Relationship of Ash'aris with sufism during the formation process(h.3-5 centuries )

The 5th/11th century stands out as a period in which the relationship between Asharism and Sufism was strongly felt. Studies on subject often focus on the period from this time onward. However, the relationship between Asharism and Sufism has typically been examined through the Ashʿarī perspective, which has led to a one-dimensional approach to the issue. In reality, when considering the historical process, it becomes evident that the connections between the two systems, influenced by their own internal dynamics, extend further back in time. In this sense, it is understood that the relationship in question has a multifaceted nature. Our study aims to approach the matter from this perspective. By utilizing the methods of Islamic Sectarian History, we have attempted to depict the historical process of the relationship between the two systems. In the research, an effort was made to reveal the historical process of the relationship between the two structures by taking into account the methods of the History of Islamic Sectarians discipline. Research consists of an introduction and three sections. The introduction provides general information about the historical development of Asharism and Sufism. In the first section primarily addresses the relationships among Sufi groups. Different interactions between in Sufi groups, both negative and positive, draw attention as an important issue in the emergence of the Asharis' relationship with Sufism. In particular, the spread of Baghdad Sufism in the Khorasan region, which integrated its scholarly character in the understanding of Sufism in the region. The inclusion of theological discourse within Sufism in this context is also significant. The second section discusses the fiqh and kalam elements that serve as a bridge between the two systems. It has been observed that Shafi'ism holds a dominant position within both Asharism and Sufism from a fiqh perspective. The fact that Shafiism, which is active among Sufi groups, has a more theological aspect is an important factor in the relationship between both structures. In this way, aimed to identify the factors that triggered the Asharis' relationship with Sufism and influenced its development. In the third section, the historical process of the relationship between Ash'aris' relationship with Sufism was tried to be determined, based on the previously determined findings. This relationship had different consequences, both theoretical and social. Keywords: Islamic Sectarians History, Sufism, Asharism, Kalam, Fıqh, Basra, Baghdad, Khorasan