INFLUENCE OF PROPHET MUHAMMED

AND HIS COMPANION’S PRACTICES IN

OKINAWAN PEOPLE IN THE LIGHT OF
BOOK IKIGAI

MUHAMMED ANSIF.S

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the degree bachelor of Islamic
and Human Sciences

DARUL HUDA ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY,

KERALA, INDIA

DECEMBER 2019

i
 This study dedicates to my beloved parents, teachers and friends…

APPROVAL PAGE

I have been highly pleased to certify that Mr. Muhammed Ansif. s, Degree final

year student of Darul Huda Islamic University, has completed his work on

INFLUENCE OF PROPHET MUHAMMED AND HIS COMPANION’S

PRACTICES IN OKINAWAN PEOPLE IN THE LIGHT OF BOOK IKIGAI

ii
under my guidance. In my opinion it conforms to acceptable standards, in scope

and quality as a dissertation for the degree regulation of Darul Huda Islamic

University.

Usthad Ibrahim Badusha Hudawi (Guide)

Signature………………Date……………

I certify that this dissertation was submitted at Darul Huda Islamic University to be

considered for the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of degree

bachelor certificate.

Usthad Shafi Hudawi (Principal DHIU, Degree Block)

Signature………………. ……Date………………

Received to be sent for evaluation on ………………….……office of academic

affairs.

Signature………………. Date……………………

DECLARATION

I do hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own research, except

where otherwise stated. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently

submitted as a whole for any other degrees at DHIU or other institution.

iii
NAME: MOHAMMED ANSIF.S

AD NO: 384

Reg. No: 220160

ADRESS: KIRAKUMKARA PUTTAN VEEDU, PC MUKKU (PO)

ERANIMUKKU, KALLAMBALLAM,TRIVANDRUM,695605

Mobile: 9562690663

E-mail: [email protected]

Signature ………………………………. Date…………………………

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah the merciful, the compassionate. All praises be to Allah lord of

the universe, let his regards and salutations be upon the holy prophet Muhammad

and his family and companions.

iv
I worked with full passion, determination and perseverance to reach to the final

destination of my UG research, and finally with grace of almighty Allah (the only

worthy of all praises) I have jot down and collected all productive and imperative

notes within the duration of four months would like to acknowledge to several

individual who have been instrumental in this research. It is impossible to name

them all here. I would like to thank, my teachers, my friends for giving me their

supporting hands, valuabletime, guidance and moral support to do this research

work, especially,

to my respected guide USTHAD IBAHIM BADUSHA HUDAWI, who guided me

giving his support and advices. Above all I express my special gratitude to almighty

Allah who granted me this golden chance to do my research on the subject of

“INFLUENCE OF PROPHET MUHAMMED AND HIS COMPANION’S

PRACTICES IN OKINAWAN PEOPLE IN THE LIGHT OF BOOK IKIGAI”

and to complete it. Finally, I state that I am alone responsible for the entire faults and

mistakes that remain in this research study.May Allah accept this humble attempt

and

make it fruitful for this life and hereafter, Ameen.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFLUENCE OF SUFISM IN THE WRITINGS OF PAULO

COELHO ....................................... I
APPROVAL PAGE ...............................................................................................................................
III
DECLARATION .............................................................................................................................
IV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................................
V
ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................................1

v
2 ....................................................................................................................................... ‫خالصة‬
‫البحث‬............................................................................................................................................
CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER..............................................................................................................3
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................3
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM............................................................................................................4
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.................................................................................................................4
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY....................................................................................................................4
1.5 CHAPTERIZATION.........................................................................................................................5
1.6 METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................................5
1.7 REVIEW OF LITERATURE...............................................................................................................5
1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY..............................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO...............................................................................................................................7
LIFE AND CREATIVE WORKS OF PAULO COELHO.............................................................................7
2.1 BIOGRAPHY.................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 LITERARY CAREER.........................................................................................................................9
2.3 CHARACTERS OF PAULO COELHO IN HIS WRITINGS....................................................................11
2.4 SYMBOLS OF PAULO COELHO IN HIS WRITINGS.........................................................................12
CHAPTER THREE...........................................................................................................................16
SUFI INFLUENCE IN PAULO COELO’S WORKS.................................................................................16
3.1 SUFISM AND MYSTICISM............................................................................................................16
3.2 MYSTICISM AND SPIRITUALITY OF PAULO COELHO....................................................................19
3.3 INFLUENCE OF SUFISM IN WESTERN LITERATURE......................................................................20
3.4 SUFI LESSONS IN PAULO COELO’S WORKS..................................................................................22
CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................................25
INFLUENCE OF SUFISM AND ISLAMIC IDEOLOGIES IN THE ALCHEMIST..........................................25
4.1 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................25
4.2 SUFISM IN THE ALCHEMIST.........................................................................................................26
4.3 PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH IN THE ALCHEMIST.....................................................................29
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................32
BIBLIOGRAPHY.............................................................................................................................33

vi
vii
 ABSTRACT

It is very relevant in the time the scholars across the world are studying Sufism

especially non-Muslims. Everyone seeks spirituality throughout his life and it will

influence their writings also. The famous Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho has been

influenced by Sufism in which he expresses it through his writings. The reader can

experience a magical touch in his writings because of Sufism indulged with it. The

researcher seeks a comprehensive study on influence of Sufism in the writings of

Paulo Coelho. The study also focuses on Sufi influences and Islamic ideologies in

his famous book, The Alchemist and also discusses about Sufi lessons in his other

writings.

