Faith in Sufi thought

This thesis deals with the historical, moral and social aspects of the concept of al-infaq by focusing on the Sufi dimension of İslâmîc thought. As one of the basic building blocks of İslâmîc ethics, the concept of infaq has a profound significance in terms of both individual purification and social solidarity. In this thesis, the usage of the concept of infaq in the Qur'an, its place in the hadiths, and especially its depth of meâning in the Sufi tradition are analyzed comprehensively. It is emphasized that infaq is not only limited to material aid, but also includes the sharing of one's knowledge, time and talent with others. The study also discusses in detail the relationship of giving with the belief in tawhid and the role it plays in the context of self-training. It is stated that the consciousness of tawhid is a direct incentive for giving and that giving is an effective spiritual practice in the process of purifying the soul. In this context, infaq is evaluated not only as a moral attitude but also as a form of worship that ensures the individual-society balance, which is one of the main goals of İslâm.