Written by: Fazilat al-Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri Hafizahullah
Question: What is said about Abu Yazid Bastami?
Answer: Abu Yazid Tayfur bin Isa Bastami (261 AH) is a famous Sufi, to whom many deviations are attributed. Most of the stories are false, and for liars, they hold the status of religion.
Hafiz Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him (774 AH), says:
[قد حكي عنه كلمات فيها شطح، وقد تكلم كثير من العلماء من الصوفية والفقهاء عليها؛ فمن متأول على المحامل البعيدة، أو قائل: إن هٰذا قاله في حال الاصطلام والسكر، ومن مبدع ومخطئ، واللٰه أعلم]
Many such sayings are narrated from Abu Yazid Bastami, in which there are clear mistakes. Many Sufi scholars and jurists have spoken about them; some have given far-fetched interpretations, some have said that these statements were made by Abu Yazid Bastami in a state of istilam (overwhelming love and madness) and sukr (a special term used by Sufis). Some Sufis have declared Bastami to be an innovator and errant in these sayings and actions.
Reference: Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya: 556/14
