Nour Ali Shah Isfahani in Sufi and noe-Sufi Sources

Sufism is an Islamic current which started among the majority of Sunnies and underwent so many ups and downs. Sufies in Iran, who have been isolated in late Saffavid reign, "renewing the past covenant" made effort to revive themselves.  Of the pioneers of this movement, Nour Ali Shah Isfahani (d. 1212 H) can be named who, as Sheikh Al-Mashayekh (the Greatest Sheikh) in Ne'matullahieh dynasty, trained a number of students. Since the historical reports and judgements regarding him are various but contradictory, rereading his religious character, works, pupils and thoughts in Sufi and none-Sufi sources are undeniably necessary. Because on the one hand his opponents are of the jurists of the time and on the other hand opposing all or part of his religious and spiritual power is no easy task. Thus, in this article, it is tried to describe and analyze Nour Ali Shah Isfahani's life, works, pupils, followers and beliefs applying library-based approach aimg to achieve more exact understanding of him through rereading the history. To do so, avoiding any kind of argument and dispute, his belifes and history is investigated in Sufi and none-Sufi sources and taking historical reports and the content of his works as well as his students into account it is shown that these judgements have mostly been based on pre-judgements and have led to extremes.