The Ranks of Mystics and Sufis from the 2nd to the 10th Century AH
3rd Century
1. Bayazid Bastami (Tayfur ibn Esa): One of the eminent mystics, originally from Bastam. He is said to be the first to openly speak of “Fana fi Allah” and “Baqa bi Allah”. Bayazid stated, “I emerged from Bayazid as a snake sheds its skin.” He passed away in 261 AHS.
2. Bashar al-Hafi: A renowned mystic from Baghdad whose ancestors were from Merv. Initially indulging in sinful behavior, he later repented and became known as Hafi (“barefoot”), as he repented while walking barefoot. Some attribute his nickname to other reasons. He passed away around 226-227 AH.
3. Sari al-Saqati: A mystic from Baghdad and a companion of Bishr al-Hafi. Known for his compassion and altruism, Ibn Khalkan narrates in *Wafayat al-A’yan* that Sari said, “For 30 years, I have sought forgiveness (Astaghfirullah)for uttering the words ‘Alhamdulillah’ (Praise be to Allah).” When asked why, he explained: “One night, a fire broke out in the market. I came out to see if my shop was safe. Upon hearing it was unharmed, I said, ‘Alhamdulillah,’ but then realized that I should have been concerned for the Muslims at large, not just my own shop.”
Saadi refers to a similar story:
“One night, fire consumed half of Baghdad.
A man thanked God, saying his shop was spared.
A wise man rebuked him, ‘How selfish of you!
Would you approve if the city burns,
As long as your shop remains safe by its side?'”
Sari was a disciple of Ma’ruf al-Karkhi and the uncle and mentor of Junayd Baghdadi. He delivered profound insights on divine love and unity, saying: “The mystic shines upon the world like the sun, bears the good and bad like the earth, revives hearts like water, and illuminates like fire.” Sari passed away between 245-250 AH at the age of 96.
4. Harith al-Muhasibi: Originally from Basra, he was a companion of Junayd. Known for his emphasis on self-reckoning, he was nicknamed Muhasibi. Contemporary with Ahmad ibn Hanbal, he faced rejection from the public due to his engagement with speculative theology (kalam), which Ahmad opposed. Harith passed away in 243 AHS.
5. Junayd Baghdadi: Revered by mystics as Sayyid al-Ta’ifa (Master of the Order), Junayd was a moderate Sufi who even avoided wearing the Sufi garb. When asked to don the khirqah (Sufi cloak) for his followers’ sake, he replied: “If garments had any power, I would make them from molten iron. But the truth says, «لیس الاعتبار بالخرقة، انما الاعتبار بالحرقة» ‘It is not the cloak but the (harqah) that matters.'” Junayd was the nephew, disciple, and student of Sari al-Saqati and also studied under Harith al-Muhasibi. He passed away in 297 AHS at the age of 90.
6. Dhu al-Nun al-Misri: A mystic from Egypt and a student of Malik ibn Anas in jurisprudence (Figh). Jami refers to him as the leader of the Sufis. He was the first to employ symbolic language in mystical teachings, a practice that gradually became common. He passed away between 240-250 AHS.
7. Sahl ibn Abdullah al-Tustari: A prominent mystic from Shushtar, he founded the Sahlia school of mystics, which emphasizes self-discipline. He met Dhu al-Nun al-Misri in Mecca and passed away between 283-293 AH.
8. Husayn ibn Mansur al-Hallaj: Originally from Bayda near Shiraz, he was raised in Iraq. Hallaj is one of the most controversial mystics of the Islamic era, accused of heresy and claiming divinity. Declared an apostate by jurists, he was executed during the Abbasid reign. Other mystics also criticized him for revealing spiritual secrets, as Hafiz alludes:
“He who was raised to the gallows high,
His only fault was revealing the divine.”
While some dismissed him as a charlatan, others excused his seemingly heretical statements as utterances made in a state of ecstasy. Mystics refer to him as a “martyr.” Hallaj was executed in 306 or 309 AHS.
