Islamic Studies of Orientalists

Islamic Studies of Orientalists

A Critical Study of Zaehner’s View on the Rooting of "Fatakunu anta Dhaka" in the Vedanta School with the Focus on Proving Its Islamic Authenticity

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor. Research Institute of Hawzeh and University
Abstract
Analysis of what has been called “Bayazid Bastami's blasphemy” is one of the main interests of Western Sufi Research.  In the meantime, R. C. Zaehner has conducted a detailed study of Bayazid Bastami's blasphemy, comparing it with the Upanishads phrases, and finally deciding that they correspond. Based on this finding as well as Bayazid Bastami's devotion to Abu Ali Sandi, Zaehner has introduced Bayazid as a transmitter of the teachings of Vedanta philosophical-mystical school to the Islamic world. One of the phrases that Zeahner has used as evidence to prove the above-mentioned claim is the interpretation of “Fatakunu anta Dhaka” which Bayazid has uttered in his prayers with the Almighty. Careful consideration of Bayazid's utterances indicates the difference between his speech and the utterances cited by Zeahner from the Upanishads, in addition to the fact that the origins of Bayazid's utterances can be found in the Islamic texts. The interpretation of “Fatakunu anta Dhaka” is in fact related to Bayazid's demand for the mystical passing-away (fa’na), which has an Islamic origin based on the meaning of some verses of the Qur'an and narrations (Hadis) issued by the infallibles (peace be upon them).
Keywords

Volume 2, Issue 2
January 0
Pages 61-82

  • Receive Date 30 January 2022
  • Revise Date 15 March 2022
  • Accept Date 13 August 2022