Research Article

The Relationship Between Râbîta and Tawassul in Sûfî Training

Number: 2 June 30, 2025
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The Relationship Between Râbîta and Tawassul in Sûfî Training

Abstract

This study aims to examine the definition, application conditions, types, relationship and Islamic foundations of the concepts of râbıta (Spiritual connection) and tawassul (Making an occasion), which play an important role in the Sûfî(mystic) discipline system. The main objective of the research is to reveal the Islamic authenticity of these two concepts in terms of the Qur'an and Sunnah and to systematically evaluate the theoretical and practical connection between them. While emphasising the compatibility of Sûfî educational methodology with human nature, the study discusses how râbıta and tawassul serve the goal of nafs purification and muhabbetullah (Allah’s love), especially through the Naqshbandiyya tradition. In this article, the definition, relationship, and Islamic foundations of the concepts of rābıta and tawassul in Sûfî discipline are systematically analyzed using comparative and historical-conceptual analysis methods. The study, which is supported by literature review and textual analysis, focuses on the function of both concepts in directing human's natural tendencies and their instrumental role in reaching the levels of fenāfillāh (To disappear in Allah) and ihsan (Blessing). As a result of the analyses, it has been determined that râbıta and tawassul overlap with the understanding of ‘wajīla’(occasion) in the Qur'an and Sunnah, but the dispute has intensified especially in the practices for deceased persons. The focal point of the discussions is the risk of perceiving these practices as shirk(To associate partners with Allah) or bid'ah (Traditions that emerged later in Islam). The study concludes that rābıta is a special form of devotion and tawassul is a general method of intimacy, and that both function as educational tools that guide people to the eternal when used within the framework of intention and direction.This research defines the boundaries of the two concepts, which are often confused in Sûfî terminology, and contributes to methodological discussions in Islamic sciences. It also contributes to the field by proposing a practical framework for how to balance human psychology and metaphysical goals.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

Turkish

Subjects

Sufism

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

June 26, 2025

Publication Date

June 30, 2025

Submission Date

February 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 20, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Number: 2

ISNAD
Yangın, Yunus. “Tasavvufî Terbiyede Râbıta Ve Tevessül İlişkisi”. Sinop İlahiyat Dergisi. 2 (June 1, 2025): 1-18. https://izlik.org/JA53JG25US.