Aesthetics and an Illuminationist Reading of the Supplication of Light (Ḥirz) Attributed to Imam al-Jawād (ʿa)

Abstract

Considering that, throughout human history, there have repeatedly been individuals who have sought to separate “religion” and “art,” this study begins with the conviction that these two realms in fact arise from a single spirit and source—particularly from the perspective of intuitive unity. Therefore, we endeavor to examine a prominent religious-historical figure, Imam al-Jawād (ʿa), to reach an atmosphere in which we gradually observe how such figures are not only devout believers but can also, without any contradiction, embody the essence of a true artist. This becomes especially evident when one encounters the work known as the “Supplication of Light” (Duʿā al-Nūr/Ḥirz al-Nūr). A deeper analysis reveals subtleties and artistic intricacies that reason alone might not attribute to an ordinary or purely doctrinal religious mind, particularly if religion is narrowly imagined as anti-artistic, tied to superstition, or dominated by compulsion. Consequently, we recognize that if religion, in its wholeness, is inherently good and unified, art can indeed serve as its mirror. Thus, from Islam to a Christian saint, a devout person can simultaneously be a genuine artist. In addition, this article aims to examine this dimension of Imam al-Jawād (ʿa) by connecting his presence to a tradition known as “Illumination” (Ishrāq), and, naturally, at times making comparative references to Suhrawardī, which we consider an innovative approach within this study. Our research is qualitative-applied, using a descriptive–analytical method. The process of source identification has been based on both library and fieldwork resources to the fullest extent possible. In the end, we hope that with more studies of this kind, the sacred artistic spirit will remain enduring and alive in the world.