Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya's approach to sufısm

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya (d. 751/1350) was a versatile and significant Islamic scholar of the 13th century, renowned for his expertise in fiqh, aqidah, exegesis, language, history, and Sufism. He can be regarded as a polymath of his time and is often referred to as a "phenomenon of the era." He developed himself to become a proficient and devoted scholar, deeply immersed in worship. He was influenced by al-Ghazālī (v. 505/1111) and, like him, he struggled with his teacher and comrade Ibn Taymiyya (v. 728/1328) against the corruptions of his time by striving for the project of ihyā'. Ibn al-Qayyim's scholarly and practical methodology directs attention towards the words of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to whom those words were addressed, and his initial successors, the Companions, as well as those who followed them. Simultaneously, he seeks solutions against the signs of decadence in his time by attempting to transfer and adapt the practices of the righteous predecessors (salaf al-salihin) to his era, considering the changing norms, times, and circumstances. While doing so, he emphasizes the need to consider the effects of custom, time, and changing conditions. Ibn al-Qayyim's scholarly and practical methodology directs attention towards the words of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to whom those words were addressed, and his initial successors, the Companions, as well as those who followed them. Simultaneously, he seeks solutions against the signs of decadence in his time by attempting to transfer and adapt the practices of the righteous predecessors (salaf al-salih) to his era, considering the changing norms, times, and circumstances. While doing so, he emphasizes the need to consider the effects of custom, time, and changing conditions. However, although he is not a sufi, he explains Sufism in a qualified way with its positive and negative aspects, proves it with its jurisprudential aspect, defends it with its theological aspect, and presents the background of Sufism with its historian aspect. This study primarily aims to present Ibn al-Qayyim's positive and negative perspectives on Sufism through evidence, particularly by drawing from his works. Additionally, the study examines the geographical, socio-political context, scholarly environment, sufis mentioned in his works, and sufi-related concepts that shape his approach to Sufism. Furthermore, the study evaluates the opinions shared by Ibn al-Qayyim on the stations of the Sufi path and the subtleties of the journey, as depicted in his critical commentary on al-Harawi's Menazil al-sairin and his own seminal Sufi work Madarij al-salikin. The aspects he critiques in Sufism, his observations, concessions, and what he deems contrary to monotheism are also presented, thus providing insight into his approach to Sufism.