Scholarly Status of Imām Abdul-Wahhāb Sharāni

امام عبد الوہاب شعرانی رحمۃ اللہ علیہ کا علمی مقام و مرتبہ

Abstract

Knowledge (علم) as well as practice (عمل) are fundamental basis inTasawwuf. Practice is based on knowledge and knowledge provides right path to practice. So knowledge is the most important thing for a Sūfi. It cannot be ignored in attaining closeness to Allah Almighty. This article aims at Imām Abdul-Wahhāb Sharāni’s scholarly status. He was a renowned Sūfi from Egypt lived in 10th century A.H. This study discusses his struggles to gain knowledge of both Shariah and Triqah from many teachers in different study centers. He made it a source of internal purification and spiritual uplifting. Afterwards, he spent his life in spreading knowledge about actual and factual aspects of Tasawwuf. According to him, purity of thought and sight can be sought only through knowledge. This study also provides an important guideline for those who claim to be Sūfia in present era.