Understanding of the epistemology in the Sufism and the Shia (From its birth until V/XI. century)

In this thesis, the understanding of epistemology perspectives of both Sufism and Shia in the first five centuries of the Hijra era have been comparatively investigated. In this work the epistemology of the two schools has been questioned that they are based on the same root. The comparison of the understanding of epistemology from Sufism and Shia perspectives will bring an answer to question of "Does Sufism equal to Shia?" In order to answer aforementioned question and find out the relationship between these two school of thoughts, this thesis compared Walayah with Imamate. When we considering the fact that Walayah and Imamate almost have similar meanings with regards to understanding of knowledge, we could come to a conclusion that it is possible to put people, who were accepted as Imam in Shia belief, into Wali class in Sufism. This thesis were subjected to the knowledge-holder based classification. In this context, divine knowledge and human knowledge were examined respectively with regards to both school of thoughts. It is found that, during the first period, both Sufis and Shia had similar statements regarding to divine knowledge. However, due to the development of Sufism through Ahl as-Sunnah belief as well as the development of Shia towards Mu'tazila sect in the following periods, it is seen that difference of opinions emerged between these two school of thoughts. It is determined that, both Sufism and Shia approached human knowledge in terms of Commons, Notables and Leaders difference. In this context, it can be said that, Shia's differentiation of Imam-Commons is the projection of Sufi's classification of Wali-Commons. It is found that, regarding to scope of human knowledge both Sufism and Shia beliefs almost share similar directions. Kalam scholars agree that human knowledge has three sources which are senses, mind and truth; and these sources are used by people in general as methods in order to acquire religious knowledge. Apart from senses, mind and truth Prophets have different sources of knowledge. From this point of view, it is revealed that the source of knowledge for Wali and Imam, who are accepted as religious leaders respectively in Sufism and Shia beliefs, are different than common people. In other words, Sufism and Shia thoughts are almost similar in this context. For example, both school of thoughts stated that dreams, wahy, inspiration and kashf are the sources of knowledge for religious leaders. It is appeared that the difference between Sufism and Shia in this respect is the religious bindingness of the knowledge which acquired from extraordinary sources. It seen that, this difference only exist in theoretical framework and it does not have any significant use in practice. Although both school of thoughts share similar roots, it is obvious that they have different directions. For that reason, it is accepted that the Shia's understanding of hadith causes this difference. Keywords: Epistemology, Divine knowledge, Human knowledge, Walayah, Imam