Rectifying Misattributions to Ali al-Hujwiri: A Critical and Scholarly Analysis in Light of Kashf al-Mahjūb and Historical Sources

Abstract

This research paper critically investigates the various sayings and actions falsely attributed to Sayyid Ali bin Uthman al-Hujwiri, widely known as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh, a seminal figure in the development of Islamic Sufism in South Asia. While al-Hujwiri’s renowned work, Kashf al-Mahjūb, stands as an early and authoritative text on Sufism—clearly articulating his theological stance, spiritual methodology, and adherence to Sunni orthodoxy—later periods have witnessed the emergence of apocryphal statements and fabricated anecdotes linked to his name. These misattributions often misrepresent his thought and are sometimes at odds with foundational Islamic principles. Through a detailed examination of Kashf al-Mahjūb and cross-referencing with authentic historical and scholarly sources, this study identifies and refutes these false claims. It demonstrates that al-Hujwiri consistently emphasized the centrality of the Qur’an, Sunnah, sincerity, and compliance with Sharī‘ah in the spiritual path. The analysis suggests that many of the fabrications originated either from later mystical exaggerations or orientalist misreadings that failed to contextualize his teachings properly. This research affirms the importance of returning to original texts and sound historical methodology when assessing the intellectual legacy of prominent Islamic scholars and saints. By separating authentic teachings from invented narratives, the paper contributes to a more accurate understanding of Ali al-Hujwiri’s role in shaping orthodox Sufism and underscores his enduring relevance as a spiritual guide grounded in Islamic scholarship.