Dhul-Nun al-Misri
Introduction
Dhul-Nun al-Misri (d. 859) was a famous Egyptian Sufi, full name Dhul-Nun Abu al-Faid Thawban ibn Ibrahim al-Misri. Born in Upper Egypt and died in Djiza near Cairo, he is considered one of the most prominent figures in early Sufism. He holds a position in Sufi chronicles comparable to other great figures like Junayd of Baghdad (d. 910) and Bayazid Bastami (d. 874).
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: ذو النون المصري (Dhu l-Nūn al-Miṣrī)
- Turkish: Zünnun Mısri
The name “Dhul-Nun” means “the one of the fish,” likely referring to his mystical journey likened to the Prophet Jonah (Yunus) in the belly of the fish.
Contributions to Sufism
Dhul-Nun al-Misri is widely noted for his wisdom sayings and poetry, which are rich in mystical imagery and dense with spiritual insight. Unlike other Sufi traditions that emphasize fear (makhafah) or love (mahabbah), Dhul-Nun’s teachings focus heavily on knowledge or gnosis (ma’rifah).
Teachings and Philosophy
- Gnosis (Ma’rifah): He stressed the importance of inner knowledge and the mystical experience of God.
- Wisdom Sayings: His aphorisms reflect deep mystical insight and have been transmitted through generations.
- Poetry: His poems, though not formally compiled into a single work, are imbued with spiritual wisdom and are still celebrated in Sufi circles.
Legacy
Despite having no surviving written work, Dhul-Nun al-Misri’s teachings and musings have endured through oral traditions. His legacy is preserved in the form of poems, sayings, and aphorisms attributed to him. These continue to inspire Sufi practitioners and scholars alike.
Comparative Figures
- Junayd of Baghdad (d. 910): A leading Sufi mystic who emphasized the doctrine of fana (annihilation in God).
- Bayazid Bastami (d. 874): Known for his ecstatic expressions of mystical experiences.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from the Tadhkirat al-Auliya (“Memorial of the Saints”) by Farid al-Din Attar
- The Mystics of Islam by Reynold A. Nicholson
- The Path of Muhammad: A Book on Islamic Sufism by Imam Birgivi
Takeaways
- Dhul-Nun al-Misri remains a towering figure in the landscape of Sufi literature and mysticism.
- His emphasis on ma’rifah (gnosis) serves as a foundational aspect of his teachings.
- The richness of his mystical imagery continues to evoke profound spiritual reflections.
Conclusion
Dhul-Nun al-Misri was an influential Egyptian Sufi mystic whose life and teachings enriched early Sufism. His legacy, largely preserved through oral tradition, underscores the importance of inner knowledge (ma’rifah) and mystic experience in the pursuit of spiritual realization within Sufism.
