The Cognitive Theory of Kharis al-Muhasibi

Abstract

This article is devoted to the life and work of Harith al-Muhasibi, as well as his cognitive theory. Harith al-Muhasibi is regarded as a founding figure in the psychology of Sufism. His ethical teaching is based on muhasabat al-nafs, or self-examination. He proposes methods for overcoming human weaknesses and for sincere devotion to God.

Harith al-Muhasibi (d. 243/857) was born into an Arab family in Basra, where he became acquainted with the science of hadith and the local ascetic tradition rooted in the teachings of al-Hasan al-Basri. He later moved to Baghdad, where he received a thorough theological and legal education under the guidance of prominent scholars of his time. Among them was one of the most renowned jurists of the period and the founder of a major school of jurisprudence, Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi‘i.

Al-Muhasibi's exploration of the most hidden movements of the soul and heart enabled him to transcend the boundaries of conventional asceticism, which primarily emphasized self-denial and voluntary poverty. Recognizing the dangers of superficial asceticism, he urged his followers to avoid ostentatious displays of piety. In his view, such displays stem from riya’—that is, hypocrisy and vanity. Hypocrisy, according to al-Muhasibi, is the chief obstacle to attaining spiritual purity and perfection. The only way to eliminate all traces of riya’ is through rigorous self-examination of one’s true thoughts and intentions. Through such introspection, a person can achieve two essential goals: sincere repentance for sinful actions and purification from the defilement of hypocrisy. Only then, he believed, can one serve God in the most perfect manner.