Explaining the pattern of "precedence in approach" based on qualitative content analysis of Kumayl's supplication مقاله

چکیده:

Supplication (du'ā) in the school of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), in addition to spiritual functions in individual self-making, has been a suitable platform for cultivating the forces for the social goals of the Imams (AS). Effective theoretical models in the behavioral system can be extracted from supplication texts. The phrases “asraha 'ilayka fī mayādīn al-sābiqīn-a”[1] and “’aqrabihim manzelat-an mink-a”[2] in the Kumayl Supplication indicate to a higher position than the closeness to God (taqarrub), i.e. “precedence in the closeness to God.” Accordingly, Kumayl Supplication is a suitable textual context for discovering the pattern related to the precedence in the closeness to God. Explaining and drawing the above conceptual model is the main question of this study. It tries to answer the question through the exploratory method of the thematic content analysis. Findings prove that Kumayl Supplication is a unified text and has a coherent content. Eliminating a serious defect and obstacle in the space of the closeness to God, it suggests a faster path for man’s journey to Him. “Forgiveness”, “honor”, “service”, “precedence” and “closeness” are the five central themes of Kumayl Supplication. These themes form a very meaningful conceptual system. “Service” as the central concept of the supplication is a physical state. In this position, the servant seeks to accomplish what God (the Commander) is willing to do on Earth. The believer’s deprivation of the service state is the result of “the spiritual deficiency caused by sin” and its attainment depends on “permanent forgiveness”. If the believer enters the level of service, he/she enters the realm of “precedence in the closeness to God.”