The Concept of “Water” (Ob) in the Sufi World View of Late Medieval Transoxiana Sufism

The article reveals the Sufi meaning of the word “water” used in the Lives of Muslim Saints, or manakibs that appeared in Transoxiana in the 16th century. Water is widely used in the ritual practice of Sufis. Water is also important in spiritual searches, both as a purifying substance and as a source of life energy. The role of holy sources is exceptionally great in Sufism, people come to these holy places to purify themselves spiritually and worship holy images, both Sufis and ordinary people come there. The concept of “water” and its specific reflection in the manakibs indicates its importance in Sufism. In addition, typologically common features are found in people's attitude to water and to the sanctification of water in almost all world religions and cultures.