THE RELATIONSHIP AND DISTINCTION BETWEEN SUFISM AND PHILOSOPHY

Аннотация

The primary objective of this research was to elucidate the relationship and distinction between Sufism and philosophy, demonstrating that while they are distinct disciplines, they share certain connections. This study adopts a library-based approach and employs a descriptive-analytical method. The findings reveal that Sufism and philosophy are separate sciences. Sufism is rooted in the human heart and seeks the truth of phenomena through meditation, remembrance (dhikr), contemplation, and spiritual discipline. Philosophy, on the other hand, is linked to the intellect, relying on reason, logic, and argumentation to uncover the truth of phenomena. Their connection arises when a Sufi, having experienced spiritual insights through the "eyes of the heart," seeks to express these experiences. Articulating such spiritual states requires words and concepts, which are products of the intellect. At this juncture, reason and logic come into play, leading the discussion into the realm of philosophy. Furthermore, their subject matters occasionally overlap. For instance, Sufism explores the existence, essence, and attributes of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) as observed by the Sufi in the created world, while philosophy also delves into metaphysics, (Arin, 2016)human nature, the soul, existence, and the essence of Allah. Nonetheless, Sufism cannot be equated with philosophy, nor can philosophy be considered Sufism, as they are distinct yet interconnected disciplines. Sufism and philosophy are both profound paths of human experience and spiritual knowledge, but they differ in certain aspects. Sufism is a distinct path to spirituality, self-purification, and attaining divine truth, seeking union with God through deep emotional connection and inner experiences. In this regard, Sufis search for inner knowledge and tranquility. In contrast, philosophy is a scientific and rational approach that seeks knowledge through the analysis and differentiation of the world, existence, and truth. Philosophy is based on logical reasoning, the analysis of thoughts, and the discovery of truths. 277 International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches” Volume 1 issue 1 (47) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2 While both Sufism and philosophy aim to seek truth, Sufism is generally rooted in practical and spiritual experiences, whereas philosophy attempts to comprehend truths through intellectual reasoning and logical analysis. The goal of this paper is to analyze the relationship and differences between Sufism and philosophy, to demonstrate how each holds its unique place in human knowledge and life. Keywords: Distinction, Existence, Sufism, Philosophy, Relationship.