Casket of Light, Padlocked with Light: Sayyid Ḥaydar Āmulī, Ahl al-Bayt, and Shiʿi Philosophical Esotericism

Abstract

This article examines the views of the Twelver philosopher Sayyid Ḥaydar Āmulī (d. ca. 787/1385) regarding the prophetic family (ahl al-bayt), their connection with the initiatory robe (khirqa), and their status as “those firmly rooted in knowledge” (al-rāsikhūn fī l-ʿilm). Āmulī’s conception blends early esoteric traditions within Shiʿi literature with the Sufi and mystical ideas prevalent during his time, resulting in a fresh understanding of Shiʿi spirituality. Moreover, he surpasses sectarian divisions by theorizing an inclusive monotheistic doctrine, enabling individuals who embrace monotheism both within the Shiʿi community and among Sunni Sufis to be acknowledged as followers of the prophetic family and to attain redemption. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the portrayal of the prophetic family in medieval Sufi and mystical literature, the intricate relationship between Shiʿism and Sufism, and the inclusive nature of Āmulī’s theoretical framework.