MALAMATIYAH

a Sufi (Muslim mystic) group that flourished in Samanid Iran during the 8th century. The name Malamatiyah was derived from the Arabic verb la'ma (to be ignoble, or to be wicked). Malamati doctrines were based on the reproach of the carnal self and a careful watch over its inclinations to surrender to the temptations of the world. They often referred to the Qur'anic verse I swear by the reproachful soul as the basis for their philosophy. This verse, they said, clearly praised a self that constantly reproached and blamed its owner for the slightest deviation from the world of God. The reproachful self in Malamati terminology was the perfect self. The Malamatiyah found value in self-blame, believing that it would be conducive to a true detachment from worldly things and to disinterested service of God. They feared the praise and respect of other persons. Piety, the Malamati believer said, is a private affair between man and God. A Malamati believer further concealed his knowledge as a precaution against acquiring fame and strove to make his faults known, so that he would always be reminded of his imperfection. Toward others they were as tolerant and forgiving as they were strict and harsh on themselves. While other Sufis revealed their ahwal (states of ecstasy) and their joy over progressing from one maqam (spiritual stage) to the next, the Malamatiyah kept their achievements and their feelings concealed. Sufis wore particular clothes, organized various orders, and assumed all sorts of titles; the Malamatiyah were steadfast in concealing their identities and belittling their achievements. In fact, Malamati doctrines were so different from those of most Sufi groups that a few scholars did not consider the Malamatiyah to be Sufis.