Abu Hashem Sufi Kufi

Abu Hashem Othman Kufi, celebrated Sufi and ascetic in the 8 th century, from Kufa –Iraq but lived in Syria.
The exact date of his birth and death is not defined, but some say that he died within 767 – 778.

He was the first person in Islam who was named "Sufi".
Abu Hashem was contemporary with "Sufyan Thawri" (celebrated theologian and ascetic).

In Shi'a books, has been noticed that he had heretical beliefs. Imam Sadeq (p.b.u.h) stated: Abu Hashem is absolutely heretic; he made a false religion, called it "Sufism" and set it as his evil beliefs.

Sources :

  1. translation of Islamic encyclopedia and Shi\'a encyclopedia

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