Ahl alSuffa for Sufi Studies and Heritage Sciences
Ahl Al-Suffa Journal of Sufism and Heritage Sciences is a peer-reviewed international scientific journal published biannually. It aims to publish original research in the fields of Sufi studies, Islamic heritage sciences, Arabic language, and Islamic studies, with a special focus on the Sufi dimension of Sharia sciences. The journal seeks to highlight the truths, wisdom, and secrets of Sharia, and shed light on the origins and principles upon which the sciences of Sufism are based. The journal adheres to the highest international standards in scientific publishing, following rigorous research methodologies to ensure the quality of published research. The journal is published by Ahl Al-Suffa Academy for Sufism and Heritage Sciences, which is one of the institutions of Al-Bayt Al-Muhammadi for Sufism. The ISSN for print is 3062-4967, and the electronic ISSN is 3062-4975.
MANIFESTATIONS OF SUFISM IN THE NOVEL NUQTAT AL-NOOR BY BAHAA TAHER
As Sufism is a religious path adopted by a large number of the people of the Islamic nation, it became clear to me that the characteristics of this path must be present within the rich material of life from which novelists draw. Therefore, I decided to research the manifestations of Sufism in the novel Nuqtat al-Noor (Point of Light) by Bahaa Taher. I chose this novel because it is a realistic one thst presents a side of life of a particular segment of people. Sufism here appears naturally in the lives of some individuals without introducing it forcibly. Additionally, the author succeeded in arousing the curiosity of those interested in Sufism when he mentioned, at the end of the novel, that he referred, during its writing, to some studies and Sufi books. This encouraged me to explore the manifestations of Sufism in the novel. The present study aim to achieve several objectives: to define Sufism, clarify its goals, reveal the most its important characteristics, provide a brief introduction to Sufi stations and states, and then to observe the manifestations of Sufism in the thresholds and structure of the text. After the introduction, the study presents an introductory section and then two main sections. In the introductory section, I presented the definition of Sufism, the objectives of the Sufi path, the traits of Sufis, and the Sufi stations and states, followed by a biography of the author and a summary of the novel. In the first main section, I studied the manifestations of Sufism in the thresholds of the novel: the title, the dedication, the preface, and the notes. In the second main section, I examined the manifestations of Sufism in the structure of the text: the characters, the events, and the setting. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical method.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahl alSuffa for Sufi Studies and Heritage Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
OBJECTIVES OF THE ISLAMIC THEOLOGY IN THE ṢŪFĪ THOUGHT: IBN ʻAṬĀʼ ALLĀH AS A CASE STUDY
Maqāṣid al-Sharīʻah, as a scholarly discipline, occupies currently a significant and growing position in the contemporary Islamic research. However, the issue of Maqāṣid al-ʻAqīdah (objectives of faith) has not yet received the same attention. The present Study attempts to shed light on the concept of Maqāṣid al-ʻAqīdah to emphasize that it is an integral part of the concept of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʻah in the broadest sense of the word “Sharīʻah”, and that this presence has existed in Islamic scholarly heritage, especially among the great Ṣūfīs such as Imam al-Ghazālī and Sheikh Ibn ʻAṭāʼ Allāh al-Sakandarī. The Study supposes that such presence of the objectives of belief in Ṣūfī thought stemmed from the Ṣūfīs' interest in the idea of the asrār (spiritual secrets) of Sharīʻah and its rulings without restriction themselves to the literal meanings only. To this end, the study addressed Ibn ʻAṭāʼ Allāh al-Sakandarī’s “Ḥikam” (Aphorisms) to understand how he dealt with these objectives within a theological framework that sought to establish a central issue, namely, the realization of the meaning of monotheism and the consolidation of the concept of servitude to Allah, the Almighty. By focusing on the doctrine of reliance upon Allah and the spiritual station (Maqām) of affliction, we will see that this central issue ultimately represents the basis of doctrinal commands in Islam. Thus, the research concludes that Sufism was the most prominent framework that embraced the idea of the objectives of Creed through its interest in spiritual rulings, secrets, and goals, which represents a gate to the renewal of the science of theology and creed in light of its religious and humanistic objectives.
