Comparative analysis of the understanding of knowledge in theology and mysticism

In this study, the understanding of knowledge in theology and Sufism before al-Ghazālī is analyzed comparatively. In the study, the Qur'anic foundations, objectivity and certainty of the thought system of each of the two sciences are discussed in light of their diametrically opposed views on knowledge. The approach of both sciences to knowledge is discussed under the headings of the definition of knowledge, its types, sources, methods of obtaining it, and its value, and these sections are explained with a descriptive method. In the comparison section, a critical approach is preferred. In this context, the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, the epistemological value of the senses and intellect, and the conditions for the use of news are compared through the two sciences, and it is understood that kalām is the closest to the Qur'ān's understanding, yet it lacks the sensory dimension of religion. It is understood that kalām is more meticulous and detailed in its treatment of the subjects and establishes an epistemology from scratch, whereas Sufism, in addition to the views of kalām, assigns the functions of the intellect to the heart and the functions of the intellect to the path of asr al-sulūf. As a result, the two sciences adopted completely opposite methods by addressing the relationship between God, the universe and human beings from different perspectives, and in the last period, Sufism's claim to be an alternative science to kalām emerged. However, it was found that Sufism did not establish an epistemology, but rather added to the existing, and these additions did not meet the criteria of being objective and controllable. For this reason, it is concluded that although Sufism develops theories on ethics, it should be subject to theology and fiqh in matters of faith and deeds.