Maryam -Peace be Upon her- in Sufi Thought: A Presentation and Critique 10.35781/1637-000-139-007

Abstract

Objectives of the Study: - To identify the Sufi perspective regarding the spiritual rank of Maryam (peace be upon her). - To examine the evidences cited by the Sufis who discussed her status. - To present the viewpoint of Ahl al-Sunnah (the mainstream Sunni creed) concerning her position. Research Methodology: Inductive and Critical Approach Major Findings: - Those affiliated with Sufism vary in their approaches: some followed the path of asceticism and renunciation of worldly life; others introduced innovations (bid‘ah); and some adopted beliefs that contradict Islam. - Maryam (peace be upon her) descends from the lineage of Sulaymān ibn Dāwūd (peace be upon them both), belonging to a pure and noble household. - Scholars differed concerning the relationship between Maryam and the mother of Yahyā (wife of Zakariyyā): whether she was her elder sister or her maternal aunt.