‫خالصة البحث‬

‫من األمر المهم في الوقت الذي يدرس فيه‬

‫العلماء في جميع أنحاء العالم الصوفية وخاصة غير‬
، ‫ الجميع يسعى الروحانية طوال حياته‬.‫المسلمين‬
‫ تأثر الكاتب البرازيلي‬.‫وسوف تؤثر على كتابا م أيضا‬
‫الشهير باولو كويلو بالصوفية التي عبر عنها من خالل‬
.‫كتاباته‬
‫ويمكن للقارئ تجربة لمسة سحرية في كتاباته بسبب‬
‫ يبحث والباحث عن دراسة‬.‫التصوف المنغمس في ذلك‬
.‫شاملة حول تأثير الصوفية في كتابات باولو كويلو‬

1
 ‫وتركز الدراسة أيًض ا على التأثيرات الصوفية‬
، ‫ الكيميائي‬، ‫واأليديولوجيات اإلسالمية في كتابه الشهير‬
‫وتناقش أيًض ا حول الدروس الصوفية في كتاباته‬
.‫األخرى‬

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Paulo Coelho one of the most popular Brazilian writers of recent times, is best

known for his practice of writing about life lessons in the light of spiritual and

mystical realms. His writings are usually optimistic and full of references to miracles

and positive endings. Most of them are from his own experiences which is highly

quoted in his autobiographical novels. They are mostly in touch with Sufism in

2
Islam especially in his famous books Zahir, The Alchemist, Hippie, etc.… especially

in his autobiographical novels.

In his early times, Coelho lived as hippie and learned Sufism from his journey as he

explains about it in his book, Hippie when he was accused as pseudo-sufist. From

bus journey to Kathmandu, he meets a Sufi guru at Istanbul and studies Sufism from

him. He studied it from the books of Jalaluddin Rumi, Kabir etc.… and such Sufi

poets who are famous all over the world. Most of people say his writings are

spiritual awakening and have mystical dimensions which are connected with his own

experiences.

His writings contain a lot of moral stories and also Islamic stories, epics,

thoughts, philosophy, ideologies, terms, teachings, prophetic histories, prophetic

advices, quotes from the holy books of prophets especially from Quran itself and

other prominent books of famous Sufis, etc.… which say that Sufism has influenced

his writings as well as throughout his life. Those stories have a conduit to attract the

hearts of people. The modern philosophy is highly connected with Sufis and Coelho

used it in his writings to be adequate in every level of world people. Spirituality or

Mysticism is widespread all over the world at every time.

Here, the researcher assembles the accounts that describe Paulo Coelho’s

sufistic ideas and theology in his writings. This study will be more helpful to those

who are seeking the essence of Coelho’s writings which is mostly indulged with

Sufism.

3
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

There are many writings across the world including mysticism in it. On the contrary

to the famous writers especially in western countries, Paulo Coelho has been

influenced by Sufism.That influence happened because of long journeys occurred in

his life, his journeys were to find himself, to know more about world. As a part of

this influence, he used Islamic names for his characters and even for his book also.

Here the discussion about the difference between Sufism and Mysticism. The subject

taken by the researcher is more relevant. Because, it seems didn’t undertaken by

more.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• How was Paulo Coelho’s life and what are his creative works?

• What are the Sufi influences in Paulo Coelho’s works?

• What are the influences of Sufism and Islamic ideologies in The Alchemist?

1.4 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

• Describe life and creative works of PauloCoelho.

• To find Sufi influences in Paulo Coelho’s works.

• To expand the influences of Sufism and Islamic ideologies in The Alchemist.

1.5 CHAPTERIZATION

• Life and creative works of PauloCoelho.

• Sufi influences in Paulo Coelho’s works.

• The influences of Sufism and Islamic ideologies in The Alchemist.

1.6 METHODOLOGY

The study is exclusively depending upon library sources, interviews, references,

online and offline researches, especially books of Paulo Coelho and some articles

4
related on his books. In order to realize the objectives of the research, it utilizes

meaning of reputation and kinds what was the influence of Sufism in his writings

and compare the terms Mysticism and Sufism along with there are are many western

writers say about mystical dimension. The researcher wants to have a comprehensive

study in this subject.

1.7 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In this study the book namely “ The Alchemist” written by Paulo Coelho, has

become the main source to study about his spirituality. After his autobiographical

novel The Pilgrimage, this book has turned well known across the world in which

Paulo expresses his experiences indulged with Sufism.

An interview with Paulo Coelho by Laura Sheahen for beliefnet introduces about

his Mysticism, spirituality, ideologies, thoughts, philosophy and prominent aspects

of his life. There are many articles about his Sufi lessons in his books, characters,

themes, symbols, etc.…

Another book named “Hippie”written by Paulo Coelho as his autobiographical

novel mentions more about Sufism and his debut to it and his contributions which

has been written as an answer to those who accused him as Pseudo-sufist. He argues

that he has learned Sufism and his writings are influenced by it. Another literary

source is article of Fajar Kurniawan about “Principles of Islamic faith in The

Alchemist” which indicates to parts of stories which are in touch with Sufism.

1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Islamic philosophy is relevant ever in the world as the Sufism has a pivot role even

the western philosophers are trying to study about it. Here, the Sufism is really

5
indulged in the writings of Paulo Coelho as he studied it from the books of

Jalaluddin Rumi, Kabir etc.…throughout his journeys as he explained about it in his

autobiographical novels. His writings say about his own experiences which is more

useful for others, about life lessons, social problems, travels and journeys etc.… The

researcher selected the topic for assembling aspects and views of great philosophers

who has works in Mysticism and here on this topic no more researched by others.

Then the researcher argues it may be a great work. The study is concentrated on

lines and its meanings of his writings and to understand the influences of Sufism

thoughts

in it.
CHAPTER TWO
LIFE AND CREATIVE WORKS OF PAULO COELHO

2.1 BIOGRAPHY

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist, was born in Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil in 24 August 1947, the son of Pedro Queima Coelho de Souza, an

engineer, and his wife Lygia, a homemaker. Early on, Paulo dreamed of an artistic

career. In the austere surroundings of a strict Jesuit school, Paulo discovered his true

vocation: to be a writer. His parents, however, had different plans for him. When

their attempts to oppress his devotion to literature failed, they took it as a sign of

mental illness.

