The Doctrine of Siyāḥah and Its Detailed Reexamination with Emphasis on Quranic Interpretations, Hadith Texts, and Mystical Literature

Siyāḥah is one of the key traditions associated with Jesus (PBUH) and a fundamental pillar of Islamic Sufism. However, despite scholarly efforts, a precise definition of this doctrine remains elusive. This deficiency has led to confusion in some related books and works, not only causing the conflation of linguistic siyāḥah with other similar concepts but also resulting in misinterpretations of certain Quranic verses and hadiths by some authors. In light of this challenge, the present study first seeks to draw the reader’s attention to the necessity of redefining the doctrine of siyāḥah. Utilizing Quranic, hadith, and mystical sources through a library-based documentary method and a descriptive-analytical approach, the study aims to identify the objectives and other defining components of terminological siyāḥah, propose a documented definition, and finally, highlight its distinguishing features from linguistic siyāḥah. The findings indicate that: Terminological siyāḥah possesses key characteristics such as continuity, intentionality, spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), movement across the land, and its classification as a devotional practice. To distinguish this form of siyāḥah from its linguistic meaning, it is essential to consider not only context, setting, and textual indications but also the presence of certain accompanying words related to siyāḥah, such as expressions denoting higher objectives, intention (nīyyah), validity (ṣiḥḥah), invalidity (buṭlān), appreciation (istiḥsān), proximity (taqarrub), submission (taslīm), contentment (riḍā), spiritual discipline (riyāḍah), and the approval of spiritual masters (idhn al-awliyā’).