Contribution of Imam Qushairi in the field of Tasawwuf A research review

Abstract

The Holy Qur’an is last divine book of righteousness for mankind. Allah Almighty has himself ensured its security and sanctity. This article discusses about the contributions of Imam Abdul Karim Bin Hawazan Qushairi in the field of Tasawwuf. It reveals the linguistic and terminological nature and evolution of tasawwuf as well.Some orientalists always endeavored to make objections and allegations on Tasawwuf and its source and tried to prove that Sufism does not belong to Islam. The capital sources of the Tasawwuf and Sufism are the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم). This article explains that the real sources of Tasawwuf are Holy Qur’an and traditions of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم). Tasawwuf has been explained in this article with examples from Qur’an and Hadith. Opinions of Sufi masters have been included especially, with reference to Sheikh Qushairi Rahmat-ullah Alaihe. Important Books written about Tasawwuf have also been discussed briefly. Many other Sufism writers’ opinions have also been written in this topic. Especially, Qushairi’s books, Al-Risala Al-Qushairiyah and tafseer Lataif-ul-Esharaat, examples and interpretations given in this article from Qushairi’s books. Qushairi has been source of many Sufi masters and his books Al Risala Qusharia and Tafseer Lataif ul Esharaat has been basic source of Tasawwuf.