... into conflict with mainstream Islamic consciousness because it infers that Knowledge cannot be gained only through the traditional means. It is, however, ultimately in coherence with orthodoxy because it depends on the framework of traditional Islam.3 The fourth caliph, Ali, is widely regarded to be the original pioneer of Sufi Knowledge. Another widely regarded teacher of Sufism is Hassan of Basra who has been greatly respected worldwide by Sufis since the early days of its formation. "Early Sufism was a natural expression of personal religion."4 The tariqahs formed on the basis of the relationships between the sheikhs and their disciples. The sheikh or director was known as the murshid and the disciple became known as the murid. Two main ways emerged. The Junaidi, was a more restrained form and, thereby, gained the approval of the orthodoxy. The founder of this way was Abul-Qasim al-Junaid came to be known as "the ...

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