Theology of God in Sufism: From Classical Metaphysics to its Relevance for Modern Humans
Pharos Journal of Theology June 15, 2026 Akhyar Anshori, Emi Triani
Modern life, dominated by rationalism and materialism, has created a spiritual crisis of alienation, anxiety, and loss of meaning. This article examines Sufi theology's potential to address these issues, focusing on two metaphysical doctrines: Ibn 'Arabī's Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence) and Ahmad Sirhindī's dialectical critique, Wahdat al-Syuhud (Unity of Witnessing). Through qualitative literature review and comparative hermeneutic analysis of primary Sufi texts, the findings indicate that Sufi theology offers insights into reality and human existence. Concepts like soul purification (tazkiyah al-nafs), divine love (mahabbah), and detachment (zuhud) provide a spiritual therapy for psychological, ethical, and existential challenges, and inspire Neo-Sufism as urban spirituality.