al-Futuwwa li Abi Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami
- Author died
- 412 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Rāzī
Kitab al-Futuwwa (The Book of Spiritual Chivalry) is an early Sufi ethical treatise composed by the Persian traditionist and mystic Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami (d. 412 AH / 1021 CE), dedicated to articulating the principles, manners, and virtues of spiritual chivalry (futuwwa) .
Purpose and Definition
Al-Sulami composed the treatise in response to an inquiry regarding the nature and obligations of futuwwa . He defines the concept as total compliance and sound obedience to God, the abandonment of all blameworthy traits, and the adherence to noble virtues both outwardly and inwardly, publicly and in secret . Al-Sulami states that futuwwa applies to every moment and circumstance, encompassing a person's conduct toward God, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Companions, the early righteous forebears (al-salaf al-salih), spiritual mentors, brethren, family, and the recording angels .
In the introduction, al-Sulami traces the lineage of futuwwa through prophetic history, portraying the prophets as its primary exemplars: Adam was the first to respond to its call, followed by figures such as Abel (Habil), Seth (Shith), Idris, Noah, Hud, Salih, and Abraham (al-Khalil), whom God titled a fata (youth) for dedicating himself, his family, and his possessions entirely to his Lord .
Structure and Method
The work is organized into five parts (ajza'), structured as a series of thematic maxims that each open with the recurring formula "And of chivalry is..." (wa-min al-futuwwa) . To substantiate each maxim, al-Sulami presents chains of transmission (isnad) tracing back to prophetic traditions, reports of the Companions, poetry, and sayings of early Sufi masters and scholars, including:
- Al-Junayd al-Baghdadi
- Ja'far al-Sadiq
- Yahya ibn Mu'adh al-Razi
- Sahl ibn Abd Allah al-Tustari
- Ma'ruf al-Karkhi
- Abu Bakr al-Warraq
- Abu Muhammad al-Jurayri
The text details practical and spiritual etiquette, including scrupulous piety (wara'), selfless service to companions, hospitality toward guests, overlooking the faults of others, refraining from jealousy or arrogance, maintaining consistency between inner and outer states, and showing complete reliance on God in poverty and travel . Al-Sulami concludes the work by summarizing the core imperatives of futuwwa, highlighting truthfulness, fulfillment of covenants, generous spending, humility, and repaying ill-treatment with benevolence .
Editions
Kitab al-Futuwwa has been published in a modern critical edition prepared by Ihsan Dhannun al-Thamiri and Muhammad Abd Allah al-Qudhat, issued by Dar al-Razi in Amman (1422 AH / 2002 CE) .
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