The idea of the "perfect man" in the context of religious anthropology: Islamic mysticism and intercultural harmony

Abstract

This article examines the idea of the "Perfect Man" (insān al-kāmil) within the framework of religious anthropology and Islamic mysticism from a historical-philosophical perspective. The research focuses on the spiritual path to perfection in Sufi teachings, its main stages, and anthropological implications. The objective of the study is to reveal the religious meaning and spiritual experience of the perfect man concept in Sufism, as well as its significance in the context of intercultural harmony. The research explores moral and spiritual perfection in Sufism and identifies parallels between these ideas and other religious-philosophical systems such as Neoplatonism and Indian mysticism. The scientific significance of the article lies in emphasizing the special role of Sufism in interpreting the concept of man within Islamic thought. Its practical value is related to the application of Sufi spiritual practices in contemporary moral education and religious studies. The methodological basis of the research includes textual and theological analysis, historical-comparative method, hermeneutic and cultural-philosophical approaches. The ideas of notable thinkers such as al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, and Mahmud Shabistari were used to examine the structure and content of the spiritual path in Sufism. The study concludes that the image of the perfect man in Sufism is a spiritually disciplined person striving for inner purification and divine harmony. This work contributes to the development of Islamic ethical thought and offers practical insights for modern spiritual discourse.

Keywords: Perfect Man, Sufism, Islamic Mysticism, Religious Anthropology, Spiritual Perfection