A translation, with critical introduction, of Shaykh °Alawåi al-Risåalah al-Qawl al-Ma `råuf fåi al-Radd `alåa man Ankara al-Tasawwuf: A kind word in response to those who reject Sufism.

Abstract

The objective of this thesis was the translation of an original defence of Sufi practice titled "A Kind word in response to those who reject sufism" by Shaykh Aòhmad ibn Muòsòtafá °Alawåi. This book was written in defence of Sufis and Sufism. This research provide some notes on the life, spiritual heritage and writings of the Shaykh °Alawåi in conjunction with a critical introduction to complement the translated text. The Shaykh's methodology applied in his ijtihåad to validate and defend the Sufis and their practices was also reviewed.