Sufi Literature and Poetry

As has been previously mentioned, earlier Sufism was based on an oral tradition, but around 1000 AD, its teachings and doctrines were put into writing. For the next four centuries, Sufi literature flourished in the form of manuals, mystical tales and anecdotes, treatises on Islamic theology, philosophy, metaphysics and mystical poetry.

Sufi manuals were for the instruction and practice of new "initiates," in various orders. They took a form of "master-disciple" instruction on correct behaviour and conduct within the order. They also dealt with strict "obedience" to the master, methods of "dhikr" and meditation, and also with piety and devotion to God. A famous classical manual is by IBN ARABI called, "Journey to the Lord of Power," which is a handbook on spiritual retreat.

Tales and anecdotes in the form of literature are really meant as "teaching tales," with the purpose of driving home a moral or mystical point. Some of the tales are elaborate and allegorical in their content. A classical example is ATTAR's "Conference of the Birds," and SA'DI's "The Rose Garden," and many others by Arabic and Persian authors and poets.

Classical Sufi treatises on the nature and essence of Sufism and Islamic theology were written by the famous Sufi philosopher AL GAZALLI, who lived in Damascus, Syria around 1100 AD. His famous work called "Reconstruction of Religious Sciences," and "Alchemy of Happiness"' are classic examples. Another Sufi master IBN ARABI, born in Spain around 1160 AD, is perhaps the most profound Sufi author of his time. Two of his famous works are called "Bezels of Wisdom," and"Meccan Revelations." They deal with theories on pantheism and monotheism, such as the theory that asserts that "God is Nature, and Nature God." The other theory differentiates God from Nature, by asserting that "God is above Nature, which He created." Yet other theories deal with the "Unity of Being," and the "wisdom of prophecy," and so on. Studies based on such works are still subjects for Sufi contemplation and meditation.

Sufi poetry is recited by Sufis to enhance mystical awareness. Such poetry written in the "classical era" were by Arabic poet IBN-AL-FARID, and persian poets such as HAFIZ, SA'DI, JAMI and RUMI. RUMI, perhaps is the best known in the West for his monumental poetic works called the "Masnavi" and "Divan-i-shams." Poetic imagery both symbolic and mystical, depicts the central themes with which all Sufis are familiar with, are the "pangs of separation of the lover from the beloved," the "individual soul's" desire for mystical union with the "Universal soul," These are some of the important themes. Classical and modern Sufi poetry can be found from North Africa and Middle East, to India and Indonesia.