Abstract:

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the marifah view that determined the formation course of sufism and come to the forefront in the understanding of Dhu’l-Nun al-Mısri (öl. 245/859) one of the famous sufis of early period. Marifah of Dhu’l-Nun al-Mısri, who is generally considered to be the pioneer of the Egpytian school in the literature, is used in a close sense with sufism. According to him, in order to attain the marifah, one has to experience stages such as amazement, asceticism and love in the process of initiation. In this respect, marifah as a science realized by the grace of God and reflected on morality is a kind of knowledge that is considered superior to the science obtained through the senses and education. The main signs of marifah are to obey God’s orders and avoid His prohibitions, as well as to seek God’s consent for one’s relationship with the other living beings. Accordingly, the prominent point in Dhu’l-Nun’s thought of the marifah is the consistency of knowledge and action. When compared, these issues, which are generally emphasized in Dhu’l-Nun al-Mısri’s understanding, are the situations we encounter in the main sufis of the early period such as Junayd al-Baghdadi and Sahl b. Abd Allah at-Tustar. What distinguishes Dhu’l-Nun from these Sufis is that he deals with marifah in a more comprehensive and systematic way thanks to his tone and ability in his discourse and that he comes to the forefront with this aspect.

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