Commentary on Imam Abu ‘Abdullah Malik ibn Anas’ (r.a.) Quote on Taswawwuf & Fiqh

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In Iqazh al-Himam, Imam Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ajibah (r.a.) quoted Imam Ahmad ibn Ahmad az-Zarruq’s (q.s.) commentary on the sayings of Imam Abu ‘Abdullah Malik ibn Anas (r.a.): “He who practices taswawwuf without acquiring knowledge of fiqh, is a zindiq.  He who acquires knowledge of fiqh but does not practice taswawwuf, is a fasiq.  He who combines the two, has achiever the Truth.” 

Imam az-Zarruq’s (q.s.) commentary on this saying is that the atheism of the first is due to the fact that he professes the doctrine of jabr, which entails the negation of wisdom, and the rules of law.  The immoral depravity of the second is due to the fact that his conduct is devoid of the genuine dedication that prevents disobedience to Allah (s.w.t.), and of the sincere devotion that is stipulated for all actions.  The correctness of the third is due to his fulfillment in reality of his essential adherence to the Truth.