Bistami, Abu Yazid al-
Bistami, Abu Yazid al- (d. 874), also known as Bayezid, was a prominent figure in “intoxicated” Sufism originating from the northeastern Iranian town of Bistam. He is recognized as a mystic whose early education included Hanafi legal thought but who later became known for his “ecstatic utterances” (shath, Arabic: شطح).
Early Life and Education
Abu Yazid Bistami received an early education that included Hanafi jurisprudence, but he eventually gravitated toward Sufism. His transition from legal studies to Sufism marks a well-trod path in Islamic mysticism, indicating a shift from formal religious scholarship to an experiential and inward pursuit of divine knowledge.
Ecstatic Utterances
Bistami is best known for his ecstatic utterances (shath), many of which have been recorded by Sufi historians and theorists. The most famous of these utterances include:
- “Glory be to me! How exalted is my state!” (سبحاني ما اعظم شأني)
- Metaphorically identifying himself as the Divine Throne (عرش), the Divine Footstool (كرسي), and the heavenly archetype of the Quran (اللوح المحفوظ).
- Reporting a vision where the Kaaba circumambulated him, reversing the Islamic Hajj ritual.
Vision and Symbolism
Bistami described an experience likening him to the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s “ascension” (miraj, Arabic: المعراج). Such visions have been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing them as expressions of divine intimacy and others deeming them theologically unacceptable.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: بسطامي، ابو يزيد
- Turkish: Bayezid Bestami
Influence and Legacy
Bistami’s mystical experiences and utterances have been subject to various interpretations. Some within the Islamic orthodox community viewed his pronouncements as outside the bounds of acceptable theology, while mystically-inclined adherents view them as an expression of an intimate divine relationship.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Mystics of Islam by Reynold A. Nicholson
- Early Sufi Women by Rkia Cornell
- Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from the Tadhkirat al-Auliya (“Memorial of the Saints”) by Farid al-Din Attar
Takeaways
- Intoxicated Sufism: Abu Yazid al-Bistami is a quintessential example of the “intoxicated” path of Sufism, characterized by mystical experiences and profound spiritual ecstasy.
- Ecstatic Utterances: His shath are celebrated and scrutinized, often seen as expressions of deep, mystical union with the Divine.
- Visionary Experiences: The inversion of the Hajj ritual in his vision highlights his unique mystical experiences and elucidates the depth of his spiritual engagement.
Conclusion
Abu Yazid al-Bistami remains a towering figure in mystical Islam, his life and teachings providing deep insights into the spiritual practices and thoughts of early Sufism. Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy his ecstatic expressions generated, his influence has endured, inspiring generations of mystics and seekers of the Divine.
