From virtue to apocalypse: The understanding of sainthood in a medieval Sufi order

Abstract

Although the concept of sanctity is well-established in the Islamic tradition, it was not among the theologians that it was considered and debated. This task was taken up by the mystics. The period from the 10th to the 14th century saw both dramatic innovations and subtle arguments advanced. This article will explore this debate by focussing on its development within one Sufi order. A significant development soon becomes apparent, one which begins with a conception of sainthood as an ideal spiritual virtue, but escalates to assertions of a final ultimate saint who marks the end of time. The conceptual shift among these mystical thinkers moves from concern with the spiritual stations of the aspirant to arguments over the identity of an apocalyptic "seal" of sainthood.