Abstract
Despite the clear evidence that Sufism derived from the Qur’an, or rather interpretations of the selected Qur’anic verses and sayings of the Prophet, its metaphysical and spiritual dimensions are closely tied with the late Hellenic philosophy and especially Neoplatonism. The Sufi sages, such as Dhu’l-Nun al-Misri, Ibn ’Arabi, Shabistari, Suhrawardi and others, accepted, transformed and adapted to the Islamic context many ideas of metaphysics and spiritual psychology which originated in the Middle Platonic and Neoplatonic milieu. Alexander of Aphrodisias, Numenius, Plotinus, Jamblichus, Syrianus, Proclus or Damascius as philosophers under their own proper names are almost unknown to the Muslims and the Middle Platonic and Neoplatonic doctrines are often presented under the name of Aristotle. However, the anonymous Neoplatonic ideas are widely used, though sometimes they may be understood just as the manifestations of the same transcendental archetypes.
Highlights
Despite the clear evidence that Sufism derived from the Qur'an, or rather interpretations of the selected Qur'anic verses and sayings of the Prophet, its metaphysical and spiritual dimensions are closely tied with the late Hellenic philosophy and especially Neoplatonism
The Sufi sages, such as Dhu'I-Nun al-Misri, Ibn 'Arabi, Shabistari, Suhrawardi and others, accepted, transformed and adapted to the Islamic context many ideas of metaphysics and spiritual psychology which originated in the Middle Platonic and Neoplatonic milieu
Alexander of Aphrodisias, Numenius, Plotinus, lamblichus, Syrianus, Proc/us or Damascius as philosophers under their own proper names are almost unknown to the Muslims and the Middle Platonic and Neoplatonic doctrines are often presented under the name of Aristotle
Summary
Despite the clear evidence that Sufism derived from the Qur'an, or rather interpretations of the selected Qur'anic verses and sayings of the Prophet, its metaphysical and spiritual dimensions are closely tied with the late Hellenic philosophy and especially Neoplatonism. He was endlessly in pursuit of the truth and he was a natural contemplator He refused to bother himself with the more technical points of philosophy, but concerned himself with broader questions leading the state of divine possession. Philosophy in the ancient world and above all the late Platonic philosophy was a spiritual and contemplative way of life leading to enlightenment and liberation, to a transforming wisdom[6]. It was a spiritual way properly and intrinsically intellectual, as the Neoplatonic Nous covers all that we mean by both "spirit" and "intellect".
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
