The Attitude of Ibn Arabi towards the Early Sufists

Abstract

The criticism of Sufism is considered as one of the most controversial issues in Islamic historiography. This is due to the ramifications of Sufism and the multiplicity of its themes and schools. Thus, the study of its beginnings and comparing them with the dangerous deviations of late Sufis is a matter of great importance, as it clarifies the outcome of late Sufis. This research concluded with the radical difference between Sufi sheikhs and Ibn Arabi, as a model of this great disparity. As a result, Ibn Arabi explained in his response to them the extent of the great deviation of Sufism. Accordingly, serious outcomes appeared in monotheism concept and faith matters.