BIDĀYAT AL-MURĪD WA NIHĀYAT AL-SAʿĪD (THE BEGINNING OF THE SEEKER AND THE END OF THE BLESSED) BY IMAM ʿABD AL-GHANĪ AL-NĀBULUSĪ (D. 1143 A.H)
This study examines and edits a Sufi manuscript from the legacy of Imām ʿAbd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī (d. 1143 AH), titled “Bidāyat al-Murīd wa Nihāyat al-Saʿīd” (The Beginning of the Seeker and the End of the Blessed). The article aims to highlight the author's scholarly standing, present the contents and main features of the treatise in the field of Sufism, and provide a critically edited text based on reliable manuscript copies close to the wording intended by the author. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical method in presenting the author's biography and scholarly output, and a philological method in editing the text through collecting the available manuscript witnesses, describing them, comparing their readings, and establishing a sound text in service of the structure of the work. The article consists of an introduction, three main sections, and a conclusion. The first section offers a biographical study of Imām al-Nābulusī, including his name, lineage, scholarly milieu, teachers, students, and works. The second section introduces the treatise, discusses its attribution to the author, its title, and the manuscript copies used in the edition. The third section presents the edited text of the treatise in line with established methods in the critical edition of classical texts. The conclusion summarizes the main findings related to the attribution of the treatise to Imām al-Nābulusī and the place of this work within his Sufi project. The study also points to the of this treatise to research on Sufi heritage and offers recommendations for future work on al-Nābulusī's writings and the edition of his remaining treatises.
HADITH FORMATION OF THE PIONEERING IMAM SHAYKH MUHAMMAD ZAKI IBRAHIM
This study examines a figure who has had a significant impact on Islamic thought. It is a study of the thought of the pioneering Imam Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim that seeks to uncover his formation in hadith scholarship. I have titled this research “Hadith Formation of the Pioneering Imam Shaykh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim.” The aim is to highlight an important aspect of the scholarly formation of the pioneering Imam Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim. The study is structured into an introduction, a preface, three sections, and a conclusion. In the introduction, I address the importance of the topic, the reasons for choosing it, its main problem, its aims, its method, and its outline. In the preface, I present a brief biographical sketch of Shaykh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim. The first section deals with the hadith readings and sources studied by Shaykh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim. The second section examines the hadith principles that the pioneering imam set out in his book “Al-Hadith al-Daʿif” (The Weak Hadith). The third section discusses Shaykh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim and his understanding of Prophetic hadith through selected examples and applications. In the conclusion, I present the main findings and recommendations. Among these findings is that Shaykh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim, may God have mercy on him, showed outstanding care for the noble hadith in both transmission and understanding, and that the effects of this care appear in his articles and writings. The study also shows that the shaykh enriched the Islamic library with many hadith based views and guidelines on a number of contentious issues, such as tawassul and prayer in mosques that contain shrines.
THE EPISTLE MUNĀ AL-QĀṢID ILĀ AJALL AL-MAQĀṢID (THE DESIRE OF THE SEEKER TO ATTAIN THE MOST SUBLIME AIMS) BY SHAYKH ABŪ AL-ḤASAN ʿALĪ IBN ʿABD AL-BARR IBN ʿALĪ AL-WUNĀʾĪ AL-SHĀFIʿĪ (D. 1211 AH): STUDY AND EDITION
This study presents a scholarly study and critical edition of a Sufi manuscript from the classical heritage of the Muslim community. The work is a treatise by the Sufi scholar Imām Abū al-Hasan ʿAlī b. ʿAbd al-Barr al-Wunāʾī, who wrote in several Islamic sciences, with particular attention to Sufism, Sufi ethics, and devotional litanies. Among his writings is the treatise Munā al-Qāṣid ilā Ajell al-Maqāṣid, which is the focus of this research. The study aims to introduce Imām Abū al-Hasan al-Wunāʾī and the treatise under examination, and to produce a critically edited text that reflects as closely as possible what the author intended. The research is structured into an introduction, a preface, three chapters, a conclusion, and two indices. The introduction discusses the significance of the topic, the reasons for selecting it, the research problem, objectives, previous studies, the methodology, and the overall plan. The preface addresses the merit and benefit of invoking blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muḥammad and responds to some objections raised by those who object to devotional formulae that are not directly transmitted from the Prophet, peace be upon him. The first chapter presents the biography of al-Wunāʾī, including his name and lineage, scholarly status, teachers, students, works, and death. The second chapter studies the treatise Munā al-Qāṣid ilā Ajall al-Maqāṣid, confirms its attribution to its author, explains its title, and describes the manuscript copy on which the edition is based. The third chapter contains the critically edited text of the treatise, prepared according to an editorial method designed to serve the text and preserve its features.
