Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi: Between Rationalism and Sufism Approach

Abu Hayyan al- Tawhidi is often known as a writer and philosopher whobeautifully and attentively narrated the 4th century viewpoints, approaches and philosophical chains – both Arabs and non-Arabs. His most prominent work such as Al-Imta val Mavaniseh va -Maqabesat tells his philosophical power and literary innovations. From, Al-Tawhidi, another face is sketched that indicates his inclination and outlook towards Sufism. The most important book highlighting his Sufi image is Al-Isharat al-Ilahiyeh that is a collection of long prose with mystic topics. In relation to this book, he has faced some criticism but majority of people believe that the work is outcome of his own mind and pen. Those who consider Tawhidi of being inclined towards Sufism have tried to introduce his life into two stages of rationalism and mysticism. However, it seems, in his philosophical works, al-Tawhidi doesn’t have furious outlook towards mysticism and even in his mystic work he does not fight with intellect and rationality. With the aim to describe relationship of this book with Tawhidi, the current research has tried to study mystic topics and approaches and indicated that same rational and humane Abu Hayyan, with preserving his identity, in the book al-Isharat, crystallized as idealist.