An Analysis of the Social Presence of Mystics

Usually, mysticism is conceded as a kind of seclusion and avoidance of people, but this paper, shows that this notion is completely incorrect. To reach this goal it studies the definitions and mystical teachings. At least, the social presence of the mystic, in some stages of Islamic mysticism is advised. To illustrate the social mysticism, this paper evaluates the components of the presence of mystic in society as well as his social actions. It also studies the theoretical mysticism and historical evidences in this regard, to clarify that, the social presence of the mystic and assuming responsibility for the people's guidance is one of the stages of mysticism providing the fact that the mystic is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the people. Therefore, ignoring the social conduct of mystic and just grabbing on two initial trips of Asfar Arbia, neglects a large part of the mysticism. Mystical stages, including "people", "generosity" and "expansion" in Manazil al-Sairin of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari represents that, the "binding knowledge and responsibility" of the mystic in community has been focused on the early works of Islamic mysticism.