What is Astral Travel and How Does Islam View This Concept?
In the modern era, the topic of "astral travel," described by people as the soul leaving the body to travel freely, is widely discussed. But how does the Islamic religion, especially the Shia school of thought and the teachings of the Infallibles (a), view this matter?
The Relationship Between Soul and Sleep in the Holy Quran
In the Holy Quran, there are verses regarding the weakening of the soul's connection with the body during sleep. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 42, it is stated that Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die, during their sleep. This points to the possibility of the temporary separation of the soul from the body. However, this process occurs outside of human will, in accordance with divine law.
The Difference Between "Tayy al-Ard" and Astral Travel in Shia Sources
In Islamic mysticism (irfan) and Shia hadiths, the concepts of "Tayy al-Ard" (folding of the earth) and spiritual elevation exist. The Infallibles (a) and great gnostics could traverse distances physically and spiritually through divine grace. However, this is completely different from modern astral travel sessions:
- Divine Grace and Purity of the Soul: Tayy al-Ard is a divine miracle (karamah) obtained only through the purification of the soul and complete adherence to Sharia.
- The Danger of Modern Methods: The astral travel methods promoted in the modern era often occur through mystical rituals, meditations, and sometimes the mediation of jinn, which is disapproved of in Sharia and considered dangerous.
Protection of the Soul in the Teachings of the Infallibles (a)
According to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (a), a person must protect their soul and intellect. Clouding consciousness through unnatural means, or sessions that carry the risk of contact with magic or jinn, can cause serious harm to human psychology and spirituality. Shia jurists and scholars do not consider it permissible for a person to expose themselves to such uncontrolled spiritual dangers.
Modern claims of astral travel are often products of imagination, psychological illusions, or deceptive states occurring under the influence of evil forces (jinn). True spiritual elevation is only possible through the worship of Allah and within the framework of Sharia.
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