An Overview of Platonism

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

This article provides an overview of Platonism. We discuss how Platonism developed and evolved over a period of centuries, the philosophers who helped in its formation and, what were their beliefs. We intend to provide the readers with key insights into the evolution of pre-Islamic Greek philosophy that continued to play a part in forming theological perspectives of many philosophers. We further discuss the role of prominent Muslim theologians/Sufi Shuyookh such as Al-Ghazali, who paved the distinction between teachings of Islam and ancient philosophies, clarifying that Islamic theology is distinctly different from that of ancient Greek philosophies.

Distinguishing Islamic Sufism from Universal Sufism

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

In present times, the word ‘Sufism’ is very loosely used to define a large cadre of people who have vastly different beliefs from what the core of ‘Sufism’ essentially stands for. This article aims at demystifying the term ‘Sufi’ and elaborately distinguishing between Islamic Sufism and mysticism (also being referred to as Sufism by the masses) of most of the philosophical polytheistic faiths. For this purpose, Sufis can be represented in two major categories, namely, Islamic Sufis and Universal Sufis. Islamic Sufis follow the beliefs and tenets of Islam as enshrined in the Quran, Sunnah and Islamic Sharia. Universal Sufis (though might appear to have a Muslim background), mainly teach theories of a form of ‘mysticism’ which is a culmination of the mystical teachings of many religions excluding Islam. In this paper, we have distinguished between the two by giving brief information about heads of these orders in the world.

How Philosophical, Theosophical and Gnostic Sufism are different from Islamic Sufism: An Analysis

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

The origins of philosophies related to Platonism, Theosophy and Gnosticism have been discussed in this article. How these philosophies affected the thought process of people in the world from ancient times to the Middle ages. Since Islamic Sufism is different from these philosophies, an attempt has been made to elaborate the differences between these philosophies. This article is an important addition to our research related philosophy and religions.

Does Islam share any commonalities with Hellenistic philosophies?

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

Hellenistic philosophies and religions inspired by it are intrinsically atheist. Some of them were explicit in this regard while others remained ambiguous, bordering on polytheism. Certain religions who believe in one Supreme God, associate divine beings with it. In this article we have covered a brief survey of these philosophies, focusing on bringing out the similarities they share with each other. In doing so, we have demonstrated how Islamic beliefs are unique and distinct from the Hellenistic philosophies. This article throws light on a very crucial and complex topic related to the philosophy and Islam.

Is there a concept of Mysticism in Islam

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

Mystical experiences and practices have been an integral part of most religions in the world. There has been an understanding amongst scholars, historians and people in general, that Islamic Sufism is a form of mysticism. An attempt has been made in this article to define what is ‘altered state of Consciousness’ with which mystical visions are seen by mystics. A survey of mystical practices of people following different religions and cultures has been undertaken to analyze these practices and experiences to ascertain how far these are reliable for the mystics themselves and to their followers. In doing so, we have challenged the assumption that Islamic Sufism is on par with mysticism and the that Islam, just as every other religion, preaches mysticism and mystic practices.

Brief biographies of Islamic Sufi Shuyookh of Ihsan

Ash Shaikh Mir Asedullah Quadri

The lives of Islamic Sufi Shuyookh of Ihsan is a phenomenon of Islamic virtue and simple living which shows about their struggles in teaching Muslims during lives. It is important that people know the importance of Sufi Shuyookh in Muslim Society. We have provided in this article the brief biography of 5 Shuyookh of Ihsan, Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishtee, Shaikh Abul Hasan Shadhili, Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband and Shaikh Umar Suharwardi (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم).