Borrowing of Islamic Mysticism from Shiism or Vice-Versa; “Reconsideration the Theory of Henry Corbin”

Regarding the connection between the Islamic Mysticism and the Shite point of view, the question always was raised: “which one is the original and which one is a sub?”. This question prepared the ground for the Orientalists and a group of critics who, regardless of the historical evidences and the principles of both perspectives, charged an accusation that its roots are still seen among the Islamic thinkers. They believe that Shiite mystical scholars have taken some special matters from Islamic Mysticism and changed it in favor of their own views. This impersonation has been applied throughout history to prove and consolidate the Shia’s views, therefore, certain mystical terms such as: Wilāyah (Guardianship / authority), Quṭb (Pole / Main Axis), Wisāṭat Dar Feyḍ (Mediation in Emanation / effusion) are among the terms used by Shiite thinkers. But in our opinion, and based on historical documents and definitive evidences, it would be proved that this claim is wrong and must completely be seen vice-versa, for such terms have existed since the beginning and during the early Islamic centuries in the words of the Shiite Infallibles (PBUTH), and then the mystics and the Sufis have used them in their discussions and teachings throughout the time. Based on the study of the connection between Mysticism and Shiism with special regard to Henry Corban’s viewpoints, in the library method and analytically, the present paper aims to address the issue, affirm its claim and reject the aforementioned misconception.