Research Article

Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity

Volume: 66 Number: 2 November 30, 2025
TR EN

Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity

Abstract

This study presents a comparative investigation of the notions of mokṣa (Liberation) in Advaita Vedānta, as interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya, and fanāʾ (Annihilation of the Self) in Sufism, as explained by Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī. The research portrays mokṣa as the ultimate realization of the individual self’s (ātman) identity with the universal absolute reality, Brahman. This state is achieved through enlightenment and the dispelling of ignorance (avidyā), representing a profound awakening to metaphysical truth. In contrast, fanāʾ is depicted as the complete dissolution of the individual ego (nafs) in the presence of the Divine. It signifies a state of “non-existence” or annihilation, attained via intense love and mystical experience, where the seeker is effaced while the Divine Essence (Dhāt) remains distinct. Both concepts aim for transcending the individual self and establishing a profound connection with the Divine. However, they define this goal differently: Mokṣa emphasizes knowledge and realization of an underlying metaphysical unity, whereas Fanāʾ stresses the experiential path of love and surrender. The study highlights the distinct yet intersecting trajectories of these two traditions – Vedānta and Sufism – in their quest for divine union. It underscores their shared objective of moving beyond the limited individual self to attain a higher spiritual consciousness. Drawing on philosophical discourse, scriptural interpretations, and the mystical poetry of figures like Rūmī, this analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of profound spiritual journeys. It thereby contributes vital insights to the fields of religious studies and comparative mysticism.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Studies in Eastern Religious Traditions

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

November 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 66 Number: 2

APA
Masatoğlu, M., & Polat, B. (2025). Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity. Ankara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, 66(2), 925-948. https://doi.org/10.33227/auifd.1745532
AMA
1.Masatoğlu M, Polat B. Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity. AUIFD. 2025;66(2):925-948. doi:10.33227/auifd.1745532
Chicago
Masatoğlu, Mehmet, and Bayram Polat. 2025. “Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity”. Ankara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 66 (2): 925-48. https://doi.org/10.33227/auifd.1745532.
EndNote
Masatoğlu M, Polat B (November 1, 2025) Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity. Ankara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 66 2 925–948.
IEEE
[1]M. Masatoğlu and B. Polat, “Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity”, AUIFD, vol. 66, no. 2, pp. 925–948, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.33227/auifd.1745532.
ISNAD
Masatoğlu, Mehmet - Polat, Bayram. “Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity”. Ankara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 66/2 (November 1, 2025): 925-948. https://doi.org/10.33227/auifd.1745532.
JAMA
1.Masatoğlu M, Polat B. Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity. AUIFD. 2025;66:925–948.
MLA
Masatoğlu, Mehmet, and Bayram Polat. “Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity”. Ankara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 66, no. 2, Nov. 2025, pp. 925-48, doi:10.33227/auifd.1745532.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Masatoğlu, Bayram Polat. Transcendental Realities: A Study of Mokṣa and Fanāʾ in the Search for Divine Unity. AUIFD. 2025 Nov. 1;66(2):925-48. doi:10.33227/auifd.1745532