Abstract:

Sufism is a system of thought that beautifies the morality of man and guides him in his aim of understanding the truth. The most prominent feature of Sufi thought, which brings a different dimension and depth to the relationship between God and life, is the aim of spiritual maturation. Sufism is an understanding based on purification of the heart, giving true love only to Allah and purification of the soul. The Sufi approach, which focuses on the changes and developments of human beings on the way to reach the truth, has been one of the main themes in literature. Najīb Mahfūz is known for his closeness to Sufism in the field of literature, and he skillfully uses Sufi themes in many of his works. Mahfûz, who places Sufi elements in his works, adds a philosophical dimension to his novels by making Sufi figures speak with deep meanings as the story progresses. The author also conveys various religious messages by using the mysterious and symbolic language of Sufism interspersed between the dialogues. This study focuses on the Sufi views and Sufi personality of Najīb Mahfūz, one of the important figures of modern Arabic literature, and discusses the Sufi images in his novel Leyālī Elf Layla, which he wrote inspired by the Thousand and One Nights. In addition, the paper conveys Mahfûz’s Sufi thoughts and his way of understanding of Sufism. Mahfûz’s interpretation of Sufism and his deep mystical images in the novel are analysed based on his narrations through Sufi characters in the novel.

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