Criterion for evaluation of Unveiling and Veridical Dream-vision in Mysticism

Mystical vision, unveiling and veridical dream-vision are among keywords in mysticism and they are examined and analyzed in all schools of Islamic mysticism and Sufism. The terms are semantically close to each other. Veridical visions can be regarded as an instance and stage of formal unveiling, i.e. awareness of the reality hidden by the veils. Revelation is the highest level of unveiling. The crucial question, however, is how to distinguish the divine unveilings from satanic incoming thoughts. Which unveiling and incoming thoughts are true and which one is false and misleading? With reference to the ideas and doctrines of Muslim philosophers and mystics from various schools such as Ibn Arabi, Dawoud Qasari, Sayed Heidar Amoli, Najmuddin Razi, Ibn Sina, Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra, the present article attempts to define and categorize all sorts of unveilings and visions and gives an analysis of the views of the mystics on the problem in question and the ways in which true unveilings are to be distinguished from false and Satanic suggestions. How veridical dream visions can be recognized from confused dreams is also examined. The conclusion is that the most important criteria emphasized by mystics are first holy Quran and Tradition and then the view and control of the spiritual adept who successfully experienced stages of spiritual journey and is deeply familiar with the mystical stations and states. To this end it is of high importance for the wayfarer to avoid sins and acts of disobedience and perform his ritual obligations and follow the fourteen Muhammadan Infallibles so that he well attains the true unveilings and visions. The wayfarer should always compare his visions with those of the prophets and saints (particularly those of the perfect Muhammadan vision which is infallible) and thus make sure of their truth.