This study examines the life and works of Abū Tālib al-Makkī, one of the greatest Sufi writers of the fourth Islamic century, with special attention being paid to his mystical doctrine, as expounded in his chief work entitled “Qūt al-Qulūb fi mu‘āmalat al-mahbūb”.

In analysing al-Makkī’s mystical doctrine, detailed studies are made in this theses in relation to al-Makkī’s concept of religious life as a preliminary basis for the higher mystical life, and his concept of mystical life with special reference to his concept of the heart, science of the heart, theory of knowledge, gnosis, and finally his concept of the mystical states and stations. He also tried to harmonize the views of the various Sufi groups and to affect a synthesis between moderate Sufism and the Sharī‘ah.

Many scholars have pointed out that Al-Ghazali’s Ihyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn, the eternal guide for a Muslim to lead a wholesome life in Islam, in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah, was obviously indebted to Qūt al-Qulūb of al-Makkī; an attempt is made here by providing a close analysis of the treatment by both Ghazali and al-Makkī of the concept of religious life.