When Paulo was seventeen, his father had him committed to a mental

institution, twice, where he endured sessions of electroconvulsive “therapy”. At his

parents’ interests Paulo enrolled in law school and avoided his dream of becoming

6
writer. One year later, he dropped out and life as a hippie 1, travelling through South

America, North Africa, Mexico, and Europe and started using drugs in the 1960s.

Paulo was always a nonconformist and a seeker of the new. When, in the excitement

of 1968, the guerrilla and hippie movements took hold in a Brazil ruled by a

repressive military regime, Paulo embraced progressive politics and joined the peace

and love generation. He sought spiritual experience, travelling all over Latin

America in the footsteps of Carlos Castaneda. He worked in the theatre and dabbled

in journalism, launching an alternative magazine called 2001. He began to

collaborate with music producer Raul Sixes as lyricist, transforming the Brazilian

rock scene. In 1973, Paulo and Raul joined the Alternative Society, an organization

that defended the individual’s right to free expression, and began publishing a series

of comic strips, calling for more freedom. Members of the organization were

detained and imprisoned. Two days later, Paulo was kidnapped and tortured by a

group of paramilitaries. This experience affected him profoundly.

At the age of 26, Paulo wanted to be “normal”. He worked as an executive in

the music industry. He tried his hand at writing but didn’t start solemnly until after

he had an encounter with a stranger. The man first came to him in a vision, and two

months later Paulo met him at a café in Amsterdam. The stranger suggested that

Paulo should return to Catholicism2 and study the benign side of magic. He also

encouraged Paulo to walk the Road to Santiago, the medieval pilgrim’s route.

1 A hippie (sometimes spelled hippy) is a member of the counterculture of the 1960s, originally a
youth movement that began in the United States during the mid-1960s and spread to other countries
around the world.

2 Catholicism is the traditions and beliefs of Catholic Churches. It refers to their theology, liturgy,
morals and spirituality.

7
In 1986, Paulo walked the 500 plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in north-

western Spain. In 1987, a year after completing that pilgrimage, Paulo wrote The

Pilgrimage. The book explains his experiences of spiritual awakening and his

discovery that the extraordinary occurs in the lives of ordinary people. A year later,

Paulo wrote a very different book, The Alchemist. The first edition sold only 900

copies and the publishing house decided not to reprint.

Paulo would not surrender his dream. He found another publishing house, a bigger

one. He wrote Brida, which received a lot of attention in the press, and both The

Alchemist and The Pilgrimage appeared on bestseller lists. The Alchemist went on to

sell more copies than any other book in Brazilian literary history.

Paulo’s story doesn’t end there and he continued to write many other bestselling

books that have touched the hearts of people everywhere: By the River Piedra I Sat

Down and Wept, The Fifth Mountain, Veronica Decides to Die, The Devil and Miss

Prym, Manual of the Warrior of Light, Eleven Minutes and The Zahir, Hippie3.

2.2 LITERARY CAREER

Paulo Coelho tried to fulfil his dream to be a writer. In 1982, he published his first

book, Hell Archives, which failed to make a substantial impact. And in 1986, he

contributed the Practical Manual of Vampirism. After making the pilgrimage to

Santiago de Compostela in 1986, he wrote The Pilgrimage, published in 1987. It is

an autobiographical novel in which he describes the turning point of his life

happened in that pilgrimage, the spiritual awakening he has experienced and the

reason to be a writer.

3 An auto biographical novel published in 2018.

8
 In 1988, Paulo Coelho wrote The Alchemist and published it through a small

Brazilian publishing house that made an initial print run of 900 copies and decided

not to reprint it. He consequently found a bigger publishing house, and with the

publication of his next book Brida, The Alchemist took off. Harper Collins decided

to publish the book in 1994. Later it became an international bestseller.

While trying to prevail over his procrastination about his writing career, Paulo said,

“If I see white feather today, that is a sign that God is giving me that I have to write

a new book”. He found a white feather in the window of a shop, and began writing

that day.

Since the publication of The Alchemist, he has generally written at least one

novel every two years. Four of them – The Pilgrimage, Hippie, The Valkyries and

Aleph – are autobiographical. The majority of the rest are broadly fictional. Other

books like Maktub, The Manual of the Warrior of Light and Like the Flowing River,

are collections of essays, newspaper columns or selected teachings. His work has

been published in more than 170 countries, translated into eighty languages and his

books have sold in the hundreds of millions.

On 22 December 2016, Paulo was listed by UK-based company Richiopia at

number 2 in the list of 200 most influential contemporary authors of the world. From

the Pilgrimage (1987) toHippie (2018) he has about 30 works which have become

famous and bestsellers all over the world. Some of them are By the River Piedra I

Sat

9
Down and Wept, The Fifth Mountain, Veronica Decides to Die, The Devil and Miss

Prym, Eleven Minutes, The Zahir, The Witch of Portbello, The Winner Stands Alone,

Aleph, The Spy etc...

However, reactions to his writing have not been without controversy.

Though he was raised in a Catholic family and describes himself as of that faith in

now, his stance has been explained as incompatible with the Catholic faith, because

of its New Age, pantheist4 and relativist5 contents. There are many criticisms about

him and his works such as he is a writer of pseudo Sufism 6 and also studies of

critique about his works.

2.3 CHARACTERS OF PAULO COELHO IN HIS WRITINGS

In many novels of Paulo Coelho, an expression of the human spirit illustrated by

portraying his characters. The precise evolution of each character highlights the

various internal struggles many people face; by using his characters as his tongue,

Coelho answers some basic questions of life as his readers learn to see themselves

reflected through the eyes of complex characters. The characters in Coelho’s work

vary in their levels of innocence and weakness, but they are easy to identify in the

sense that most of them seek something, and use the knowledge shared by others as

well as links with the spiritual world to help them in their quest.

The main characters in Coelho’s novels play a key role in articulating key themes,

while simultaneously displaying basic human traits that readers can easily identify.

4 Pantheist who has belief that reality is identical with divinity, or that all-things compose an
allencompassing, immanent god.

