Sufism and Mysticism As Expressed in Andalusian Literature

This article is an attempt to deal briefly with Sufism and mysticism as reflected in the literature of Andalusia. In this way some information is given first on this land and its geographic location and then some discussions on Sufism and mysticism are provided and finally some distinguished Sufis and mystics are to be introduced. Among its notable figures mention can be made of Ibn Arabi, Ibn Masarra, Ibn Tofayl, and Ibn Arif. It is worth noting that Ibn Arabi is the most famous mystic of Andalusia. Indeed, Andalusian mysticism is said to have been strengthened with Ibn Arabi and a synthesis of philosophical reflections with mystical approaches was formed on a firm foundation. It is also said that with the end of Ibn Arabi's career as well as the beginning of the Crusades, science and literature and consequently Sufism and mysticism were gradually extinguished in Andalusia and transferred to North Africa.