KARĀMĀT IN SUFISM

Abstract

This paper presents a theological and spiritual study of the concept and limits of karāmah (miraculous gifts) in Sufism within the framework of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘ah. It distinguishes between karāmah and mu‘jizah (prophetic miracle) and explores their relation to the natural order and divine law. The study highlights the Mu‘tazilite denial of karāmāt, based on their claim that supernatural acts should be exclusive to prophets, and refutes this by demonstrating that karāmāt are rationally possible and textually attested. The paper further examines the Sufi understanding of karāmah, emphasizing that true Sufis value spiritual karāmāt (steadfastness, piety, moral transformation) above sensory miracles, in line with the teachings of al-Shādhilī, Ibn ‘Arabī, and Sahl al-Tustarī. Examples from the lives of early saints—such as Ma‘rūf al-Karkhī, al-Junayd, and ‘Abd al-Salām al-Asmar—are presented to illustrate genuine karāmāt distinguished from deceptive or theatrical practices like walking on fire or consuming poisons. Ultimately, the study concludes that karāmah is not an end in itself but a sign of sincerity and uprightness, and that true Islamic Sufism views it as a means of strengthening faith rather than a spectacle. The paper calls for integrating the study of Sufism into Islamic education and for a clear distinction between authentic Sunni Sufism and distorted popular practices.