Major Philosophical Concepts of Sufism and Taoism

Abstract

This research discusses the Pioneers of Sufism and Taoism namely, Ibn al-ʿArabī, Al- Qunawi, Lao-tzu, and Chuang-Tzu. Then, the article shows a comparative reflection on the key philosophical concepts E.g. preliminaries in methodology, man’s inner transformation, the multi-stratified structure of reality, essence and existence, and the self-Evolution of Existence. This research is relevant to understand the philosophical sufism of Islam. This research uses qualitative methodology. The research finds that Islamic Sufism and Taoism have some similarities to appreciate in interreligious discussion in academia.

Keywords: Sufism, Taoism, Ibn Arabi,  Al- Qunawi, Lao-tzu, Chuang-Tzu