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Theology of God in Sufism: From Classical Metaphysics to its Relevance for Modern Humans

Akhyar Anshori, Emi Triani

Pharos Journal of Theology June 15, 2026 DOI: 10.46222/pharosjot.107.3011 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative literature review Peer reviewed
Topics Mysticism
Keywords Divinity Spirituality Metaphysics Existentialism Dialectic Soul Relevance law Foundation evidence Epistemology Rationalism Dominance genetics Philosophy of religion Natural theology Thomism Comparative theology
Key findings Sufi theology offers spiritual therapy through concepts like soul purification, divine love, and detachment, addressing modern existential challenges and inspiring Neo-Sufism.

Abstract

Modern life, characterised by the dominance of rationalism and materialism, has given rise to a profound spiritual crisis, manifesting itself in the form of alienation, anxiety, and a loss of meaning. This research article examines the theology of divinity in the Sufi tradition as a potential framework for addressing these contemporary issues. Focusing on two main metaphysical doctrines—Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Existence), popularised by Ibn ' Arabī, and its dialectical critique, Wahdat al-Syuhud (Unity of Witnessing) by Ahmad Sirhindī—this study explores how conceptions of God and His relationship with the universe form the foundation for ethics and spiritual practice. This research employs a qualitative literature review method, analysing primary Sufi texts and relevant secondary literature through comparative and hermeneutic analysis. The findings reveal that Sufi theology, far from being outdated, offers profound insights into the nature of reality and human existence. Implicitly, concepts such as the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs), divine love (mahabbah), and detachment from worldly attachments (zuhud) offer a "spiritual therapy" that can address the psychological, ethical, and existential challenges faced by modern humans, as well as inspire new forms of urban spirituality known as Neo-Sufism.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on mysticism, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions Individuals with extensive experience administering psilocybin or psilocybin-containing... 2017 Survey and qualitative/quantitative analysis n = 10
Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns 2011 Mixed-methods study n = 139
Do Drugs Have Religious Import? A 40-Year Retrospective 2004 Interview
Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics Psychedelic drug users 2021 Qualitative study n = 50
Auras in mysticism and synaesthesia: a comparison. Synaesthetes who experience colors in response to human faces and figures 2012 Qualitative study n = 4

Citations in the library

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