Sufism and Its Literary Contributions in Yemen: Ahmad Ibn Alwan a Model

Abstract

This research paper explores the concept of Sufism, its genesis, growth and its most prominent Sufi schools, in the Arabian Peninsula in general and in Yemen, in particular. It precisely unearths the rise of the Sufi Movement in Yemen from early time of Ayyubids until now. It further sheds light on the renowned Yemeni Sufi Scholar, Ahmad ibn Alwan and his literary contribution to the establishment of Sufism in Yemen in the early twelfth century. It further tackles his philosophy in his very well-known book al-Tawheed al-A’zam (The Supreme Union) which forms the basic ground of his Sufi path (Tariqa). The question of how Ibn Alwan is unique from other Sufi scholars in terms of his literary contributions investigated. Building on a descriptive and analytical approach, the paper attempts to investigate an interesting area which is rarely studied if not ignored or neglected by the researchers. It is concluded that Ibn Alwan is not influenced by any Sufi school and that his ideas and contributions to Sufism and literary Sufism bestows Sufism in Yemen a unique privacy.