THE SUFI ORIENTATION IN AL-BIQĀʿĪ’S DIRECTION OF QURʾANIC CONTEXTUAL RELATIONS: SPIRITUAL STATES (AHWĀL) AND STATIONS (MAQĀMĀT) AS A CASE STUDY
This study examines the relationship between the science of Qurʾanic contextual relations and Islamic Sufism through tracing the influence of the concepts of spiritual states (ahwāl) and stations (maqāmāt) in Imām al-Biqāʿī’s exegesis Nazm al-Durar. The main research question concerns the influence of Sufism on the way Qurʾanic contextual relations appear in his tafsīr. The study starts from one hypothesis. The cultural background of an exegete shapes the way links between verses appear. Each exegete aims to present connections between verses through a unifying context. The exegete’s intellectual formation emerges in specific aspects, on which he relies to outline this context and to highlight details. Sufism forms one important source of knowledge in this background whenever an exegete engages with Qurʾanic contextual relations. The study adopts an analytical method in reading passages where a Sufi impact appears in al-Biqāʿī’s tafsīr and links these passages to statements of Sufi masters, in order to measure the extent of benefit he draws from them in directing Qurʾanic contextual relations, both at the level of a single verse and at the level of groups of verses within a sūrah. The research concludes that Imām al-Biqāʿī was influenced by Sufi thought in his treatment of ordered relations in the Qurʾan. This finding challenges the widespread claim of his hostility to Sufism and shows that his sharp criticism focused on certain Sufi trends which departed from the principles of moderate Sunni Sufism. The study also confirms that Sufi analyses presented by al-Biqāʿī remain consistent with his pioneering contribution to the science of Qurʾanic contextual relations.
MONSIEUR IBRAHIM AND THE FLOWERS OF THE QURAN BY ÉRIC-EMMANUEL SCHMITT: A SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL READING
Abstract (English): This research presents a humanistic reading of Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Qur'an by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, employing an interdisciplinary analytical approach. The study aims to highlight the novel’s ethical, spiritual, and educational dimensions, while underscoring its ability to promote interfaith dialogue and foster human reconciliation. By combining literary, theological, and philosophical lenses, the research brings to light the narrative’s symbolic richness and universal resonance. The methodology is based on a thorough textual analysis, incorporating internal references (notable quotations, Qur'anic symbolism, and Sufi elements) alongside external sources (interviews with the author and parallels with other figures, such as Gad al-Qur'ani). The analysis also traces the protagonist Momo’s personal development through his transformative bond with Monsieur Ibrahim. The findings reveal that this relationship helps Momo overcome the trauma of parental abandonment and rebuild his trust in himself and others. Monsieur Ibrahim, portrayed as a wise and compassionate Sufi figure, offers the adolescent a life philosophy grounded in attentive listening, patience, spiritual reflection, and kindness. The Qur’an, rather than appearing as a rigid or dogmatic text, emerges in the novel as a source of accessible and inclusive wisdom. Ultimately, the work stands as a literary call to spiritual humanism, capable of transcending religious, cultural, and social boundaries. Abstract (French): Cette étude propose une lecture humaniste du roman Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran d’Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, fondée sur une approche analytique interdisciplinaire. Elle vise à mettre en évidence les dimensions éthiques, spirituelles et éducatives de l’œuvre, en soulignant la manière dont celle-ci promeut le dialogue interreligieux et la réconciliation entre les êtres humains. En croisant les perspectives littéraire, théologique et philosophique, la recherche met en lumière la richesse symbolique du récit et sa portée universelle. La méthode adoptée repose sur une analyse textuelle approfondie, mobilisant à la fois des éléments internes à l’œuvre (citations significatives, symbolisme coranique, références mystiques) et des sources externes (entretiens avec l’auteur, rapprochements avec d’autres récits comme celui de Gad al-Qur’ani). L’étude suit également l’évolution du personnage principal, Momo, à travers sa relation transformatrice avec Monsieur Ibrahim. Les résultats révèlent que cette relation permet à Momo de surmonter l’expérience douloureuse de l’abandon familial et de reconstruire sa confiance en soi et en autrui. Monsieur Ibrahim, figure bienveillante et soufie, lui transmet un art de vivre fondé sur l’écoute, la lenteur, la spiritualité et la générosité. Le Coran, loin d’être perçu comme un texte dogmatique, y apparaît comme un réservoir de sagesse accessible. Ainsi, le roman se présente comme un manifeste en faveur d’un humanisme spirituel et inclusif, capable de dépasser les clivages religieux et sociaux.
Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Quran
MYSTICISM AND HUMANISM IN ABD AL-HAKIM QASIM'S AYYAM AL-INSAN AL-SAB'AH (THE SEVEN DAYS OF MAN)
Abstract (English): Addressing the representation of mysticism and humanism in a literary work is crucial, especially in a contemporary context where humanity is grappling with a spiritual crisis. This research examines how the Egyptian novel, The Seven Days of Man by Abd al-Hakim Qasim, portrays both mysticism and humanism through the continuous displacement of its characters in space.To tackle this issue, this study explores three main areas: first, the conceptual framework of mysticism and humanism, along with their interconnectedness; second, the novel's place within the trajectory of the Egyptian novel, providing a brief overview of the author; and third, the representation of the humanism/mysticism dialectic to uncover the humanist vision of the narrator-character. This approach necessitates an analytical method, drawing upon works that discuss both Sufism and the novel. This research demonstrates that Abd al-Hakim Qasim's The Seven Days of Man depicts an initiatory journey undertaken by its two main characters, who embody opposing worlds. While the father symbolizes the Sufi spiritual realm, the son represents the rational world and champions human values. To achieve this, the novelist frequently integrates elements of mysticism and humanism into his work. The constitutive elements of this novel contribute to a deep exploration of spiritual quest, the search for meaning, and human dignity. Abstract (French): Aborder un sujet portant sur la représentation du mysticisme et de l’humanisme dans une œuvre littéraire revêtit d’une grande importance surtout dans un contexte contemporain où l’homme souffre d’une crise spirituelle. Notre recherche essaye de voir comment le roman égyptien les Sept Jours de l’homme de ‘Abdel Hakim Qasim met en scène à la fois le mysticisme et l’humanisme à travers le déplacement continuel des personnages dans l’espace. Pour traiter cette problématique, nous devons toucher trois axes principaux : le cadre conceptuel du mysticisme et de l’humanisme ainsi que le lien entre eux, situer le roman en question dans le parcours du roman égyptien en donnant un aperçu rapide sur l’auteur, la représentation de la dialectique de l’humanisme/ mysticisme afin de déceler la vision humaniste du personnage- narrateur. Cette démarche exige d’adopter une méthode analytique en s’appuyant sur des ouvrages traitant le soufisme et le roman. Notre recherche a démontré que les Sept jours de l’homme de ‘Abdel Hakim Qasim dépeint un périple initiatique entrepris par les deux personnages principaux qui incarnent des univers opposés : alors que le père symbolise l’univers spirituel soufi, le fils représente le monde rationnel et prône les valeurs humaines. Pour ce faire, le romancier intègre fréquemment dans son roman des éléments de mysticisme et d’humanisme. Les éléments constitutifs de ce roman contribuent à explorer en profondeur la recherche spirituelle, la quête de sens, et la dignité humaine.
THE SUFI DIMENSION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SELECTED ASPECTS OF ISLAMIC ARTS: AN EXAMINATION OF SUFI KHANQAHS IN EGYPT
This study examines the influence of Sufi literary traditions on architectural expression in medieval Egypt, examining how Sufism profoundly shaped the aesthetic sensibilities, intellectual frameworks, and creative vision of Muslim artisans. The westward migration of military leaders, including Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and his contemporaries from the eastern Islamic territories, facilitated the transmission of these cultural and spiritual influences. This phenomenon revealed a distinctive dimension of Islamic artistic production, substantiating the existence of a profound interconnection between artistic expression and Sufi literary traditions, as evidenced through Quranic inscriptions, supplicatory formulae, and decorative programs. The present research contributes to the scholarly understanding of the art-Sufism nexus through a focused examination of the khanqah, one of the preeminent institutional forms of medieval Sufism. The study delineates the essential characteristics, societal functions, and administrative hierarchies of these establishments. Three exemplary case studies are analyzed: Khanqah Sa'id al-Su'ada', al-Khanqah al-Bunduqdariyya, and Khanqah Salar wa Sanjar. Through detailed architectural and decorative analysis, the investigation elucidates the material manifestations of Sufi literary and spiritual traditions within these monuments, demonstrating how mystical concepts were translated into tangible artistic forms.
