An Analysis of the Sufi Concepts of Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Matubuli in Minahus Saniyah

Abstract

Every Sufi scholar develops a particular conceptual framework for the spiritual journey toward God. This community service activity aims to elaborate the Sufi concepts of Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Matubuli as presented in Minahus Saniyah, a work attributed to Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani, and to provide participants with an understanding of their relevance to contemporary spiritual and ethical life. The activity employed two main methods: lectures and question-and-answer sessions. The lecture method was used to systematically present the fundamental concepts of Sufism, while the question-and-answer method facilitated interaction, clarification, and deeper understanding among participants. The activity was conducted smoothly and without significant obstacles. The discussion identified seventeen teachings attributed to Shaykh Ibrahim Al-Matubuli, including steadfast repentance, spiritual discipline through abandoning excessive engagement with permissible matters, avoiding ostentation (riya’), preserving others’ feelings, consuming lawful food, overcoming excessive shyness, avoiding dishonesty in work, controlling the nafs, practicing seclusion (uzlah), maintaining silence, performing night prayers, participating in congregational prayers, avoiding injustice, increasing istighfar, cultivating appropriate modesty, maintaining proper etiquette (adab), and consistently engaging in remembrance of God (dhikr). These teachings demonstrate that Sufism emphasizes not only spiritual purification but also ethical conduct, self-discipline, worship, and social responsibility. The activity is expected to contribute to participants’ understanding and practical application of Sufi values in everyday life.