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The question

How can the transmission by some Salafis of sayings from Sufi figures such as Al-Junayd and Ibn 'Ata' Allah Al-Sakandari be reconciled with the assertion by some of their preachers that "Sufism is a religion that contradicts the religion of Islam in its sources of reception" and "hides behind Islam"? And what is the view on books like "Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf" by Ibn Zarruq, "Al-Risalah al-Qushayriyyah", and Sa'id Hawwa's writings on spiritual purification?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The early Sufis called for adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah, and many Salafi scholars benefited from their words. As for the later Sufis, they introduced doctrinal and behavioral deviations that could amount to major polytheism (shirk al-akbar). These deviations are not attributed to everyone who calls for Sufism if they reject them. The way to attain Allah's pleasure is to adhere to the Qur'an and Sunnah and make them the arbiter over all speech. One should have a good opinion of those against whom nothing detrimental has been proven, and avoid blind imitation that contradicts established evidence. As for the books mentioned, they have not been sufficiently reviewed to pass judgment on them.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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