5 Relativist who has belief that there's no absolute truth, only the truths that a particular individual
or culture happen to believe. 6 Fake Sufism

10
Leading us through the story, the main characters often face many uncertainties and

must overcome obstacles, both physical and psychological. These frequency and

difficulty experiences are a common thread that connects Coelho’s characters to

each other, despite different circumstances and personalities.

When the Alchemist's Santiago6 encounters a vast expanse of desert between

him and his greatest treasure, he unites with others who have a common desire to

pursue their goals in life; Pilar7, another character from Coelho, receives the

kindness of an old woman who teaches her that "love persists" and inspires her to get

rid of her feelings of suffering and embrace goodness every day. In these three cases,

it is clear that although the individual experience of these characters is highly

diverse, they all bear responsibility for themselves and their actions, and all work to

overcome those

things that hinder their progress.

One thing to note about the development of Coelho's character is his ability

to incorporate great diversity into the creation of his characters. In his novels, male

characters do not overwhelm female characters, and there is a balance between

young and older characters, and while there is a constant sense of individuality, the

search for personal growth, Coelho also incorporates a strong sense of community

and family in each of his stories.

Another signature Coelho places on many of his characters is the lack of a

name. Most of them are simple characters who play influential roles in the

development of key characters. This allows the reader to focus on the character's
6 The protagonist of The Alchemist
7 The protagonist of By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

11
actions and their effects on others. Also, by identifying these characters only through

the functions they perform in their community, they assign their value to something

more realistic, as well as providing previous associations to promote each identity.

Therefore, by observing the types of characters created by Coelho, the reader can

easily see the similarities and differences between the characters in his novels.

However, the shared experiences they all share unite them together to embody many

differences in the multifaceted human spirit.

2.4 SYMBOLS OF PAULO COELHO IN HIS WRITINGS

In many of Coelho's works, his characters appear in life through their interactions

with each other; often they have no names, but rather the titles of roles they play in

their communities. This detail turns characters into symbols that intensify the

evolving message of each story. For example, in The Alchemist, most of the

characters the main boy meets - Santiago - have no names, but labels describing

their function. Santiago encounters multiple personalities simply referred to as

seniors; they have no names to be identified with, but their identity is confirmed as

older men. In this way, the fact that they are aging involves some symbolic wisdom

that comes with years of experience.

These men guide the little boy who symbolizes the wisdom we seek as we

pursue our dreams. In the Devil and Miss Prym8, a similar symbolism is found in the

characterization of simple characters such as hotel owner, mayor, and priest.

Although no names are given to these characters, the role they play in the work of

the novel is reaffirmed as it was in the alchemist where we should focus on the

8 Published in 2000

12
importance of their function, rather than interpreting the name or character. Then, we

are better able to associate each behavior with a personal title, suggesting a more

universal meaning. The owner of the hotel can be a symbol of the nature of the

work, the mayor represents the political world and its affairs, and the priest clearly

becomes a symbol of religious influence on societies. As a final example, in By the

River Piedra I Sat down and Wept9, the narrator never named the man he adored,

allowing readers to learn more about his behavior, dialogue and internal struggle.

This man's struggle can be seen as a symbol of confusion that obscures the vision of

many people who wrestle with love and seek a personal call in life. It is clear that

Coelho chooses his characters precisely for certain reasons that work towards the

ultimate goal of the novel.

As Coelho transforms his characters into symbolic entities, he includes

specific beings to represent the corresponding traits in his works. Coelho does not

hide his symbols in mysterious ways, but it is clear in the symbols display. Most

often, they come in the form of inanimate objects that somehow affect the

characters. See how gold in The Devil and Miss Prym represents seduction, a major

theme in the novel.

Taking this symbol a step forward, Coelho includes details that not only one brick of

gold exists to entice one person but also a second set of ten golden bricks as a

temptation for an entire community. The author here illustrates the personal

temptation that human beings face as well as the human struggle to justify actions

that, while potentially unethical, can ultimately lead to a better future. In The

9 Published in 1994

13
Alchemist, the clear symbols in the novel are the great pyramids of Egypt. Like The

Devil and Miss Prym, the pyramids are a treasure; but in this case, rather than a

symbol of temptation or evil, they symbolize the ultimate goal that all humans seek

to achieve. The fact that the great, majestic, and mysterious pyramids agree with this

symbolism. Moreover, the location of the pyramids can be seen as the distance that

is required of us as we walk towards our dreams.

One of the symbols that seems to be a trend in Mr. Coelho's novels is the

travel symbol. This joint work is found in The Alchemist, The Devil and Miss Prym,

By the River Piedra I and sat down and wept, and this common theme shows the

subject that the author has often emphasized in his literary works: his path to self-

discovery. The whole alchemist follows a young boy as he travels across the earth in

search of his dreams. Along the way, he learns more about himself than he could

have stayed in one place throughout his life. In Bythe River Piedra I Sat Down and

Wept, Pilar, the narrator, travels through France during a period of her life in which

she has faced a repressed internal and emotional conflict. On these trips you learn

about many things and learn from others and their own observations. This common

theme connects with travel to even some of The Devil and Miss Prym's topics, as the

stranger travels around the world to find the town he is looking for in order to carry

out his plans. All these novels contain travel as a symbol; sometimes it may

represent the journey of life itself, which all human beings must face new places and

faces that will leave their mark forever; or, it may symbolize the difficult

transformations that we must make in our lives, where we face obstacles and

Personality weakness we must overcome.

14
It is clear that Paulo Coelho brilliantly includes specific symbols in his works that

increase the power of each novel's message. Each subject is supported by a symbolic

presence that significantly increases the impact of the message on its readers.

15
 CHAPTER THREE

SUFI INFLUENCE IN PAULO COELO’S WORKS

3.1 SUFISM AND MYSTICISM

Sufism is Islamic mysticism. As such, it contains a special distinction from its

presence in the Sunnis10 as well as the Shiite 11 tradition of Islam. It is very difficult

to try to describe Sufism. Like all forms of mysticism, it is above all the search for

God, and this research can be expressed in many different ways, in different forms.

On the other hand, because of its esoteric aspects, it offers secret practices and

introductory rituals that vary according to the professors who teach them.

Despite the purported strict Islamic Sufism, traditional Islam, Sunni and Shia,

views Sufism with the greatest distrust. Moreover, there is no unity in Sufism. Each

professor brings together a group of pupils who have gathered the reputation of his

teaching. At most, these professors admit to belonging to the "brotherhood", founded

by the famous Sufi in ancient times. Once reference is made to Islam, no one

examines any doctrine whatsoever in the given teaching. The importance of this

secret Islam however is remarkable. In literature, it had a profound influence on the

10 Sunnis regard themselves as the orthodox branch of Islam. The name "Sunni" is derived from the
phrase "Ahl al-Sunnah", or "People of the Tradition". The tradition in this case refers to practices
based on what the Prophet Muhammad said, did, agreed to or condemned

11 An adherent of the Shia branch of Islam

16
inspiration of some of the most unresolved Arab-Persian works like the Tales of a

Thousand and One Nights12 and the love poem of Leila and Majnoon.

However, the most original aspect of Sufism is spirituality. From the point of

view of Sufism, God approached the steps. First, the law of the Quran 14 must be

respected; but this is only a first step that does not lead to an understanding of the

nature of the world. Rituals are useless if a person does not know their hidden

meaning. Only by starting one is enabled to see behind the appearance of things. For

example, man is a microcosm, where the image of the universe, the microcosm can

be found. It is therefore quite natural to understand the world, which is indeed a step

towards God when deepening man's knowledge of man. For example, Man is a

microcosm, a world in miniature, in which the image of the universe is to be found,

the macrocosm. So, it is quite natural that in extending one’s knowledge of man

should arrive at an understanding of the world which is already a step towards God.

According to Sufis, all existence comes from God and only God is true. The

created world is nothing but a reflection of the divine; "The universe is the absolute

shadow." The ability to distinguish God behind the screen of things means the purity

of the soul. You can approach God only through an attempt to withdraw from the

world: "Man is a mirror that reflects, when polished, God.” The God that the mystics

discover is the God of love and the way to Him is through love: "Whoever knows

God loves him; whoever knows that the world is moving away from him." "If you

want to be free, be a prisoner of love."

12 Epic of Arab-Persian culture

14
Holy book of Islam.

17
 "Mysticism" literally means living as close to God as possible. An example

of this can be found in Mary of the Incarnation13, she ran a transport company before

entering the Ursuline Monastery14. She was then sent to Canada, where she built a

school for French and Indian girls. She was always in contact with God, both in the

office of the lawyer to sign acts and with the builders to oversee the construction.

Even when a winter caught fire, and the fire could not be extinguished by a

temperature of 20 degrees below freezing, which meant that the water was frozen,

Mary incarnated fell to her knees in the snow and praised God. This is what Sufi life

means; living in constant union with God in the events of everyday life, be it a

religious person or an ordinary person. In the sense that one actually lives hidden

with

God, one has already entered into the eternal mystery of life, life with God. King

Baudouin of Belgium attempted to live his public and private life in this way without

giving any indication of failure to fulfil his public responsibilities and his husband's

love for the husband.

Sufism and Mysticism has some difference, even though Mysticism is

holistic Sufism is Islam related known as Thasawuff15. Sufism varies from

Mysticism by practise. Islam mentions it can be acquired by perpetual practises. On

the contrary to it, Mysticism mentions only to seek calmness inside and there is no

need of perpetual practises but by the decision someone takes. If anyone wants to be

13 A 17th-century French religious woman who was married with children and a widow.
14 The Ursuline Monastery of Quebec City, was founded by a missionary group of Ursuline nuns in 1639 under
the leadership of Mother Marie of the Incarnation, O.S.U. It is the oldest institution of learning for women in
North America.

15 Term of Mysticism in Islam.

18
mystic, he will sit near a river and allow his thoughts to wander away to acquire

calmness.

Understood this way, Sufi life is open to all. It is a matter of leaving God, in

love, living in us. As St. Paul says; I am no longer but Christ, who lives in me.

Mystic is not a person whose own person disappears. He or she retains the same

personality, history, and even intelligence and everything that makes a person unique

and loved.

3.2 MYSTICISM AND SPIRITUALITY OF PAULO COELHO

Spirituality is what gives calmness to someone’s inside. That calmness consoles both

soul and body. Mysticism and spirituality are in same meaning in which the entire

world seeks calmness, happiness and inner peace. There are many types of

mysticism each one can find it where he needs. Here, Paulo Coelho finds his

spirituality or mysticism in his own thoughts and ideologies.

Paulo Coelho finds spirituality in sexuality as he mentioned about it in an

interview, that is;

“In Eleven Minutes, you want to bring sexuality and spirituality to a healthier

place, how can this happen?

Well, by accepting that sex is a physical manifestation of God, and that is not a sin-

it is a blessing. And then by understanding that except for two things that I consider

to be really such – rape and paedophilia – you are free to be creative. It’s up to you,

how you do this.

19
 Sex was always surrounded by taboos, and I don’t see it necessarily as a

manifestation of evil. I think that sexuality is first and foremost the way that God

chooses for us to be here on earth, to enjoy this energy of love in the physical plane.

So, with a healthy understanding of sexuality you’re helping God manifest

himself in the world?

Absolutely, Not only understanding, but practising.16”

And also finds spirituality in many of his thoughts and ideologies, such as soul as he

quoted in his books “everything has a soul”- including inanimate objects like rocks,

water and everything is just the visible part of reality. God is as William Blake 17

said- in a grain of sand in a flower. This energy is everywhere.

Another example proves his spirituality is his fearless approach to death as he says

“By my side, sitting in the chair right in front of me. I see death as a beautiful

woman.” And he has strong faith in omens as he describes it as “Omens are the

individual language in which God talks to you. My omens are not your omens. They

are this strange, but very individual language that guides you towards your own

destiny. They are not logical. They talk to your heart directly. 18” The only way that

anyone can learn any language is by making mistakes. If anyone makes mistakes, he

starts to connect with the signs that guides him. This silent voice of God that leads

him to the places where he should be.

16 An interview with Paulo Coelho by Laura Sheahen, for Beliefnet

17 William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. Largely unrecognised during his lifetime,
Blake is now considered a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age

18 From interview with Paulo Coelho by Laura Sheahen for Beliefnet

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3.3 INFLUENCE OF SUFISM IN WESTERN LITERATURE

Not only Sufism influenced Muslims but non-Muslims also. We can assure it from

the works of western scholars as well as there are many works in western literature

which express the influence of Sufism in it. It is the spirituality seeking calmness,

pleasure, ecstasy and happiness inside of everything. The western scholars find

their inner happiness from Sufism and its practices and thoughts.

Universal Sufism19, is a new religious movement with its origins in traditional

Sufism, Islam's mystical branch. Universal Sufism was established in the early 20th

century. Two forms made up early Universal Sufism: the Sufi Order, which Inayat

Khan separated from Islam and brought to the West, and westerners of the more

traditional ShadhiliOrder20. Both held the principle of universalism, according to

which Sufism can be legal for anyone, regardless of their background.

Inayat Khan originally belonged to the Chishti Order 21, but founded the Sufi Order

between 1915 and 1917 as an independent universalist take on Sufism. After his

death in 1927, the Sufi Order split over Khan's succession. Leadership over the

Order eventually went to Inayat Khan's brother, MaheboobKhan.Inayat Khan's first

disciple in America, Rabia Martin, assuming from a letter from Inayat Kahn that she

would have to "attend to my [Inayat Khan's] affairs in the West", found herself

abandoned by the community. She continued independently, and recognized

Meher Baba as the Avatar of the age, finally giving rise to Sufism Reoriented.

19 Also known as Neo-Sufism, Global Sufism, and Western Sufism,

20 A famous Sufi order
21 Another Sufi order

21
 One of Martin's disciples was Samuel Lewis, who rose to eminence in the late

1960s and created the Dances of Universal Peace. In this role he organized the Sufi

IslamiaRuhaniat Society22, later renamed the Sufi Ruhaniat International. The Sufi

Ruhaniat International recognizes a separate line of spiritual transmission from

Inayat Khan through Samuel Lewis.

At various times during the 20th century there were disputes about who should

most rightfully be the next leader of the Sufi Order and more lately the Sufi

Movement, another heredity that resulted from the teachings of HazratInayat

Khan. However, recent years have brought considerable healing and resolution. As

well there are other groups like the Sufi Way and the Sufi Contact, who also derive

from this Universal Sufism movement. In fact, the Urs23 of Inayat Khan is now jointly

celebrated at his dargah24 in India by the Inayati Order, Sufi

RuhaniatInternational,and the International Sufi Movement.

Jalaluddin Rumi’s27 writings are the most influential in western literature as many

western scholars have many works depending upon Rumi’s Masnavi, Feehi ma

Feehi, Diwane- Shams, etc. Many orientalists also have works related with Sufism in

which when they study about spirituality of Islam, they understand Islam has only

the real happiness of the world.

22 (often referred to as S.I.R.S.)

23 (the celebration of the anniversary of his death)
24 (tomb) 27 Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmīwas a 13th-century Persian poet, faqih, Islamic scholar,
theologian, and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan.

22
3.4 SUFI LESSONS IN PAULO COELO’S WORKS

There are many Sufi lessons in the works of Paulo Coelho. Here are some of

prominent lessons every human can achieve their goals, fulfil their dreams and

whatever they want all are in these lessons.

The first one; Good things come to those who persevere. In The Alchemist25,

Coelho's most famous novel, a young Spanish man named Santiago sponsored a

prophetic dream that awaits treasure in some distant lands. After consulting with the

Gypsy who tells him that the treasure is located under the pyramids of Egypt, he

begins a long and arduous journey through Africa. The obstacles he faces in the

desert - he struggles to secure food and shelter, crosses roads with armies, and even

falls in love - make him think of his dubious quest. But for every obstacle you don't

encourage, there's a sign reminding him to keep his faith alive. Early in his journey,

he told an old king of Santiago: "When you want something, the whole universe

conspires to help you do it."

The second lesson is Don’t wait for life to be over to appreciate it. Veronica

Decides to Die26is one of Coelho's darkest novels and, at the same time, one of his

most assertions on life. It is the story of a successful but unhappy 24-year-old girl

who, after a suicide attempt, wakes up at a psychiatric hospital where the doctor tells

her that she has only a few weeks to go. This is a hoax. Theories suggest that if

Veronica thinks her death is imminent, she will learn to appreciate her life. He is

right: in adopting a "do not lose" position, Veronica allows herself to experience the

world and her emotions more fully and intensely than ever before. In portraying

25 Published in 1988
26 Published in 1998

23
mental health workers as dominant and manipulative, the novel sends a complex

message about psychological care. But Veronica's perception resonates with anyone

who has struggled to see beauty amid the pain of life.

The third Sufi lesson is Love is bigger than pleasure. Eleven minutes27

explores two kinds of affection - one based on "true love" and the other in sensual

pleasure - through the character of Maria 28, a successful prostitute working in

Sweden. Maria's work, which requires her to occasionally indulge suspicious

fantasies from wealthy men, has increased her sense of sexual pleasure while forcing

her to keep her heart closed. But when she meets a young painter and falls in love

with her, she rediscovers a deeper spiritual emotion. Through Maria's new confusion

and weakness,

Coelho weighs the dangers and rewards of supreme love: "Maintain passion in the

Gulf or surrender blind about her," he writes. "Which of these is the least
destructive?"

