An Ancient Tradition in Khanqah: A Study on the Origin of the Tradition La-Salam-‎Alal-Akl

Both the principles and the practices of Islamic mysticism were influenced by other religious groups. The practices of Sufism were influenced particularly by Fotowwa (an Iranian association also known as "Ayyaran" or "Jawan-Mardan"). In this article, the authors focus on one of Sufists' traditions based on which it is frowned upon to speak while eating. Some considered it to be based on a Hadith while others believed that it was against Islamic codes. It is attributed to Abu-Saeed Abul-Khair's Khanqah as well. However it seems that the tradition has its roots in an ancient Iranian etiquette which was passed on to Sufism probably through the practices of Fotowwa. Documents on the customs of Sufists and Fotowwa together with Zoroastrian codes and myths help us trace the origin of this tradition and have a better underestanding of the formation of Khanqah's customs and decorums.