Investigating the Relationship between Ghena (Richness) and ‎Esteghna (Independence) in Mystical Prose Texts until the Seventh ‎Century AH

The authors of this study have examined different aspects of Ghena (Richness) and Esteghna (Independence) and their role in the evolution of the mystic wayfarer. In this study, Esteghna implies the independence of the seeker from the people, and Ghena means the worldly richness of the seeker. With a descriptive-analytical approach based on mystical prose texts up to the seventh century AH, the authors seek to answer these fundamental questions: What is the relationship between mystical independence and worldly richness? What are the Mashayekh’s (Elders) views regarding the obligation of worldly richness in the stage of independence from the people? What are the reasons for their agreement or disagreement with this issue? How much have mystical schools influenced the views of mystics in this regard? By answering these questions, the authors tried to argue that the independence from the people and the concept of independence from ‘all but God’ can be realized in the two moods of Faqr (poverty) and worldly Ghena (richness) of the mystic wayfarer. Thus, the elders’ views on the rejection or confirmation of worldly richness at the stage of independence from the people have been examined and their conditions and reasons are explained to provide a correct understanding of the meanings of Esteghna and Ghena and their connection in mystical texts and schools. As a result, it is helpful to have a more accurate understanding of this important mystical category.