Mevlana and Astral Travel in Islam: The Journey of the Soul and Spiritual Dimensions

What is Astral Travel?

Astral travel is defined as an experience where the soul leaves the body and travels to different dimensions or places. This concept is frequently encountered in esoteric teachings and mystical traditions and is also examined from various perspectives in Islam. Many people associate astral travel with Sufism, particularly with the teachings of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, who often described the soul’s journey beyond physical limits. So, is astral travel possible in Islam? Can the soul leave the body? What do the Quran and hadiths say about this?

The History of Astral Travel and Its Place in Islam

The concept of astral travel is not directly mentioned in Islam, but it can be associated with certain spiritual events. Particularly, the event of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Miraj (Ascension) is compared to astral travel in terms of the soul leaving the body and ascending to different dimensions. However, Islamic scholars have different opinions on whether the Miraj was solely a spiritual experience or a physical ascent as well.

In Islam, the separation of the soul from the body is generally associated with death. However, in some Sufi teachings, especially in the philosophy of Mevlana Rumi, it is suggested that through self-discipline and spiritual elevation, the soul can travel to different realms. Scholars like Ibn Arabi and Mevlana have stated that one can experience different dimensions through dreams, meditation, and states of spiritual ecstasy.

Astral Travel in the Quran and Hadiths

Although the Quran does not explicitly mention astral travel, there are verses that describe the connection of the soul with different dimensions. For example:

  • Surah Az-Zumar (39:42): "Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die (He takes) during their sleep. Then He keeps those for whom He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term..."

This verse suggests that the soul can leave the body during sleep, and some Islamic scholars associate this with astral travel.

From a hadith perspective, some of Prophet Muhammad’s dreams were considered revelations, and it is mentioned that prophets could visit different realms in their dreams. Additionally, some companions of the Prophet reported seeing different places through dreams and spiritual visions.

Mevlana Rumi and Astral Travel

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi frequently emphasized the idea that the soul is not confined to the body and can transcend physical limitations through love, meditation, and divine connection. Some of his well-known thoughts on spiritual journeys include:

  • “Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.” – This suggests that every individual has the potential to explore higher realms of consciousness.

  • “Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?” – A metaphor for breaking free from physical and material limitations.

  • “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” – Indicating the human soul's ability to ascend beyond earthly experiences.

Many Sufi practitioners believe that through whirling (Sema), meditation, and dhikr (remembrance of God), one can achieve a state where the soul momentarily experiences other dimensions, a phenomenon closely related to astral travel.

Astral Travel and Islam’s Perspective

Islamic scholars approach experiences like astral travel with caution. Since the separation of the soul from the body is associated with death, consciously attempting such an experience is considered risky. However, dreams, visions, and spiritual ascensions have significant importance in Islam.

Some scholars warn that uncontrolled astral travel experiences could be deceptive illusions caused by Satan and could lead individuals into delusions. Therefore, those who experience spiritual phenomena are advised to adhere to the Quran and Sunnah. Mevlana himself emphasized divine love and unity with God rather than seeking supernatural experiences for personal gain.

Conclusion

Although astral travel is not directly mentioned in Islam, it can be evaluated in terms of spiritual journeys, dreams, and mystical experiences. The Quran and hadiths discuss the connection of the soul with different dimensions, and Sufi teachings, especially those of Mevlana Rumi, provide profound insights on this subject. However, it is crucial to interpret such experiences within Islamic boundaries and avoid influences that might lead one away from the truth.

To better understand astral travel and spiritual dimensions from an Islamic perspective, one should refer to Sufi sources, particularly the works of Mevlana, and consider religious principles carefully.