Mysticism in the Islamicate World: The Question of Neoplatonic Influence in Sufi Thought

In this chapter, I question the direct influence of Neo-platonism on Sufism. I reconsider whether an appropriation of Neoplatonic ideas on the part of the Sufi actually took place. I assert that where there is indication of "influence", it is both indirect and accidental. Perhaps the Sufi may have been inspired by the plethora of ideas floating around in the great cultural exchange that took place in the 'Abbasid world through the translation of Greek texts, though it is likely such inspiration could also present itself as part of their own processes of internalisation.