Philosophical analysis of the name “Qarib” in the "Joushan Kabir" Dua "Based on the Principles of Transcendent Theosophy"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Morteza Lotfi ¹

Mohammad Javad Jafari Zadeh ²

¹  Master student in Islamic philosophy and wisdom, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² D. Student in Transcendent Theosophy, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad. Iran.

10.22067/epk.2026.98910.1542

Abstract

The Joushan Kabir Dua is one of the most important prayers, containing a thousand and one divine names. One of these names, which has an Qur'ani root, is the name “Qarib” (meaning “near”), which appears in nine verses of the prayer. The present research, conducted in a descriptive analytical manner and based on library data, aims to philosophically analyze these verses with a focus on the Principles of Transcendent Theosophy. Here is the English translation with philosophical terminology: The research findings indicate that the divine proximity (qurb) in the Joushan Kabir Dua is introduced as an existential proximity—a proximity in which no dimension (bu'd) can be posited in opposition to it. Dimension, rather, acquires meaning only on the part of the servants. Hence, in this prayer, divine proximity is considered from two perspectives: from the side of the god towards creatures, and from creatures towards the god. From the first side, nearness is existential, while from the second side, it is epistemic. Ultimately, this text further emphasizes the congruence and harmony of the foundations of transcendent wisdom and the rational proofs, and also guides the importance of “utilizing the wisdom foundations to uncover deeper layers of the epistemic teachings of the revelatory doctrines.

Keywords

Prayer

Joushan Kabir

Nearness to God

Qarib

Transcendent Theosophy

Subjects

• Islamic Philosophy and Kalam

---