CULTURAL PATTERNS IN AL-TĀʾIYYA AL-KUBRĀ: BETWEEN REASON AND ILLUMINATION
Scholars continue to debate the epistemological foundations of Sufism: whether Sufi knowledge derives from rational inquiry- with its empirical data, logical proofs, and systematic argumentation- or from mystical illumination (ishraq) and its associated faculties of inspiration and revelation, including the heart, soul, and spirit. Some researchers advocate for reason's central role, contending that Sufis never entirely dismissed rational thought but instead employed it alongside its associated disciplines during their initial spiritual formation and religious-legal education. Others argue that Sufis completely rejected rationalism, maintaining that authentic Sufi knowledge: including divine love and the unity of witnessing (wahdat al-shuhud): emerges exclusively through illuminative, experiential realization. The inherent ambiguity of Sufi literature has intensified this debate, particularly its extensive use of symbolism, technical vocabulary, and complex cultural, theological, and philosophical interconnections. These characteristics transform Sufi texts into universal human documents encompassing multiple thematic layers and cultural patterns. Such textual complexity requires deep hermeneutical engagement with meanings and imagery, careful interpretation of semantically dense terminology, and specialized analytical methodologies capable of uncovering the values embedded within texts through aesthetic and contextual analysis. This study contributes to resolving questions surrounding Sufi epistemology and the role of rational versus illuminative knowledge through analysis of Ibn al-Farid's "Great Tāʾiyya" (al-Tāʾiyya al-Kubrā), a 761-verse composition that encapsulates his complete Sufi methodology. The poem contains multiple cultural patterns concealed within symbolic language, including the epistemological framework, divine love, and the unity of witnessing. The research demonstrates that Sufis did not categorically reject reason but rather integrated rational insights and methodologies into their early spiritual and scholarly development. Ibn al-Farid's "Great Tāʾiyya" functions as both poetic and philosophical discourse, embodying Sufi methodology, technical vocabulary, and the ongoing tension between rational and illuminative approaches to knowledge.
MANIFESTATIONS OF SUFI THOUGHT BETWEEN THE STAGES OF SACRED LAW AND THE ASCENSIONS OF TRUTH
This study examines a pivotal issue within both Eastern and Western Islamic Sufism, around which opinions have diverged between official religious institutions (the jurists) and the Sufis themselves—namely, the question of Sacred Law (Shari'ah) and Truth (Haqiqah) and their respective positions within Sufi thought and gnosis. The significance of this topic lies in its constituting an epistemological foundation connected to the Arab intellectual framework across its various philosophical and religious dimensions. The central problem that this study addresses through its component questions is: Does there actually exist a genuine disagreement and divergent perspectives between Sufis and jurists regarding the duality of Sacred Law and Truth? Is this disagreement substantive, or does it merely represent a misunderstanding on the part of jurists concerning the nature of Truth as conceived by the Sufis? In other words, does a fundamental opposition exist, or does the issue stem from diverse perspectives? If we acknowledge the existence of disagreement between them, what are the methodological foundations and epistemological frameworks of those Sufis who affirm this duality? Do these foundations rest upon sound scholarly principles? Is textual hermeneutics from the Sufi perspective subject to the dialectic of the manifest (zahir) and the hidden (batin)? What are the levels of manifestation of the concept of Truth among the Sufis? Is Truth genuinely a Sufi concept that finds realization in the symbolic dimension of the Qur'an? Put differently, can we speak of a parallel Sufi exegesis that employs the concept of esoteric allusion (isharah batiniyyah) as a means of accessing the truths and secrets of the Qur'an? Finally, what is the nature of the antagonism between Sufis and jurists? Is it a genuine conflict necessitated by scholarly disagreement and divergent premises, or does it reflect external contexts- psychological, sectarian, and political? This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, as it is most appropriate for theoretical studies of this intellectual and religious nature.
THE OBJECTIVES OF ISLAM: AUTHORITY, CLASSIFICATION, AND COMMUNICATION: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY
This research contributes to scholarship on Islam's foundational message as embodied in the Qur'an and Prophetic tradition. The study examines the relationship between Islamic objectives (maqasid), their scholarly authority and classification, and their effective communication within contemporary contexts that challenge the Islamic community. The research investigates the core objectives of Islam, which center on preserving five fundamental human necessities: religion, life, property, dignity, and intellect. The study demonstrates the critical importance of communicating these objectives clearly to broader audiences and explores how their realization promotes comprehensive social security and human flourishing across multiple dimensions: theological, ritual, legal, personal, and social. The methodology combines inductive and analytical approaches to examine Qur'anic and Prophetic texts while analyzing scholarly interpretations of Islamic legal objectives and their taxonomies. The research addresses three primary areas: the scriptural foundation of Islamic objectives, their systematic classification and description, and the evidence linking these objectives to communication and public discourse through examination of Qur'anic texts, Prophetic traditions, and early Islamic history. The study concludes by examining the general and specific applications of these objectives. The findings establish a substantial connection between Islamic objectives and their public communication, supported by scriptural evidence and early Muslim understanding. The research emphasizes the need to modernize communication strategies for Islamic objectives in ways that address contemporary challenges while maintaining doctrinal integrity. Such efforts can enhance public understanding of Islamic principles and address misconceptions about the faith.
