The Ruling on Seeking Livelihood: A Comparative Study between Jurists and Sufis

Abstract

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the ruling on seeking sustenance and striving for livelihood, and to examine the extent to which Sufism aligns with the scholars of Islamic jurisprudence on this matter. The research explores whether the fundamental principle is the obligation to work, or if there is a differing stance among Sufis, or if such opposition stems from ignorant followers rather than the prominent Sufi leaders.

The researcher analyzed the views of jurists from key texts within the four major Sunni schools of law, as well as the statements of leading Sufi figures, and compared them. The study concluded that jurists affirm the obligation of seeking sustenance and engaging in worldly work. The neglect of work or the promotion of abandoning it, as attributed to some Sufis, originated from the ignorant, while the leading Sufis upheld the same views as the jurists and applied these principles to themselves and their students.

Moreover, prominent Sufi leaders emphasized that Sufis must refer to jurists on legal matters and must not deviate from Sunni legal rulings, particularly concerning acts of worship and self-purification. The study highlights that major Sufi leaders encouraged their students to earn a living and fulfill their worldly duties. The researcher recommends further exploration of shared issues between jurists and committed Sufis to observe their complementary nature.

Keywords: Seeking sustenance, ruling on work, jurists, Sufism.