Shiite Inclinations of Kubrawiyya

Studying the degree of connection between Sufi and Shiite teachings—within the realm of Sufi-Shiite relationship—or in other words, interpreting the essence of Sufism and its link with Shiism is one the approved conventional and scientific methods. The present investigation sheds lights on what have been borrowed from or lent to Sufism and to what extent Sufism has contributed to Shiism or has deviated from it. Najm al-Din Kubra, the founder of the Kubrawiyya Sufi order, was a Shafei mystic, however, his and his follower's inclinations towards Shiism cannot be denied. Collecting evidence for confirming his inclinations and evaluating the all-inclusive impacts he received from Shiite teachings, in theoretical and practical Gnosticism of the orders, are among pivotal issues in the history of Islamic Gnosticism and spiritual trend in the Islamic world. Understanding the influence of such connections on the interactions between Kubrawiyya and Ibe Arabi School, the all-inclusive impacts of this Shiite-inclined order, the connections and features in the history of mysticism and Gnosticism, and even the sociopolitical history of Islamic-Iranian society demands more serious research attempts. The present article, through using primary resources and adopting a descriptive-analytic method, aims to discuss some of these topics.