THE INTENTIONALITY OF ETHICS IN SUNNI SUFI THOUGHT: AN ANALYSIS OF SHEIKH AHMAD ZARRUQ'S RULES OF SUFISM
This study examines the intentional orientation toward ethics within Sunni Sufi thought through an analytical reading of Sheikh Ahmad Zarruq's Rules of Sufism (Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf). Zarruq, a distinguished figure in Sunni Sufism, endeavored to systematize and authenticate Sufi practice within the framework of Qur'anic and Prophetic tradition. The research seeks to clarify the relationship between Sufism and ethics in Zarruq's intellectual framework, demonstrating that this relationship constitutes a foundational principle rather than a subsidiary concern, ethics serves as the fundamental objective of Sufism rather than merely its byproduct. Within Zarruq's conceptual scheme, ethics emerges as the intended purpose of Sufi practice, not as an incidental outcome. The study further investigates how spiritual purification and moral reformation are actualized within his theoretical perspective, which synthesizes the disciplining of the ego with adherence to Islamic law, while simultaneously refining conduct according to the hierarchical stages of the spiritual path. Analysis of Zarruq's foundational principles reveals that his understanding of Sufism rests upon an ethical intentionality deeply rooted in scriptural sources. This ethical framework neither diverges from nor contradicts juridical rulings but rather complements and vivifies them through sustained attention to ultimate purposes, the cultivation of proper intention, and the alignment of practice with transcendent moral objectives. Zarruqian Sufism thus represents a comprehensive ethical and pedagogical system that transforms devotional observance into a vehicle for human elevation, reintegrating the spiritual dimension with legal prescription and harmonizing external form with internal reality.
INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE AND WORK OF SHAYKH MUSTAFA 'ABD AL-'AZIZ VALSAN – MICHEL VALSAN
Abstract (English): Chaykh Muṣṭafā ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz (Michel Vâlsan) was a seminal figure in the introduction and establishment of Taṣawwuf in twentieth-century France, serving as a spiritual guide of the Chādhuliyyah Ṭarīqah and pioneering Akbarian studies within the Western academic milieu. Renowned for his extensive corpus of scholarly articles and annotated translations, he is regarded as a principal successor to the work of Chaykh ʿAbd al-Wāḥid Yaḥyā (René Guénon), effectively integrating Guénon’s teachings with the doctrinal framework of Chaykh al-Akbar. This article is systematically organized into three primary sections. The first section provides a comprehensive examination of Chaykh Muṣṭafā’s life, tracing his spiritual evolution from his Christian origins in Romania to his conversion to Islam, culminating in his role as a Sufi guide over a span exceeding twenty-four years. The second section delves into his doctrinal contributions, focusing on several fundamental concepts he elucidated: the metaphysical conception of the heart as the locus of Divine Knowledge; the esoteric reality of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh); the inherent symbolism embedded within Islamic thought; and the science of letters (ʿilm al-ḥurūf). The final section critically assesses two of his most influential contributions: his analysis of Chaykh ʿAbd al-Wāḥid Yaḥyā's (René Guénon) spiritual mission to restore traditional perspectives in the West, and his vision for cultivating an intellectual elite. Furthermore, it addresses his exploration of René Guénon’s adherence to Islamic orthodoxy, affirming its complete congruence with the purest understanding of Tawḥīd. Abstract (French): Pionnier des études « akbariennes » en France, Chaykh Muṣṭafā ‘Abd al-‘Azīz (Michel Vâlsan) fut un maître spirituel de la Ṭarīqah Chādhuliyyah qui joua un rôle majeur dans l’établissement du Taṣawwuf en France au XXe siècle. Auteur de nombreux articles et traductions commentées, il fut un continuateur essentiel de l’œuvre du Chaykh ‘Abd al-Wāḥid Yaḥyā (René Guénon), qu’il mit en perspective directe avec la doctrine du Chayk al-Akbar. L’article se compose de trois parties. La première est consacrée à la figure du Chaykh et son itinéraire spirituel, depuis la Roumanie chrétienne jusqu’à son entrée en Islam et son initiation au Taṣawwuf, au sein duquel il exercera la fonction de maître spirituel durant plus 24 ans. La deuxième partie aborde son apport doctrinal à travers quelques-unes des notions fondamentales qu’il exposa, comme la conception métaphysique du cœur en tant que lieu de la Connaissance divine, la réalité ésotérique du Prophète Muhammad (Paix et Bénédictions Sur Lui), le symbolisme islamique ou encore la science des lettres. La dernière partie se focalise sur deux de ses contributions les plus importantes : son analyse de la fonction spirituelle de Chaykh ‘Abd al-Wāḥid (René Guénon) dans le rétablissement de la perspective traditionnelle en Occident et la restauration d’une élite intellectuelle, ainsi que son article sur l’orthodoxie islamique de René Guénon et sa parfaite conformité au Tawḥīd le plus pur.
