Sufis = “woolly ones” = Muslim mystics zuhd = ascetic piety Hasan of Basra (d. 728) Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855) wali = friend (of God)

Sufi Methods and Characteristics Retirement from world and meditation Spiritual orientation for life incl. disregard for others’ views of Sufi, trust in God, living only in moment, not taking opportunities that were not clearly divine blessings Sought to love God for Himself alone Ascetic lifestyle

salat (ritual prayer) al-Haqq (the Truth, that which is right)

al-Bistami (d. 874) al-Junayd (d. 910) fana’ (passing away)baqa’ (continuance) al-Hallaj (d. 922) “ana al-haqq” = “I am the Truth”

maqam = level of training or growth hal = “state” i.e. transitory experience seen as gift from God shaykh/pir = Sufi master dhikr = chanting of ritual phrases to attain mystical state sama’ = listening to music or poetry composed for God

Farid al-Din Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ‘Attar Persian mystical poet, pharmacist and doctor b. 1119, d. betw and 1230 Wrote variety of poetic and prose works on various themes, incl. epic tales & relation of individual to God, esp. from mystical perspective Tadhkirat al-Awliya - book of biographies of Muslim saints and mystics

Hasan of Basra ( ) Former soldier turned mystic. Respected moral teacher Got into periodic trouble with rulers because was critical of them Advocate of purity of intention in religious observance

Rabi‘a al-Adawiyya (d. betw. 752 and 801) Lived in Basra from early age, but buried outside Jerusalem Extended Hasan’s ideas on purity of intention, especially with regard to purity of intent in individual’s love for God

Al-Hallaj (c ) Originally from Fars in Persia. Travelled widely, incl. many years as missionary. Eventually settled in Baghdad Had reputation as miracle-worker that gained him large following Insisted that religious rituals were of secondary importance to their inner meaning and inner piety Executed after accused of claiming to be God