The Redemption of the Human Being in Islamic Tradition: The Sufi Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the representation of human beings’ redemption in Islamic tradition with a special focus on the Sufi perspective. This is done using Islamic scriptures and semantics. There is no homogenous Sufi perspective on the question of human redemption. However, it is still worthwhile to look for references to human redemption in Sufi discussions of the high state of unification. The human being plays an essential role in this experience, while their responsibility for others’ spiritual redemption becomes greater after returning to the normal state of being. Beside the individualistic experience of redemption, both Islam in general and taṣawwuf in particular hint at a form of collective deliverance from depravity.