An Investigation into the Infallible Imam's Criticism of Sufism

The opponents of Sufism maintain that the Infallible Imams have criticized the Sufis, citing some traditions as grounds for their contention. In this paper I shall evaluate the traditions of the Infallible Imams (PBUT) as regards the criticism of Sufism in terms of authenticity. The present writing is based on Shiite sources, especially such as are concerned with Sufism in general and deal with its criticism; the traditions which are concerned with any given Sufi will not be considered. However, the present writing is concerned to show that the status of Sufism is not a low one, such as is presented by a crude and simplistic view. The consideration of the traditions concerned with the criticism of this sect, it goes without saying, is not to be interpreted as overlooking the criticisms leveled at some Sufi sects for their deviation and deception. Similarly, one should not extend the criticisms leveled at such deviated sects to include all of them.