Michel Vâlsan - Chaykh Muṣṭafā ‘Abd al-‘Azīz
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SYMBOLIC INTERPRETATION AND ALLUSIVE EXEGESIS IN MYSTICAL THOUGHT: A CRITICAL ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE APPROACHES OF AL-HALLAJ AND AL-NIFFARI
This research critically analyzes the methodology of allusive interpretation and symbolic exegesis in Islamic mystical thought, using the works of Al-Husayn ibn Mansur Al-Hallaj (d. 309 AH) and Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Jabbar Al-Niffari (d. 354 AH) as case studies. The aim is to shed light on the distinctive methodological and intellectual characteristics of these two Sufi scholars' interpretations and to analyze the semantic and symbolic dimensions in their exegesis of religious texts and spiritual experiences. The research hypothesis is that allusive interpretation and symbolic expression form a fundamental pillar in Al-Hallaj and Al-Niffari's exegetical approach. They employed metaphorical language and esoteric allusions as tools to uncover profound meanings and spiritual subtleties that transcend the apparent denotations of words. The study traces the roots of this approach in the Sufi tradition and examines its key features and applications in selected texts from Al-Hallaj's sayings and Al-Niffari's Makhātibāt. The research adopts a critical analytical methodology. It explicates and analyzes the theoretical foundations and intellectual premises underpinning Sufi allusive exegesis. It also discusses some methodological issues raised by Al-Hallaj and Al-Niffari's interpretations, such as the problem of ambiguity and obscurity in expression and the possibility of ecstatic utterances that deviate from the apparent meaning of religious texts. Furthermore, the research aims to evaluate the extent to which this approach aligns with the principles of interpretation in Islamic thought and its contribution to enriching the exegetical tradition with new insights and profound meanings. The research concludes that Al-Hallaj and Al-Niffari's approach of allusive interpretation and symbolic exegesis represents an important trend in Islamic mystical thought. It reflects a serious attempt to fathom the depths of religious texts and explore their esoteric contents beyond superficial meanings. Despite the difficulties and challenges inherent in this approach, it remains a testament to the richness and profundity of the Sufi experience and an example of the dynamic interaction of Islamic thought with new horizons of interpretation and exegesis.
Reda Muhammad Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Shatiri
IBN ARABI'S EPISTLE TO AL-RAZI: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY
This research aims to shed light on the long-standing dialectic between theology (ilm al-kalam) and mysticism (ilm al-irfan) by examining an epistle sent by the eminent mystic Ibn Arabi to the renowned theologian Fakhr al-Din al-Razi. The study addresses key contentious issues that occupy the minds of those interested in these two disciplines and attempts to bridge the gaps hindering the understanding of the mystics' discourse. The first chapter discusses the criticisms leveled by Sheikh al-Kawthari against Imam al-Razi. The second chapter examines Ibn Arabi's epistle to al-Razi, tackling the main problems al-Razi encountered in his writings. The research endeavors to interpret al-Razi's words in a manner acceptable from both legal and rational perspectives. It also addresses the main objections raised by Ibn Arabi's opponents, particularly concerning the concept of the unity of existence (wahdat al-wujud), clarifying its meaning and demonstrating that it does not entail disbelief or heresy. The study further explores Ibn Arabi's view on the nature and form of divine punishment and the importance of reason from his perspective. The research concludes that this study contributes to alleviating the tension and excessive sensitivity towards the mystics' discourse, opening the door for better understanding, although it cannot single-handedly unravel the ambiguity of their terminology completely. It also finds that Ibn Arabi does not deny the importance of reason, but he believes that reason has limits that should not be transgressed. The study recommends conducting further research on this topic to bridge the gap between theology and mysticism.
