If a mystical traveler has some general moral masters it does not harm them, specifically if they are at the first steps of the mystical journey. They do not have another choice before coming in the states of the practical mysticism except reading the complete course in the ethical science such as Jami’ al-Sa’adat book (The Collector of Felicities) is written by Allamah Naraqi (PBUH). A mystical traveler has to study it precisely with dedication and to practically and absolutely adapt it to their soul’s level. After it, they have to enter in the mystical field. In this case, if they want to understand the theoretical mysticism, no harm would be to them. Even they can participate in some wisdom studies of theology and philosophy. Those books that discuss theology and philosophy can be mentioned like: Bidayah al-Hikmah and Nihayat al-Hikmah is written by Allamah Tabatabai, Manzumah (“A Treatise on Logic in Verse”) is written by Mulla Hadi Sabziwari and Al-Asfar al- Arba’ah is written by Mulla Sadra Shirazi and the other same books. Yes, if a mystical traveler makes sure about coming in the mystical journey, they do not have another way except meeting a perfect master who is reliable for them and we call him the special master. It is necessary they seek him and ask him from God in their individual prayers. Before attaining the master they have to follow that we said in the sixteen number. If they found the special master, it is necessary that they do not seek another one and always follow and practicing his approaches and guidance. Having several masters in the practical mysticism is harmful to a mystical traveler. it harms his life, time and it will not be useful for him. If a mystical traveler wants to perform the whole teaching, advice, invocations, recitations of God’s names which are in published books they would not get the useful result, though, the books are mystical and well-known. I strongly avoid who extract and using talismans, khatam al-azkar, the hijab prayers and other prayers from unreliable books with unknown author and the poor narration. It may be necessary to get rid of such books because a mystical traveler cannot benefit from them except it would result in his misery, calamity and inauspicious. It harms them to put trust in God and faith; it causes the soul to come into the darknesses, that is difficult to get out of.
Ayatollah Mohammad Saleh Komeily (God graciously preserves him.)
Al-matalib al-solokieh
