Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity: A Comparative Study of Rabia al-Adawiyya and Catherine of Genoa
Religions August 23, 2024 Patricia Enedudu Idoko 1 citation
Mystical experiences are central to major religious traditions, often centered on an ineffable mystery. This article compares the Islamic mystic Rabia al-Adawiyya and the Christian mystic Catherine of Genoa, avoiding both essentialist approaches that only seek universal similarities and constructivist approaches that focus solely on differences. Instead, the comparison highlights both similarities and differences to illustrate an interreligious spirituality that transcends traditions. The study is structured in four parts: an introduction to mystical experiences, overviews of the two mystics' lives, a comparative analysis of their mystical characteristics, and a discussion of how their experiences model interreligious spirituality and friendship.