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What did Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal think of the Sufis?

Misconceptions

The respect and veneration for Sufism is evident when reading the words and life of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullah. Shaykh 'Abdul Hafiz al-Makki discusses Imam Ahmad's rahimahullah positive opinion of Tasawwuf and Sufism in his book, which is dedicated to Imam Ahmad rahimahullah.

He narrates that Imam Ahmad rahimahullah was once asked regarding the seeker who takes the path of Tasawwuf, and he replied, "The seeker should remain with Allah as Allah wishes and he should leave all which he himself desires for what Allah desires…"

Imam Ahmad rahimahullah gave great importance to the Sufis and honoured them. He was once asked regarding the Sufis and was told that they sat in mosques. He replied: "Knowledge is with those who sit with them the most." [A.H. Makki al-Hijazi, Mawqif A'immat al-Harakat al-Salafiyyah min al-Tasawwuf wa al-Sufiyyah]

References

  • Work A.H. Makki al-Hijazi, Mawqif A'immat al-Harakat al-Salafiyyah min al-Tasawwuf wa al-Sufiyyah

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