Representation and Analysis of Populist Structures in the Practical and Intellectual Life of Abu Sa’id Abu al-Kheir: Adopting Abraham Maslow's Theory of Self-actualization

In the field of Islamic mysticism, Abu Sa’id Abu al-Kheir is a leading figure who has paid special attention in his speech, disposition and thought to human beings and their concerns, and has consolidated his mystical system accordingly. Such an attitude is reflected in the school of humanistic psychology, of which Abraham Maslow is the most prominent theorist. His attention to the man’s well-being has led to his theory of self-actualization. One of the characteristics of self-actualized individuals described by Maslow is “populist disposition structure”. In this regard, the purpose of this study, which is based on library resources and descriptive-analytical research method, is to study and analyze populist structures in the practical and intellectual life of Abu Sa’id Abu al-Kheir via adopting Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization. The results of the research show that Meihana spiritual guide disregarded conventional preconceptions in his interactions with people, and only considered basic human concepts as criteria for distinguishing between flourishing and immature people. Being well aware of the existing scientific and cognitive limitations, he had chosen to associate with scientific, religious and political elites; which was effective in strengthening his spiritual character and popular base. Also, Abu Sa’id's explication of a new valuation system based on epistemological and non-tangible issues had made people interested in his sermons and moral advice. The outstanding feature of sheikh's interpersonal relationships was that he sought to identify himself with the common people and did not display any feelings of superiority.