The Meaning of An-Al-Haq (I Am the Truth): The Story of Mansur Al-Hallaj and His Persecution by Islamic Orthodoxy

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 26 September 2024 Mansur Al-Hallaj, A Sufi Mystic, declared "An-Al-Haq" ("I Am the Truth"), Symbolizing Spiritual Union with God. Though Revered by Sufis, His Statement Led To Persecution By Islamic Orthodoxy, Resulting In His Execution For Heresy Main Points 1. Mansur Al-Hallaj proclaimed "An-al-Haq," which means "I am the Truth" or "I am God." 2. His declaration sparked theological debates, challenging Islamic monotheism. 3. Sufis interpret the phrase as spiritual union with the Divine, not self-deification. 4. Orthodox scholars, particularly Hanbalis, viewed his views as heretical. 5. Al-Hallaj was executed in 922 CE, but his teachings left a lasting impact on Sufism. ------ Mansur al-Hajjaj/ Photo: https://barakainstitute.org/ ------ Mansur Al-Hallaj, a renowned Sufi mystic born in Iran in the late 9th century, is remembered for his declaration of the phrase "An-al-Haq," which translates to "I am the Truth" or "I am God." This bold proclamation has been a source of intrigue, debate, and controversy across Islamic history. For many, it draws parallels to the Indian Advaita philosophy of "Aham Brahmasmi," a concept that emphasizes the unity of the Creator and creation. Both ideas propose that the divine is not external but an intrinsic part of the self. However, Mansur Al-Hallaj's use of "An-al-Haq" was particularly contentious within the Islamic framework, where such beliefs challenge fundamental theological principles. An-al-Haq in Islamic Thought Islamic scholars have long debated the implications of Al-Hallaj's statement. According to Professor Junaid Harris from Jamia Millia Islamia’s Islamic Studies department, the phrase "An-al-Haq" was problematic because it positioned Al-Hallaj as claiming divine status for himself—an assertion that Islam strictly opposes. In Islam, God is considered wholly separate from His creation, and even the most revered figures, such as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), are seen as messengers and servants of God, not divine beings themselves. Al-Hallaj's declaration, therefore, was seen as heresy, as it seemed to contradict the monotheistic belief in a transcendent God. Harris explains that while some religious traditions, like Hinduism and certain branches of philosophy, posit that humans are fragments of divinity, Islam maintains a clear distinction between the Creator and His creations. Within this context, Al-Hallaj’s proclamation of "An-al-Haq" was viewed as a violation of Islamic principles, and it ultimately led to his persecution and execution. Sufi Interpretation of "An-al-Haq" However, Al-Hallaj’s statement finds a more sympathetic reception within Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. Sufis emphasize personal, spiritual experiences with God, often transcending the rigid, external practices of mainstream religious traditions. As Professor Tariq Ashfaq from Hamdard University explains, "An-al-Haq" in the Sufi context is not about claiming to be God but rather an expression of the union of the individual soul with the Divine. In this mystical state, the distinction between the worshipper and the worshipped fades away, leading to the experience of oneness with God. This concept aligns with other spiritual traditions that highlight the interconnectedness of the soul and the Divine, such as the Upanishadic principle of "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That). Within Sufism, this state of spiritual annihilation (Fana) is not an act of hubris but rather the ultimate goal of mystical experience, where the ego dissolves, and only the Divine remains. The Persecution and Execution of Mansur Al-Hallaj Al-Hallaj’s mysticism and his public declarations made him a target of the orthodox religious establishment. In 909 CE, the Hanbali school of thought, known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law, viewed his teachings as a threat not only to religious order but also to political stability. At the time, Hanbali scholars were trying to implement political reforms in Baghdad, and Al-Hallaj’s views stood in direct opposition to their ideas. His outspoken nature and disregard for conventional Islamic theology earned him the label of a heretic. Forced to leave Baghdad, Mansur Al-Hallaj continued to propagate his mystical ideas elsewhere, but he was eventually arrested and imprisoned for nine years. He was charged with two major offenses: one for declaring "An-al-Haq," interpreted as self-deification, and another for espousing the concept of hulul—the belief that God physically resides within humans. In 922 CE, after enduring years of imprisonment, Al-Hallaj was sentenced to death. He was subjected to severe punishment: whipped a thousand times, his hands and feet were severed, and he was finally hanged. Even in death, his body was not spared; it was burned, and the ashes were scattered into the Euphrates River. The Legacy of Mansur Al-Hallaj Despite his tragic end, Al-Hallaj’s teachings left a lasting impact on Sufism. His life and death embody the Sufi concept of *Fana*, or the annihilation of the self in the presence of God. For Sufis, Al-Hallaj’s martyrdom is not a defeat but a powerful testament to the mystical pursuit of oneness with the Divine. His declaration, "An-al-Haq," continues to resonate with mystics and spiritual seekers across the world, symbolizing the eternal quest for union with the Divine and the belief that the Divine spark resides within every human soul. Al-Hallaj's legacy remains a profound example of the tension between religious orthodoxy and mystical experience, a conflict that has shaped the history of Sufism and its role in the broader Islamic tradition. ---- Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specialising in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/the-war-within-islam/an-al-haq-truth-mansur-al-hallaj-islamic-orthodoxy/d/133292 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism