The Origins of Ṭarīqas

Abstract

The first ṭarīqas are said to have been founded in the 12th century by several Sufis. However, the individual aspects of ṭarīqas such as silsilas, schools and Sufi orders have their origins in the pre-ṭarīqa period, and the substantial contribution of the alleged founders of early ṭarīqas to their formation is dubious. Therefore, the emergence of ṭarīqas is to be regarded as a continuation and integration of existing traditions, rather than the invention of a new style of Sufism. Yet another aspect of the emergence of ṭarīqas is the formation of identity. The ṭarīqas as well as the concept of ṭarīqa itself were formed by Sufis who identified themselves as the successors of the alleged founders.