The fourth Sufi lesson is It’s never too late to be reborn. Aleph29 is Coelho's

novel about the "crisis of faith" he experienced in middle age. The protagonist

(Paulo too) has every reason for complacency - he is financially successful, happily

married, and surrounded by good friends - but the lack of mystery and spiritual

wonder made him feel anxious and at loose ends. He embarked on a journey from

Africa to Europe to Asia, where he wakes up his senses and reminds himself of the

essence of inner life. The novel serves as a reminder to anyone who feels numb

every day that it is always possible to awaken the spiritual aspect of the individual.

27 Published in 2003
28 The protagonist of Eleven Minutes
29 Published in 2010

24
 Here we discussed about only four Sufi lessons of Paulo Coelho. But there

are several Sufi and spiritual lessons in his various works which lead the humankind

to the real path of life.

CHAPTER FOUR
INFLUENCE OF SUFISM AND ISLAMIC IDEOLOGIES IN THE
ALCHEMIST

4.1 BACKGROUND

The Alchemist (O Alquimista30) is a novel by Paulo Coelho that was first published in

1988. Originally written in Portuguese, it became a widely translated international

bestseller. An allegorical novel, the novel follows a young Andalusian shepherd

named Santiago, in his journey to the pyramids of Egypt. Believing a recurring

dream to prophetic, he asks a Romani fortune teller about its meaning. The woman

interprets the dream as a prediction telling the boy that he will discover a treasure at

the Egyptian pyramids.

Early into his journey, he meets an old king named Melchizedek, or the king

of Salem, who advices him to sell his sheep, so as to travel to Egypt, and introduces

the idea of a Personal Legend. At the starting of his arrival to Africa, a man who

claims to be able to take Santiago to the pyramids instead robs him of what money

he had made from selling his sheep. He then boards on a long path of working for a

30 Portuguese name of The Alchemist

25
crystal merchant so as to make enough money to fulfil his personal legend and go to

the pyramids.

Along the way, the boy meets an Englishman who has come in search of an

alchemist and continues his journeys in his new companion’s company. When they

reach an oasis, he meets and falls in love with an Arabian girl named Fatima, to

whom he proposes marriage. She promises to do so only after he completes his long

journey. Exasperated at first, he later learns that true love will not stop nor must one

sacrifice to it one’s personal destiny.

Santiago then encounters a wise alchemist who also teaches him to realize his

true self. Together, they journey through the territory of warring tribes, where the

boy is forced to demonstrate his oneness with “the soul of the world” by turning

himself into a simoom before he is allowed to proceed. When he starts digging

within sight of the pyramids, he is robbed yet again, but accidentally learns from the

leader of the thieves that the treasure he sought all along was in the ruined church

where he had his original dream.

Paulo wrote The Alchemist in only two weeks in 1987. He described that he was

able to write at this pace because the story was “already written in his soul”. The

book’s main theme is about finding one’s destiny although according to The New

York Times, The Alchemist is ‘more self-help than literature’. The advice Santiago

gives us that “when you really want something to happen, the whole universe will

conspire so that your wish comes true” is the core of the novel’s philosophy and a

theme that plays throughout it.

26
4.2 SUFISM IN THE ALCHEMIST

The Historical Context of The Alchemist is the presence of Islam and Islamic events.

Although not believed by many, Islam is a heavy influence in how Coelho wrote this

novel. Arabic traditions also appear in this story. As the setting is largely set in

Northern Africa, which is mostly Arabic Muslims, there is reference to special water

pipes, known as "Hookahs31." Another Islamic aspect in the novel would be the

reference to drinking alcohol. As most people know, drinking alcohol in the Islamic

religion is the worst sin one can commit. Santiago learns this when the crystal

merchant tells him that it is forbidden in his land.

We know that Paulo Coelho has been influenced by Sufism as he says about

it in Hippie and we can see it in The Alchemist throughout the novel. In The

Alchemist, Santiago met the crystal merchant and advised to clean the glasses. After

that, many customers rushed and busied to that shop by its attraction. This is what

we see in Sufism Thakhliya32and Thahliya33.

The whole story tells about alchemy, making gold from sand and in other

side of Sufism it is transforming human as he is a sand to the utmost level of

humanity as precious as gold.

“But before they left, he came back to the boy and said, “You’re not going to

die. You’ll learn that a man shouldn’t be so stupid. Two years ago, right here on this

spot, I had a recurrent dream, too. I dreamed that I should travel to the fields of

Spain and look for a ruined church where shepherds and their sheep slept. In my

dream, there was a sycamore growing out of the ruins of the sacristy, and I was told
31 Hookah is an Arabic tradition, in which flavored tobacco is smoked through a water pipe.
32 An Arabic term which means to clean minds from negative thoughts
33 An Arabic term which means to decorate minds by positive thoughts

27
that, if I dug at the roots of the sycamore, I would find a hidden treasure. But I’m not

so stupid as to cross an entire desert just because of a recurrent dream. 34”

Santiago follows his dream and eventually suffering all hardships of journey

reaches in a place where he starts. When it is read in Sufism, we can see the journey

is to find himself. The pleasure, the happiness, the calmness and all the luxuries of

life we seeking consist in ours, and there is no need to seek others. Another aspect of

journey is death, which makes reach everyone to their base, to tomb or mud where

he has started the journey of his life. And this is another version of fana35 in Islam.

“Well, why don’t you go to Mecca now?” asked the boy.

“Because it’s the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That’s what helps

me face these days that are at the same, these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch

and dinner at that same horrible cafe. I’m afraid that if my dream is realized, I’ll

have no reason to go on living.36”

This says about raja’37 in which a slave expects from his owner, God. Life is

not what you want to do but what you expect to do. The crystal merchant finds his

pleasure from looking the eyes of pilgrims where the purity of sincerity is shining.

“Every day was there to be live or to mark one’s departure from this world.

