Ibn Taymiyya's attitude towards Sufism and his critique of Ibn Al-'Arabi's mystical philosophy

Abstract

This study is primarily concerned with Ibn Taymiyya's attitude towards the theory. and practice of the süfis, and his critique of the doctrines of Ibn al-'Arabi, the chief spokesman of the süfis, who has transformed süfism into a kind of mystical philosophy.

The introduction attempts to discuss the life and reform movement of Ibn Taymiyya and the state of süfism before and during his time. It also discusses the role of the süfi shaykhs in his period and the influences of süfism, especially the factors that had motivated people to accept süfism. Chapter one has been devoted to the. discussion of his creed of Hama, which outlines his anthropomorphic teachings and its repercussion in the response of his enemies, the süfis. A detailed discussion of Ibn al-'Arabi's doctrine of -wahdat al-wujüd and al-a'YRn al-thäbita, and Ibn Taymiyya's subsequent criticism, has been presented in chapter two. Chapter three discusses Ibn Taymiyya's attitude towards the süfi brotherhoods. Chapter four studies süfl practices such as dhikr, sama and raqs. Chapter five deals with Ibn Taymiyya's interpretation of some mystical ideas, the concept of wilaya and his critique of the süfi hierarchy. Chapter six deals with Ibn Taymiyya's criticism of the popular practices associated with visitation of tombs and his doctrines concerning such points as, intercession. The thesis concludes with a summary of Ibn Taymiyya's attitude towards sufism.