a mystical symbol, mirror is highly noticed in the works of Mawlavi (Rumi) and Ayn al-Quzat Hamadani. The application of mirror in these works can be analyzed in three stages: mystical ontology, mystical cosmology and mystical anthropology. Ayn al-Quzat uses the metaphor of mirror to express the inability of human reason in understanding God, the role of perfect man and being mirror-like in reflecting the reality, but Rumi uses the metaphor widely and has a different expression. He emphasizes on the role of perfect man and being mirror-like, refers to the mystical issues such as Divine names and attributes, pantheism and manifestation of God, and speaks about light and color which are related to symbol of mirror.