Сoncept of Rabyta in Sufism: Genesis and Evolution

Abstract

This article examines and comprehensively analyzes the genesis and evolution of the concept of relativity in Islamic Sufism. Reliance holds an important place in Sufi knowledge and spiritual education in the orders, especially in the Naqshbandi order. However, since the 19th century, criticism and accusations have begun to be leveled at relativity, and the discourse between critics and defenders of relativity is still ongoing. Critics or opponents of relativity have gone so far as to claim that relativity is an innovation, even shirk, kufr, and idolatry, that it has no place in Islam, and that Sufism did not exist in the beginning and emerged later. Supporters and defenders of rabitah present their arguments by arguing that the basis of rabitah is in the Quran and Hadith, that rabitah has existed in Sufism in general since the first Muslims, that it has been used among Muslims, and that therefore rabitah does not contradict the foundations of Islam, and does not belong to any bidah, shirk, kufr, or idolatry. In this regard, the content of the article, which is studied regarding the place and arguments of rabitah in Islam, includes the meaning, definition of the concept of rabitah, the types, essence, purpose of rabitah, its use in tariqats, and the arguments presented by critics and defenders of rabitah. The value of the study lies in its attempt to resolve the current misconceptions and abuses and stormy issues related to rabitah to a pir, based on specific sources.

Keywords: Sufism, Rabitah, Tariqat, Spiritual Guide, Murid