The Characteristics of Mystical Wayfaring in Abū ʿAbdullāh al-Niffarī’s al-Mawāqif and al-Mukhāṭabāt

Abū ʿAbdullāh al-Niffarī is a relatively obscure mystic of the 4th/10th century, best known for his works al-Mawāqif and al-Mukhāṭabāt. These texts are firsthand accounts of his mystical experiences, characterized by unique terminology that diverges significantly from the common language of the sciences of his time. Moreover, unlike conventional Sufi writings, these works lack a structured, pedagogical approach and instead aim to convey direct quotations from God. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to explore the contents of al-Mawāqif and al-Mukhāṭabāt, focusing on the distinctive features of “mystical wayfaring” in al-Niffarī’s thought. The findings reveal that his ideas on mystical wayfaring can be categorized into three main areas: 1. “Common considerations,” 2. “The essential role of God’s will in the wayfarer’s embarking on the Sufi path,” and 3. “the necessity of abandoning all things other than God (mā siwa Allāh).”