Author: M. Asim Esmayel Zahi
Sufism and Mysticism (Part 6)
The Classes of Mystics and Sufis from the Second to the Tenth Century AH
Second Century
1. Hasan al-Basri: The history of formal mysticism, like theology, begins with Hasan al-Basri [died in 110 AHS]. Born in 22 AHS, Hasan lived for eighty-eight years, with ninety years of his life spent in the first century of Islam. He was not called a “Sufi”; however, he is considered among the Sufis for several reasons:
– First, he authored a book titled *Ri’ayat Huquq Allah* (Observing the Rights of Allah), which is regarded as possibly the first book on Sufism. A unique manuscript of this work is housed in Oxford.
– Nicholson claims, “The first Muslim to write on the true Sufi way of life was Hasan al-Basri, who described a path to reach higher spiritual ranks that later writers outlined: beginning with repentance, followed by a series of practices, each sequentially undertaken to achieve higher spiritual states.”
– Second, certain Sufi orders trace their lineage back to Hasan al-Basri, who had encountered seventy companions of Badr.
– Third, some stories suggest Hasan was practically involved in groups later known as “Sufis.”
2. Malik ibn Dinar: From Basra, he passed away in 131 AHS.
3. Ibrahim ibn Adham: A native of Balkh, his story resembles the well-known tale of Buddha. It is said he initially ruled Balkh, but certain events led him to repentance, and he joined the ranks of the mystics. Ibrahim died in 161 AHS.
4. Rabi’a al-Adawiyya: Originally from either Egypt or Basra, Rabi’a was known as a remarkable figure. She was named “Rabi’a” as she was the fourth daughter in her family. Rabi’a al-Adawiyya is distinct from Rabi’a al-Shamiya, another contemporary mystic of Jami, who lived in the ninth century. Rabi’a al-Adawiyya is famous for her profound words, poems, and remarkable states of mystic experience. A story is told about Hasan al-Basri, Malik ibn Dinar, and another visitor who came to see her, which is quite interesting. She passed away around 135-136 AH, though some say she died between 180-185 AH.
5. Abu Hashim al-Kufi the Sufi: Originally from Syria, where he was born and lived, his date of death remains unknown. However, it is known that he was the teacher of Sufyan al-Thawri [d. 161 AH]. He is reported to be the first person to be called “Sufi.” Sufyan is said to have remarked, “If it weren’t for Abu Hashim, I would not have known what hypocrisy was.”
6. Shaqiq al-Balkhi: A disciple of Ibrahim ibn Adham, he passed away in one of the years 153, 174, or 184 AHS.
7. Ma’ruf al-Karkhi: Hailing from Baghdad’s Karkh, Ma’ruf is among the well-known mystics. Many Sufi orders claim their lineage to Ma’ruf, hence the name *Silsilat al-Dhahab* (Golden Chain). His death is reported around 200-206 AH.
8. Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad: Initially a highway robber, it is said that he was moved to repentance upon hearing a verse of the Qur’an one night while attempting a robbery. The book *Misbah al-Shari’a* is attributed to him. Fudayl passed away in 187 AHS.
Continues…
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