Sahl b. Abd Allah at-Tustari's (d. 283/896) understanding of sufism

It is among the most important issues of contemporary research in early Sufism that how the Sufis spread in Islamic society in the very beginning. One of the most accurate ways to settle this issue is to focus on prominent Sufis who effect this process. Therefore in this study, Sahl b. Abd Allah at-Tustari (d. 283/896), one of the most important figures in the history of the early Sufism, has been examined. Sahl at-Tustari's life and works are discussed in Part One. In III / IX. century Sahl at-Tustari has traveled many parts of the Islamic world including Basra, Tustar, Egypt, Mecca and Iraq. Zünnûn was one of major figures he met and trained with. Sahl's commentary on Qur'an was reached today and represents one of the earliest examples of mystical exegesis tradition. The second and third parts discussed Sahl's mysticism on certain issues. In this respect Sahl's understanding about mystical states, self, practical methods to educate the soul, knowledge and ingenuity, tawhid and fana were examined. As a result of this work, it has been identified that Sahl b. Abdullah at-Tustari played an important role in the process of tasawwuf taking part in religious sciences and struggling with heretic movements among the Sufis.