Naqshabandi systematization: Muhammad Parsa (d. 1420) and his «Risala yi Qudsiyya»

Abstract

This article attempts to analyze the treatise of Muhammad Parsa (d. 1420) “Risala yi Qudsiyya”, which is one of the most important works of the Naqshabandi tariqah, which had a significant impact on the spiritual culture of Tatars and on many other Muslim peoples of Russia. This book was the first systematization of the history, of the basic principles and practices under this order. It provides an unbreakable chain (silsila) of his spiritual mentors, which substantiates the theological and legal legitimacy of his teachings, as directly related to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and his companions. The work also pays special attention to the need for sincere love and impeccable obedience to your mentor as to the custodian of not only explicit, but also of sacred knowledge transmitted from the Prophet. The article also provides M. Parsa’s short biography and a list of his main works.