Aḥmad Zarrūq his life and works

Abstract

During the second half of the 9th/15th century Ahmad Zarrug al-fasi lived, a jurist and a Sufi. As an intellectual and the founder of a Aufi Order, his impact was felt in the realm of literature and among the masses. He is considered to be one of the Orthodox Sufi masters whose concern was largely directed towards alleviating the misunderstanding which has occurred is Islamic thought between Juris-prudence and Sufism. This thesis deals with Zarruq’s activities and his influence as a Sufi. It is composed of an introduction and five chapters. The introduction explains the historical, social and academic circumstances in his native city, Fez, in which Zarruq passes his early years, of which he was part. The first chapter is concerned with his life, his education, travels and his contact with Sufism, until he does in Misurata, far away from his own country. The second chapter contains a catalogue of his works, such as exist in manuscripts or editions, or have been cited. There is also a brief analysis of Zarruq the author and of aspects of his authorship, with a classification of his works and commentaries by others on them; also a table of datesof some of his works. The third traces the Order which founded, his position among the various Sufi Orders, and his relation to the Shadhiliyah. It also contains a historical survey of the Zarruqiyah and its Zawiyahs, its branches, principles and teachingSo The fourth examines the principal Sufi ideas as ZarriSq. interpreted them from a sunnI point of view, in theory and in practice. The fifth chapter is concerned with him as a Sufi critic and some aspects of his criticism in regard to following the Way and the obligations of both the seeker and the master with respect to the sunnI concept of Sufism in belief and action. The thesis contains 10 illustrations.