THE TREATISE "AL-KIFĀYAH IN RESPONSE TO THE PEOPLE OF MISGUIDANCE" OR "THE EPISTLE OF GOD'S RULING" BY IMAM AL-RĀʾID MUḤAMMAD ZAKĪ IBRĀHĪM (MAY ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON HIM): A STUDY AND CRITICAL EDITION
This research presents a study and critical edition of the treatise Al-Kifāyah in Response to the People of Misguidance or The Epistle of God's Ruling by Imam al-Rāʾid Muḥammad Zakī Ibrāhīm (may Allah have mercy on him), which is considered a significant work in Islamic Sufi thought. The aim is to provide a reliable scholarly edition of the text, including its authentication and the sourcing of its Hadiths, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology. The study consists of an introduction, two chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction addresses the importance of the topic, reasons for its selection, the research problem, objectives, previous studies, methodology, and structure. The first chapter reviews the biography of Imam al-Rāʾid Muḥammad Zakī Ibrāhīm, while the second chapter is dedicated to the critical edition of the treatise. The study concluded with several findings and recommendations, most notably that Imam Muḥammad Zakī al-Dīn Ibrāhīm represents a model of a Sufi scholar deeply versed in the sciences of his time and a pioneer in Sufi reform. It emphasized that the correct Sufi path is that which aligns with the Qur'an and the Sunnah, regardless of adherence to Sufi sheikhs, as worship is bound by the limits of Sharia. It also highlighted that exploiting religion for worldly gains is among the gravest prohibitions in Islam, such as feigning sainthood or calling to Allah out of a desire for fame and increasing followers, and other worldly pursuits.
FROM THE SUFI HERITAGE TREASURESA TREATISE ON SHARIA, TARIQA, AND HAQIQA BY NAJM AL-DIN AL-KUBRA (D. 618 AH)A STUDY AND CRITICAL EDITION
This study aims to critically edit and analyze the treatise "Al-Sharīʿa wa-al-Ṭarīqa wa-al-Ḥaqīqa" by Imām Najm al-Dīn al-Kubrá (d. 618 AH), one of the most prominent works in the Islamic Sufi tradition. The research seeks to highlight the importance of the treatise and the scholarly status of its author, while presenting a critically edited version of the text following the scientific methodology used in manuscript editing. The research consists of an introduction, three chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter introduces Imām Najm al-Dīn al-Kubrá, his biography, and scholarly standing. The second chapter is dedicated to studying the treatise in terms of its title, attribution, and manuscripts. The third chapter includes the textual critical edition of the treatise based on a rigorous scientific approach. The study concludes that the treatise "Al-Sharīʿa wa-al-Ṭarīqa wa-al-Ḥaqīqa" represents one of the foundational texts in the Sufi heritage, affirming the authenticity of Sufism within Islamic thought. The study also highlights that the Sufi path necessitates the combination of Sharīʿa, Ṭarīqa, and Ḥaqīqa, and that the wayfarer's journey is incomplete without adherence to these pillars together.
SAINTHOOD IN RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN EGYPTIAN AND PAKISTANI SUFI MODELS
This comparative study explores the concept of sainthood within Egyptian and Pakistani Sufi traditions from the 20th century onward. While Sufism has significantly shaped the religious and cultural landscapes of both regions, the expression of sainthood in each context reveals both commonalities and unique distinctions. The study examines key dimensions of sainthood, including political engagement, social activism, religious authority, spirituality, ascetic practices, the role of female saints, shrine culture, miracles, and the influence of charisma. Through a systematic comparison, the paper uncovers notable similarities, such as the establishment of shrines, the observance of annual festivals, the emphasis on asceticism and piety, and the belief in saints' spiritual guidance and blessings. At the same time, it identifies important differences, particularly in the terminology used, the geographical extent of saints' influence, and attitudes toward mystical traditions in other religions. The study argues that a comparative approach provides a valuable framework for fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between these distinct Sufi communities. By examining the interconnections between South Asian and Middle Eastern Sufi traditions, this research contributes to the broader field of comparative cultural studies and deepens scholarly discussions on Sufism and sainthood across diverse cultural contexts.