Methodological aspects of studying sufism

Abstract

This scientific article deals with the methodological aspects of Sufism as a religious and philosophical trend in the history of the spiritual life of peoples, professing the Islamic religion. Various points of view are given on the study of this phenomenon, which played a role in the socio-cultural life of the peoples of the East. Burning socio-political problems of the Muslim East, the development of new stereotypes of thinking and politics regarding issues of religious-national relations, interethnic relations, cultural exchanges between nations. Here, a subjective view, an approach with a pre-selected scheme should be excluded. Therefore, exploring Sufism, revealing its positive and negative sides, at the same time we must not forget about the value that is contained in it and which is necessary for the advancement of humanity along the humanistic channel in the future. The present work contains biographies and teachings of Sufi sheikhs, among which the main place is given to the biographies of sheikhs “Khojagon-Nakshbandiya”. The author gives the names of 94 sheikhs, their biographies and characteristics, brings the force (or shajara) to Khoja Akhror and further. Thus, the Pakistani scientist B. Behari, in the preface to the English edition of “Tazkirat al-Awliya” by Sheikh Farididdin Attor (1151–1221), writes that “Sufism is as ancient as the creation itself. Whatever name he is called, it reflects the inner desire of the soul to meet with the creator and offers a path, following which this highest goal can be achieved. Just like Sufis, mystics of the whole world, there is a single eternal brotherhood, everlasting new thrones leading to God”. Jami's work is valuable in that it provides not only biographical information about the Sufis, provides their statements and summarizes the essence of their teachings, but also because it is an important source for understanding the theoretical issues of Sufism.