Mary as Reflected in Persian Texts of Mysticism (From 4th to end of 9th century)

Quranic characters, including the Saint Mary, have always figured in texts of mysticism. The miracles attributed to her, the sending of heavenly food to her, and the fruition of the dried palm-date, indicate for mystics her exalted statues, her attainment of spiritual positions such as Welāyat (Sainthood), khilāfat al-kobra (great saintship), patience (Sabr), trust in God (Tawakkol), voluntary death, divine love, and sincerity (Sedq). Being God’s elect, miracle-like charismatic acts, the acceptance of her prayers by God, great vision, the ability to see the unseen, dominion and immediate intuition (Shohood) are among the traits attributed to Blessed Mary by Islām Gnostics. They adduce Mary’s attributes and charismatic acts as evidence for the fact that the favorites of God (Awleyā al-Allāh) can also perform miracles. This paper addresses the issue of her sainthood that is significantly and frequently reflected and represented in Persian mystical texts.