Orientalists and Sufism- Analytic study

Abstract

This research deals with Sufism in Orientalist studies. His problem revolves around the importance of identifying the fact that orientalists care and interest in Sufism, which began in the nineteenth century AD. Accordingly, this research aims to identify the orientalists' interest in Sufism and their position on the definition and emergence of Sufism. And analyze the reality of their position on the beliefs of Sufism. And revealing the extent to which they care for the writings of Sufism and its symbols. To achieve these goals, the analytical method was used, which is based on: interpretation, criticism, and deduction. Among the most prominent findings of the research: that orientalists began from an early age (early 19th century AD) to research and pay attention to Sufism, and their first book on Sufism was published in 1821 AD. And that the Orientalists gave them a head start in the investigation and dissemination of the heritage of Sufism. And that orientalists' attention to Sufism is not (mostly) purely scientific, but falls under the service of Western goals.