Morality and sufism as conceived by Ibn al-Qayyim in Madarij al-Salikin : a comparative study

Abstract

This thesis attempts to present Ibn al-Qayyim`s moral theory and its relation with Tasawwuf as set forth in his book Madarij al-Salikin. Ibn al- Qayyim bases his moral theory upon his psychological analysis of the soul. Concepts relating to man`s inward aspect and the powers of the soul are fundamental to his theories of virtues and vices. Ibn al-Qayyim considers morality and religion as interdependent. The concept of self improvement and progress of the soul of the moral agent is central to his moral theory. Such progress lies in giving up evil acts, in the acquisition of the four cardinal virtues and the purification of the soul; and the soul will become perfect, experience the true love of God, attains nearness to Him and finally experience a state of annihilation of the self (fana`). This is the highest stage of moral life. This indicates that morality and Tasawwuf are interdependent, for the essence and the fruit of Tasawwuf are good behaviour. In order to indicate the similarities or differences between the approaches of other moral thinkers and Ibn al-Qayyim`s approach, we have made a review of the major contemporary ethical theories. We have also compared, for the same reason, his moral views with those of al-Ghazzali and Ibn Taymiyyah.