A comparative study of the ideas of Ayn al-Quzat and Ahl-e Haqq (Yarsanism)

Ayn al-Quzat Hamedani is one of the famous Iranian mystics of the late fifth and early sixth centuries AH. He in early youth studied theological books to find out the truth and the basis of his beliefs, but he involved a kind of intellectual revolution, and then he became interested in mysticism. It is understood from his works that he was acquainted with books of religions other than Islam. Due to his inquisitive mind and his place of residence, which was generally in west of Iran, it is possible that he was acquainted with the beliefs of the Ahl-e Haqq and was influenced by their thoughts. In this article, in order to prove or disprove this possibility, the ideas of Ayn al-Quzat and Ahl-e Haqq (in important topics such as: resurrection, Satan's disobedience, primary fault, unity, penetration, predestination and free will and creation of the world) are comparatively studied.Keywords: Ayn al-Quzat, Ahl-e Haqq, intellectual revolution, Theological beliefs, Sufism