Analytical Study of Risalah Qushariah; As Encyclopaedia of Tassawwuf

Abstract

Al-Risala al-Qushayriyya, authored by the legendary Sufi Scholar Imam Qushairi of eleventh century, is a unique compendium of Sufism. This reference work of classical Sufi literature discusses the very foundations of Tasawwuf. The author has opted for his own style of writing and interpreting Sufi philosophy, in the light of teachings of Qur’an and the Sunnah. In the preamble of his book, the author has claimed to purge the Sufi movement and its philosophy, of the artificialities, incorporated by some of his contemporaries. Secondly, Al-Risalah, gives biographical notes on early Sufis, along-with brief of their thought and practices. The hall mark of this book is Sufi Terminology, explained with an enormous style. This article explores the uniqueness of this encyclopaedic book of Sufism, in style and methodology applied by Imam Qushairi.