BİR BİLGİ KAYNAĞI OLARAK TASAVVUFTA KEŞFİN DEĞERİ

This paper discusses the significance of illumination (kashf) as a source of acquiring knowledge in Sufism and assesses the importance of inspiration (ilham) and its benefits for those who experience such kind of mystical states. According to the Sufis, an inexperienced Sufi who has not yet reached a level perfection in his mystical journey can be mistaken by his experience of illumination. Therefore the knowledge acquired by inexperienced Sufi is not reliable and should be checked in the light of the Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions (Sunna). However, illuminations of those who brought near to God (mukarrabûn) in their mystical experience are reliable, because such inspirations are regarded as equal truth to the Qur'anic verses (revelation). Therefore the knowledge acquired through illumination can not be false as it in protected from falsehood. This article also shows that according to the Sufis the knowledge acquired by illuminative experiences is equal to the knowledge acquired by reasoning in the material world. Thus, illuminative knowledge is as valid as the juristic reasoning (ictihad) in understanding religious rules. In conclusion this article emphasizes that illuminative experiences enable the believers to become convinced about the truthfulness of their faith and satisfied about their deeds.