PROBLEMS OF THE SOURCES THAT FORMED SUFISM IN THE ANALYSIS OF COMPARATIVE SUFI STUDIES

Abstract

In world Oriental and Islamic studies, there are different views on religious and philosophical teachings that have influenced and contributed to the emergence and formation of the teachings of Sufism. Some European Orientalists seek to identify the roots of Sufism in Western civilization, namely, in ancient philosophy and Christian religion, while other researchers are looking for the roots of Sufism in ancient Indian religions, both Vedic and non-Vedic, for example, in Buddhism, as well as in the religions of Ancient Iran – Mazdeism, Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism. Another group of Oriental and European scholars also believe that the true source of Sufism is the religion of Islam.

This article is devoted to the study and comparative analysis of these discussions. According to the author, in every religious and philosophical doctrines there are mystical principles similar to the Sufi teaching in Islam and the philosophy of mysticism. Comparative study and analysis of these mystical principles and Sufism in Islam allows us to study the essence of these doctrines even more deeply.