Freud: The Sufi Within
Anila Amber Malik
Erum Riaz
Abstract
This article strives to draw parallels between the teachings of
Sigmund Freud and that of Sufi philosophers such as Rumi,
Ghazali, Farabi, Al Kindi, Ibn Rashd, Ibn Badjdja, Idries Shah,
Burton and that of quantum physics in the writings of Hawking.
Parallels are drawn between the Romantic era and its reflection in
Freud’s writings, in the form of the intangible, dreams, the
unconscious and the study of Orientalism. The idea of the murid
and morad is found in Freudian analytical framework where the
client in the guise of the murid starts the process of transference
with his teacher (morad or psychoanalyst). Not only is the inward
exploration of man that forms the backbone of Freud’s theory and
Sufi philosophy examined; the use of similes and metaphors in
Freud’s works and that of the Sufi tradition is also compared. Thus
the idea of ‘quiet happiness’ expounded by Freud and of ‘ultimate
happiness’ by Ibn Badjdja are seen as strikingly similar. The nafs
of the Sufi tradition and the Freudian id, ego and super ego also
have a startling similarity. The authors explore how Ghazali’s
theory of the mind as a mirror, and Freud’s defense mechanisms
are comparable. Freud’s discussion about the Jewish nature of his
mysticism in the later part of his life is also explored. The authors,
studying parallels between Sufism and Freud do not ignore the fact
that though Sufism seems to be infused with spiritual thought, it
does not ignore the sexual aspect of the human being, which is
apparent in Rumi’s writings. Just as the Sufi seeks the truth, Freud
too leaves no stone unturned to find it, which is apparent in his
forays into literature. What the Sufis had started was given impetus
by Freud’s vision. Far from being paranoid about sexuality, he
upholds it as an integral part of the human nature. At the same time
Journal of European Studies
120
Freud was deeply spiritual; believing that man could attain dignity,
love and happiness.
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