Freud: The Sufi Within BY Anila Amber Malik Erum Riaz

                                    

                              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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