Everything depended on one word:‘Maktub’.38”

34 Extracted from The Alchemist (page 155)

35 A term in Sufism which means to absorb in Allah by utmost love.
36 Ibd page 52
37 An Arabic term which means expectation
38 Ibd page 103

28
 There are many mentions about Maktub39in The Alchemist because Paulo

Coelho strongly believes in it which is the essential thing in Sufism to believe that

whatever happens in someone’s life is only by destiny of Allah the Almighty. There

is no secondary option to think about it but to take refugee under His destiny,

Maktub.

“The boy smiled. It was the first time she had done that.

“I’m coming, Fatima,” he said.40”

Fatima, lover of Santiago resembles to Laila, lover of Khaisand Sain, lover of

Mamu. Because they are the symbols of Sufism that a person who loves another one

and in fact it is real love to Allah The Almighty, the names are only symbols to

indicate it. In such like stories, any person couldn’t get his lover. It is real love to

Allah in which lover can’t get it but it overflows nobody can fulfil it. Here, Santiago

couldn’t get Fatima but she promises him that he can marry him after completing the

journey. In Sufism, the journey is our material life, and when we complete it, we can

reach to the spiritual world and get Allah whom we are loving ultimately.

4.3 PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH IN THE ALCHEMIST

Based on instructions in the Quran and Hadith 41, Islam has six principles of faith,

known as the six pillars of faith. The Sunni and Shia have no different opinions on

this subject. Both of them believe in these six principles of faith. The principles will

be seen through the plot of the story which is cantered on Santiago as the major

character.

39 An Arabic term which means destiny

40 Ibd page 161
41 Commentaries of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)

29
 In The Alchemist, the principle of faith in the unity of God can be seen when

Santiago decides to go to the Egyptian by joining a caravan. Before the caravan

starts its journey to Egypt, the leader of the caravan remembers Santiago and the

other people to swear to God that they will be good followers.

“There are a lot of different people here, and each has his own God. But the only

God I serve is Allah, and in his name, I swear that I will do everything possible once

again to win out over the desert. But I want each and every one of you to swear by

the God you believe in that you will follow my orders no matter what. In the desert,

disobedience means death.42”

The principle of faith in the Angels can be seen because there is a description that

the character of Melchizedek is a god or angel: “The gods should not have desires.

Because they don’t have destinies. But the king of Salem hoped desperately that the

boy would be successful”. Melchizedek also claims himself as a Warrior of the

Light. As commonly known that Islam speaks angels as supernatural beings created

from light. So, the character of Melchizedek in the story can be regarded as an angel.

The principle of faith in the Prophets can be seen in the character of the alchemist

plays the role of a prophet for Santiago. Through the story, the alchemist’s identity

remains mystifying. His name is never introduced, but the character is unforgettable.

It is said that he is more than two hundred years old. The alchemist inspires Santiago

to be more successful in his endeavours of finding his treasure by teaching him

spiritual know ledges and introducing him to the principles of alchemy. The

alchemist can be considered as a prophet.

42 Extracted from The Alchemist

30
“He knew that in the caravan there was a man to whom he was to teach some of his

secrets. The omens had told him so. He didn’t know the man yet, but his practised

eye would recognize him when he appeared.43”

The principle of faith in the hereafter can be seen that the alchemists are explained

as people who know that this world is only an illusion. It is why they spend their

lifetime in meditation or doing experiment in their laboratories. They try to purify

themselves of worldly mark in order to be able to reach the eternal life.

“The alchemist spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the

metals. They spent so much time close to the fire that gradually they gave up the

vanities of the world. They discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a

purification of themselves.44”

The principle of faith in the destiny is showed by Santiago’s decision to travel the

world. Previously, his parents have wanted Santiago to become a priest, therefore he

can be a source of pride for their simple farm family. Santiago has attended

seminary for only some years. But, when he reaches sixteen, he follows his own will

and choice to explore the world through walking the Andalusian land with his sheep.

“…since he had been a child, he had wanted to know the world, and this was much

more important to him than knowing God and learning about man’s sins.45”

Santiago himself is explained in the story as a boy who has no attachment to this

worked. He leaves his family and profession in order to follow his destiny to its

43 Ibd
44 Ibd
45 Ibd

31
accomplishment. And his effort in following his destiny has taken him closer to the

reality of eternity. The alchemist has said to him, “No heart has ever suffered when

it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s

encounter with God and with eternity”.

CONCLUSION

As we know, there are many scholars especially western scholars learning,

talking and writing about Sufism. One of them, the most famous Brazilian writer

Paulo Coelho who has many works in it and here in second chapter I discussed about

his life and creative works. Along with describing his career, there are explanations

about his themes, characters and symbols also.

And in third chapter, I discussed about Sufi influences in Coelho’s works and

in western literature, descriptions about differences between Mysticism and Sufism.

Along with discussing Sufism in most works of Paulo Coelho, my special focus on

his famous book, The Alchemist as I said about it in the last chapter. Throughout my

research, I realized that Paulo Coelho has been influenced by Sufism as there are

many evidences prove it in his own books.

32
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Paulo Coelho. The Alchemist: A story about Following Your Dream (78th

impression). Harper Collins Publishers, 2017.

• Paulo Coelho. Hippie.http: //penguin.co.in

• Claude-Helene Mayer; David Maree. The magical life and creative works of

Paulo Coelho: A psychobiographical investigation, 2018.

• Campo, Juan Eduardo. Encyclopedia of Islam. New York: Facts on file,

2009.

• Paulo Coelho. The Pilgrimage. www. Harpercollins.com

• Fajar Kurniawan. The principles of Islamic faith in Paulo Coelho’s The

Alchemist, 2010.

• Mark Sedgarck. Western Sufism: From the Abbasids to the new age.

• Kamaluddin, Al-Hajj Khawaja. The pillars of Faith in Islam. England: The

working Muslim Mission.

• Yannis Toussils. Sufism and the way of blame.

• An article on www.beliefnet.com (An interview with Paulo Coelho by

LauroSheahen, for Beliefnet).

• N. Hanif. Biographical encyclopaedia of Sufis.

33
34