Spiritual and Erotic Love from the Viewpoint of Mysticism and Religion

Muslim gnostics maintain that the reality of love is indefinable, it is obtainable not something which is known. Literally, it means excessive love and has its roots in the various dimensions of human existence. Its highest level is genuine love, which is represented in the love of God and His Names and Attributes. Love of anything other than God in its different kinds is a metaphorical love. Spiritual and erotic loves are the main kind of love. Spiritual love is a love which is characteristic of man and has its roots in the mutual understanding between the lover and the beloved and the urgent need of man’s esthetic nature. If this kind of love has no suspicion of animality and is pure, it can be a bridge which leads the truth. There are indications in Islamic narrations which confirm this pure and chaste love. Erotic and brutish love is not a true love; rather, it is a surge of passion which has its roots in the carnal dimensions of man. It is perishable and a serious menace to the values of man’s existence, and hinders him/her from seeking perfection. Naturally, incase such love though it is out of one’s choice or one cannot help being with entangled in it is approved religion and observes reservation and chastity it will lead to man’s salvation.