Does misguidance extend to the Sufis?
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Fatwa No. ( 19433 )
Q: I read in the book (These Sufis) that they are a misguided sect, deviating from creed and conduct, and innovating in acts of worship. Then I read in the volume (Tasawwuf) by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and (Madarij al-Salikin) by Ibn al-Qayyim statements indicating that among the Sufis are people of knowledge, asceticism, and piety, and those who follow the methodology of the righteous predecessors, and that some of them say: "Our path is acting according to the Book and the Sunnah." I hope you will inform me, is it permissible to say: The Sufis, absolutely, are a misguided, deviating sect , or do we say: The matter is subject to detail, or what do we say about them? Please inform us, may Allah reward you, and may Allah reward us with good for you.
A: The words of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his student Ibn al-Qayyim regarding the Sufis, and that among them are moderate people, meaning: the early ones among them, whereas the later ones are predominantly characterized by deviation and misguidance. In any case, Sufism is an innovation in Islam, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan an-Nasa'i 1578Sahih (Darussalam) . It is obligatory for the Muslim to adhere to the Book and the Sunnah and to follow the methodology of the Salaf in belief and action. May Allah guide everyone to beneficial knowledge and righteous action. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I read in the book (These Sufis) that they are a misguided sect, deviating from creed and conduct, and innovating in acts of worship. Then I read in the volume (Tasawwuf) by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and (Madarij al-Salikin) by Ibn al-Qayyim statements indicating that among the Sufis are people of knowledge, asceticism, and piety, and those who follow the methodology of the righteous predecessors, and that some of them say: "Our path is acting according to the Book and the Sunnah." I hope you will inform me, is it permissible to say: The Sufis, absolutely, are a misguided, deviating sect , or do we say: The matter is subject to detail, or what do we say about them? Please inform us, may Allah reward you, and may Allah reward us with good for you.
A: The words of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his student Ibn al-Qayyim regarding the Sufis, and that among them are moderate people, meaning: the early ones among them, whereas the later ones are predominantly characterized by deviation and misguidance. In any case, Sufism is an innovation in Islam, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
every newly-invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is going astray
وكل محدثة بدعة وكل بدعة ضلالة
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.