Ma`rifat Falsafi

This study examines the position of intellect (reason) and rational perceptions among mystics, analyzing the views of Sadr al-Din Qunawi, a pioneer of theoretical mysticism, in this regard. He is among the thinkers who have offered the most vehement and extensive criticisms of the value of intellectual perceptions. The main issue of this research is to critique and evaluate Qunawi’s arguments against the validity of rational perceptions. To this end, eight of his arguments have been assessed. The findings show that none of Qunawi’s arguments are capable of proving his claim regarding the invalidity of theoretical reason; rather, the only conclusion drawn from some of his arguments is the limitation of human intellect in comprehending the truth and core essence of things; a point embraced by the philosophers, too.