Journal of Islamic Mysticism

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are widespread phenomena reported by thousands of individuals across the world, in which people, during moments of severe physical crisis or clinical death, undergo exceptional states of consciousness involving visions of light, out-of-body experiences, and encounters with luminous or spiritual beings. Among these elements, the encounter with a radiant being characterized by unconditional love, awareness, and tranquility occupies a central place. This entity, often described as a “Luminous Guide,” “Angel,” or “Conscious Presence,” assumes the roles of guide, teacher, and intermediary in the individual’s return to life.

Similarly, Islamic mysticism (ʿIrfān) introduces parallel concepts such as the pir of the path, Khiḍr the Prophet, the Hidden Sheikh, and the celestial self—all representations of a spiritual guide who directs and supports the seeker through the stages of the spiritual journey.

This fundamental research, employing a qualitative approach and library-based data collection, seeks to elucidate the nature and functions of the Luminous Guide in NDE narratives through the lens of mystical concepts. The study demonstrates that Islamic mysticism offers profound interpretive potential for understanding the spiritual dimensions of this guide without claiming their complete equivalence. The key distinction lies in the fact that, in Islamic mysticism, the encounter with the guide is the fruit of conscious spiritual discipline reserved for saints and initiates, whereas in NDEs, the meeting occurs suddenly, under critical circumstances, and is accessible to all individuals regardless of prior spiritual training or religious belief.