Sufism as seen by Ibn Taymiya, Al-Shatibi and Ibn Badis – Correcting Misconceptions –

Abstract

Many people, students of knowledge and those belonging to the Salafi trend believe that
Sufism is a foreign introduction to Islam and that these Sufis are nothing but innovators,
deviants and heretics. This judgement is generalised to anyone associated with Sufism without
distinction. They often quote the statements of some scholars who are known among Muslims
for their adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, for following the righteous predecessors, and
for fighting innovations and innovators. Among these scholars are Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Shatibi,
and Ibn Badis (may Allah have mercy on them), whose words they often use to condemn Sufism
and its people.
However, it seems that they have read the books of these scholars in a biased manner, with
preconceived ideas and in a selective manner, picking and choosing what they want and not
understanding their ideas in context. The truth that this research has reached is that these
scholars considered Sunni Sufism based on the Qur’an and Sunnah as a necessary religious
science, and their attitude towards Sufism was fair and just. They did not pass a general
judgement of acceptance or rejection on all Sufis, but rather accepted, praised and commended
the Sufi Shaykhs who adhered to Islamic law, and condemned the innovators and heretics who
deviated from the law. This research aims to clarify this issue.