Author: M. Asim Esmayel Zahi
Sufism and Mysticism (Part Eight)
Classes of Mystics and Sufis from the Second to the Tenth Century AH
4th Century AH
1. Abu Bakr Shibli: A disciple and devotee of Junayd al-Baghdadi, Shibli also encountered Hallaj and is regarded as one of the prominent figures in Sufism. Khwaja Abdullah Ansari remarked: “The first to speak in symbols was Dhu al-Nun al-Misri. When Junayd arrived, he organized and expanded this knowledge, authoring works in this discipline. When it was Shibli’s turn, he brought this knowledge to the pulpits.” Shibli passed away at the age of 87, between 334 and 344 AH.
2. Abu Ali Rudbari: A disciple of Junayd, Abu Ali Rudbari studied jurisprudence under Abu al-Abbas ibn Shuraih and literature under Tha’lab. He is described as a unifier of Sharia, Tariqa, and Haqiqa (law, spiritual path, and truth). He passed away in 322 AH.
3. Abu Nasr al-Sarraj al-Tusi: The author of the famous book *al-Luma*, which is considered one of the earliest and most authentic texts on Sufism and mysticism. He passed away in Tus in 378 AH. Many spiritual masters were his direct or indirect disciples. Some claim that the grave known as “Pir-e Palanduz” in Mashhad is his tomb (with “Sarraj” meaning saddle-maker).
4. Abu al-Fadl Sarakhsi: A scholar from Khorasan, he was a disciple of Abu Nasr al-Sarraj and a mentor to Abu Sa’id Abu’l-Khayr, a renowned mystic. He passed away in 400 AH.
5. Abu Abdullah Rudbari: A nephew of Abu Ali Rudbari, he is considered one of the mystics from Sham (Greater Syria). He passed away in 369 AH.
6. Abu Talib al-Makki: Best known for his book *Qut al-Qulub* (Nourishment of the Hearts), a seminal work in Sufism and mysticism. This book has been published and remains an important and authentic text. He passed away in either 385 or 386 AH.
5th Century AH
1. Sheikh Abul Hasan Kharghani: One of the most famous mystics, he is attributed with many amazing stories. It is said that he would visit the grave of Bayazid Bastami, communicate with his spirit, and solve his own problems. Rumi mentions him frequently in the *Masnavi*, expressing his devotion to him. It is said that he met Abu Ali Sina, the famous philosopher, and Abu Sa’id Abu’l-Khayr, the notable mystic. He died in 425 AH.
2. Abu Sa’id Abu al-Khayr Neyshaburi: He is one of the most renowned and revered mystics, known for his collections of ghazals. When asked, “What is Sufism?” he replied: “Sufism is to give what is in your head, give what is in your hand, and take what comes to you.” He also met Abu Ali Sina.
3. Abu Ali Daqaq Neyshaburi: Considered a comprehensive scholar of Sharia and Tariqa, he was a preacher and commentator on the Quran. He was often seen weeping during prayers, earning him the nickname “the Weeping Sheikh.” He died between 405 and 412 AH.
4. Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Usman Hajwiri Ghaznavi: The author of *Kashf al-Mahjoob*, which is one of the notable texts of this sect. He died in 470 AH.
5. Khwaja Abdullah Ansari: Of Arab descent and a descendant of Abu Ayyub Ansari, the famous Sahaba of the Prophet, Khwaja Abdullah is one of the most famous and revered mystics. He is known for his concise prayers and beautiful quatrains, like the following lines:
“In childhood, meanness! In youth, drunkenness! In old age, laziness! So when will you worship Allah?”
One of his quatrain’s states:
“It is a great fault to elevate oneself above the ranks of others, to choose oneself;
One should learn to see everyone and not see oneself above those he has seen.”
Khwaja Abdullah was born in Herat and died there in 481 AH, earning him the title “Elder of Herat.” He authored many books, the most famous being *Manazil al-Sa’irin*, which serves as a textbook on the spiritual journey and conduct; numerous commentaries have been written on it.
6. Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali al-Tusi: One of the most renowned scholars of his time, he eventually became the head of the Baghdad Military University and held the highest spiritual position of his era. However, he felt unfulfilled and withdrew from society to engage in self-purification. He spent ten years in Jerusalem, away from his acquaintances, turning toward mysticism and Sufism and never held a position again until his death. He wrote the famous book *Ihya’ Ulum al-Din* following his period of asceticism, and he died in Tus, his homeland, in 505 AH.
6th Century
1. Ayn al-Qudāt al-Hamdānī: One of the passionate mystics, he was a disciple of Ahmad al-Ghazali, the younger brother of Muhammad al-Ghazali, also a mystic. He authored many works and died around 525-533 AH.
2. Sanāʾī al-Ghaznavi: A famous poet known for deeply mystical poetry, Rumi characterized and explained his sayings in the *Masnavi*. Sanāʾī al-Ghaznavi died in the latter half of the 6th century.
3. Ahmad Jāmī: Known as “Zhandeh-e-Pil,” he is recognized as one of the most famous mystics and Sufis; his tomb is in Torbat al-Jām (near the Iran-Afghanistan border). Among his poems, he expresses thoughts on fear and greed with the following couplet:
“Do not be afraid that men have killed each other in the desert wilderness;
Do not be discouraged that the drunkards have suddenly reached home with a song.”
Ahmad Jami died around 536 AH.
4. Abdul Qadir Gilani: Born in northern Iran but having lived and died in Baghdad, he is buried there. Some consider him to be from “Jil” of Baghdad rather than “Jilan” (Gilan). A controversial figure in the Islamic world, he is attributed with founding the Qadiriyya Sufi order. He died between 560-561 AH.
Continues…
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