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ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Mysticism is often misunderstood as an escape from worldly responsibilities, whereas in reality it is deeply connected with self awareness, conscious living and ethical engagement with society.
Talking to APP on Friday, Researcher and writer Jamshed Iqbal said that mysticism and Sufism should be seen as serious intellectual and psychological disciplines aimed at resolving inner conflicts of human beings rather than ritualistic or symbolic practices.
He said that the fundamental human question of reality can move in either inward or outward. “When directed inward, it gives rise to mysticism or Sufism, while an outward direction leads to science and empirical inquiry”, he explained.
Jamshed Iqbal underlined that Eastern societies largely inherited Sufism as tradition, memory and cultural practice, whereas the West adopted mystical thought through conscious self exploration and psychological understanding. This, he said, allowed Western thinkers to demystify many Sufi principles and translate them into practical tools such as mindfulness, meditation and emotional awareness.
He noted that practices like controlled breathing, meditation and living in the present moment are central to mystical teachings and have a direct impact on emotional and psychological well-being. Awareness of one’s breathing patterns, he added, helps regulate emotions such as anger, anxiety and stress, making mysticism highly relevant to modern life.
Referring to younger generations, Jamshed Iqbal said that mysticism does not promote detachment from reality but encourages individuals to understand themselves better so they can live responsibly in society. He emphasized that many contemporary self-help and personal development approaches are rooted in mystical and Sufi principles.
He further said that mysticism calls for resolving conflicts within the self rather than dehumanizing others, adding that genuine religious and mystical traditions focus on inner reform, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Jamshed Iqbal said that a deeper understanding of mysticism could help address many psychological and social challenges faced by individuals in today’s fast paced and digitally driven world.