The Beliefs of the Soofees & Ahl As-Sunnah by Shaykh Sa'd bin Nasir ash-Shathri is a succinct yet powerful critique and comparison of Sufi creed (tasawwuf) with the foundational beliefs of mainstream Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jama'ah. In just 76 pages, this paperback examines how certain Sufi interpretations differ from orthodox Sunni teachings about the Pillars of Iman, based on Qur'anic principles and authentic Sunnah.
Where the Divergence Is Located
Shaykh ash-Shathri, a respected scholar and member of the Permanent Committee of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, delves into concrete examples of where some Sufi thought diverges — particularly in doctrines related to divine knowledge, spiritual "stations" (maqamat), and the role of veneration for saints and spiritual masters. He highlights how some Sufi practices and beliefs may undermine or conflict with the pure monotheism (tawheed) and creed of Ahl as-Sunnah.
The Book Does Not Dismiss Spirituality
This distinction matters, and the author is explicit about it. Rather than rejecting spiritual striving outright, he calls the believer to distinguish between genuine spiritual striving that aligns with the Sunnah and ideological innovations that have crept into parts of the Sufi tradition.
Drawing on classical scholarship and modern contexts — including the promotion of Sufism among Western Muslim communities — he provides a refutation grounded in Ahlus Sunnah methodology while preserving the place of sincere spiritual effort.
Why the Author's Standing Matters Here
Shaykh Dr. Sa'd bin Naasir ash-Shathree is known for his diligence in teaching the Qur'an and Sunnah. Only a few of his books have been translated into English, and this is among the most recent — addressing an issue that has become prominent as Sufi ideas have been actively promoted to Western Muslims.
A Note on Position
This is a critical work arguing a position rather than a neutral survey. "Sufism" covers an enormous range, from an emphasis on spiritual purification that nobody disputes to beliefs that depart substantially from the sources, and this book is written from the perspective of Ahlus Sunnah.
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