A Comparison of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Tasawwuf (Sufism) In Terms of Purpose

In the Islamic scientific tradition, kalam (fundamental Islamic beliefs), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and tasawwuf (Sufism) are considered as three branches of Islamic science that\ris directly concern life. In this article, fiqh and tasawwuf which are mentioned above, are compared in terms of their objectives. The study involves an introduction and two sections. In the\rintroduction, definitions, subjects, virtues, sources, purposes, and other relevant issues of these branches are mentioned and the objectives of fiqh and tasawwuf are compared. In the first\rsection, general aims and benefits of both tasawwuf and fiqh are explicated, while the specific\rpurposes and benefits of both branches are discussed in the second. Special purposes are also\rdiscussed in terms of their contribution to the establishment and continuation of the individual\rand social order. Individual and social purposes are evaluated in compliance with the general\rclassification of the subjects of fiqh. The said classification covers the fields of prayers, deeds,\rmarriage (family) and criminal law. Fiqh and tasawwuf, both of which are common in being practical sciences, are evaluated according to their common and divergent features in terms of their\rgoals and purposes, and it is emphasized that they complement each other in religious living.