The Concept of al-Ittihad: Abu Yazid al-Busthami's Thought and its Relevance in Sufism
Journal of Noesantara Islamic Studies October 23, 2024 Yogi Fery Hidayat
The concept of al-Ittihad, the mystical union between human and God where a Sufi feels dissolution into the Divine, is examined through the thought of Abu Yazid al-Busthami. Expressed through shathiyat (mystical utterances) such as "Glory be to Me," his experiences in fana' (annihilation of the self) and baqa' (subsistence in God) form the core of this spiritual journey. Although often misunderstood and debated for perceived violations of tauhid (the oneness of God), al-Ittihad remains a significant aspect of Sufi spirituality. In modern contexts, it offers a way to deepen one's relationship with God through dissolution of ego and worldly attachments, playing a crucial role in contemporary Sufi studies as a means of achieving profound spiritual intimacy.