The Theological Doctrines of Sayyid Ali al-Hujwiri (Dātā Ganj Bakhsh): A Critical Study Based on Kashf al-Maḥjūb

Abstract

This research paper presents a critical and analytical study of the theological doctrines of Sayyid Ali al-Hujwiri, widely known as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh, with particular reference to his seminal work Kashf al-Maḥjūb. As one of the earliest and most influential Sufi scholars in the Indian subcontinent, al-Hujwiri’s contributions to Islamic theology, Sufism, and spiritual pedagogy remain foundational to South Asian Islamic thought. While Kashf al-Maḥjūb is traditionally celebrated for its exposition of Sufi concepts, it also serves as a rich source of theological insights, particularly concerning matters of belief such as tawḥīd (divine unity), risālah (prophethood), eschatology, divine attributes, the status of the Companions, sainthood (wilāyah), and other core components of Sunni orthodoxy. The study investigates how al-Hujwiri articulates and defends these doctrines within the framework of mainstream Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā‘ah theology while simultaneously integrating spiritual interpretations rooted in the Sufi tradition. Using textual analysis of Kashf al-Maḥjūb and relevant secondary sources, the paper explores al-Hujwiri’s approach to theological discourse, his alignment with traditional Sunni creed, and his critique of opposing views such as anthropomorphism (tajsīm), rationalist excesses, and esoteric deviation. The research also considers the methodological balance he maintains between scholastic theology (‘ilm al-kalām) and experiential knowledge (ma‘rifah), portraying him as a unifying figure between reason and spiritual intuition. This study concludes that Sayyid Ali al-Hujwiri’s theological thought represents a harmonious synthesis of creed and spirituality, grounded in orthodoxy yet infused with inner depth. His contribution provides not only an intellectual response to theological controversies of his time but also a timeless model for integrating Sufi insights with Islamic belief. The findings of this paper contribute to the broader understanding of classical Islamic theology in the Sufi context and reaffirm al-Hujwiri’s position as a pivotal figure in the transmission of authentic Islamic doctrines in the Indo-Muslim world.