Hurufis
Etymology
The term Hurufi (Arabic: حروفي, Turkish: Hurufilik) is derived from the Arabic word Harf (حرف), meaning “letter.”
Overview
Hurufis were a populist Sufi order established by Fadlallah Astarabadi in 14th-century Iran. It is characterized by its founder’s unique spiritual doctrines, including claims of direct divine revelation and his self-identification as the Hidden Imam. The order emphasized the significance of the Arabic alphabet’s numerical values as keys to secret mystical knowledge and held that only manual labor could provide legitimate income.
Doctrines and Beliefs
- Direct Revelation: Fadlallah Astarabadi asserted that he received direct revelations from God, positioning himself as an essential intermediary of divine wisdom.
- Hidden Imam: Astarabadi declared himself the Hidden Imam, a concept in Shi’ite Islam representing a spiritual leader in occultation destined to emerge and bring justice.
- Alphabet and Numerical Mysticism: Hurufis believed that the numerical values of alphabetic letters (a concept closely related to the Jewish Kabbalah) held esoteric truths about the universe and human existence, offering a path to salvation.
- Value of Manual Work: The Hurufi order also insisted on the spiritual and moral superiority of manual labor, distinguishing economic practices aligned with divine instructions.
Spread and Influence
The Hurufi order disseminated its teachings beyond Iran, reaching Anatolia and Bulgaria. Its influence extended amidst both Muslim and Christian communities. Moreover, some of the Hurufi doctrines were absorbed and perpetuated by the Bektashi order, an influential Sufi order renowned for its liberal religious attitudes and practices.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Hurufis” by Orkhan Mir-Kasimov - A comprehensive study of Hurufi beliefs and their historical context.
- “The Cambridge History of Iran, Volume 5: The Saljuq and Mongol Periods” - Provides an extensive analysis of the historical and cultural milieu of 14th-century Iran, where Hurufism developed.
- “The Bektashi Order of Dervishes” by John Kingsley Birge - Explores the Bektashi Order and its adoption of Hurufi doctrines.
Takeaways
- Hurufism is significant for its unique blend of numerological mysticism and Sufi spirituality.
- The influence of the Hurufi order persisted beyond its initial geographic and temporal confines, impacting subsequent mystical traditions within Islam.
- The order’s doctrines reflect a distinct approach to religious knowledge and economic ethics.
Conclusion
Hurufism stands out as a distinctive populist movement within Islamic mysticism, notable for its founder’s bold theological claims and its innovative use of the Arabic alphabet’s numerical values as mystical symbols. Though primarily a product of 14th-century Iran, its legacy permeates other Sufi orders and regions, testifying to the far-reaching and enduring impact of its teachings.
By understanding Hurufism’s unique principles and historical journey, students and scholars can appreciate the diverse and intricate tapestry of Islamic mystical traditions and their interactions with broader cultural and religious landscapes.
