By The Effulgence of Your Names we cognize The Echelons of Sufism (Tabaqat Al-Sufieh) By Abdul-Rahman Sullami
Bastami: Layer 1, 8 http://www.untiredwithloving.org/level1_8_bastami.html Imam Sullami belongs to the Sufis of the Nishapour School, where the study of Sufism was experiential as opposed to the Baghdad School led by Taj al-'Arifeen al-Junayd, where there was emphasis on opinion and theory. In fact, when one reads Sullami's Sufi books including his Qur'anic exegesis, one notes that, the author is recounting what has been told and observed by the Sufi Shuyukh, without emitting an opinion of his own about any of it. The "Tabaqat" was written most likely around 380 H. The author introduces the book as follows: "I have wished to write a book about the lives of the late Auliya', gathered in 5 layers (Tabaqat) of the Imams of the Sufis, their Mashayekh and their Scholars. Each layer would consist of 20 Shuyukh who lived within the same period of time. I would mention for each some of his words, his qualities, his biography, characteristics of his Tariqat, his Hala, his knowledge, as much as I am able to ....." This was a generous gift from Dr. Hind Rifai, indeed a heartwarming reading experience that INSHALLAH will guide the readers towards genuine spiritual experiences. --DARA The Eyeless Lion
