An examination of the murshid-murid relationship within the framework of the spiritual journey (seyr-u süluk): The case of Rūh al-bayān

In Sufism, the one who sets out on the path with the aim of attaining union with God (ḥaqq) is called the murīd, while the qualified guide who leads him on this journey is referred to as the murshid. The method employed for the murīds to reach this goal is known as sulūk (spiritual journey). Within this process, the murshid and the murīd constitute the two essential dimensions. Dynamics such as companionship (ṣuḥba), inspiration (ilhām), and sainthood (walāya) are associated with the murshid, whereas repentance (tawba), remembrance (dhikr), and retreat (khalwa) are connected with the murīd. While the murshid provides guidance to the murīd through these dynamics, the murīd, in turn, seeks to achieve self-discipline in accordance with the murshid's directions. This reciprocal relationship is shaped around the process of sulūk. İsmāʿīl Ḥaqqī Bursevī (d. 18th century), one of the leading shaykhs of the Jalwatī order, elaborated on this relationship in detail in his allegorical Qur'anic commentary Rūḥ al-bayān. In this study, the fundamental concepts of sulūk, murshid, and murīd are first examined in the light of Sufi literature; then, the subtopics related to these concepts are analyzed within the framework of Rūḥ al-bayān, with a particular focus on the murshid–murīd relationship. Accordingly, remaining faithful to the exegetical content, Bursevī's understanding of sulūk has been identified. Alongside the murshid's guiding tools such as companionship and inspiration, the murīd's disciplinary elements such as repentance, remembrance, and retreat have also been investigated. In this way, the murshid–murīd relationship has been presented through the interaction between the murshid's instruments of guidance and the murīd's elements of discipline. From this perspective, the study aims to contribute to the effort of understanding the fundamental dynamics of Sufism within the tradition of allegorical Qur'anic exegesis, while also providing researchers interested in Rūḥ al-bayān with a fresh perspective.