تصوف پر مستشرقین کی تنقیدات : اسلامی روحانیت پر بیرونی اثرات کے دعوؤں کا تجزیہ

Abstract

Orientalists’ critiques of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) are viewed as part of a deep inquiry into Islamic spirituality and teachings. These critiques, often rooted in bias and misunderstandings, generally assert that Sufism is influenced by non-Islamic and external sources such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Greek philosophy. Some argue that Sufi practices, like asceticism and meditation, stem from these religions. Additionally, claims have been made that Sufism was influenced by Christianity, especially monasticism, or by Neoplatonism, where concepts like wahdat al-wujud are said to have been derived from Greek philosophy. However, Islamic scholars have countered these arguments, asserting that Sufism is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings found in the Qur’an and Hadith, rejecting the notion of external influences. Prominent scholars such as Nicholson, A. J. Arberry, and Annemarie Schimmel have refuted Orientalists’ claims, establishing that Sufi spiritual experiences are inherently Islamic and not borrowed from other traditions. Furthermore, balanced and impartial researchers have demonstrated that the accusations of external influences on Sufism are unfounded. Instead, it is shown that Islamic spirituality has even influenced non-Islamic religious figures. While Orientalists studied Islamic sciences, their focus on finding parallels with other religions led to misconceptions about Sufism's origins. Despite these critiques, Sufism has profoundly influenced not only Islamic thought but also Western scholars, poets, and philosophers. Hence, Sufism remains a purely Islamic tradition that has had a far-reaching impact on both the Muslim world and Western intellectual circles.