Qotb

Qotb, often transliterated as Qutb or Kutb, is a term in Sufi Islam meaning pole or axis. The word derives from Arabic and is used metaphorically to denote the supreme spiritual guide within a Sufi order or the cosmic focal point around which divine grace and the spiritual hierarchy revolve.

In Sufi thought, the Qotb is the highest living saint who anchors the spiritual vitality of the tariqa (mystical path). The Qotb is believed to possess exceptional spiritual authority and is seen as a conduit for blessings (baraka) that flow to students, centers, and communities associated with the order. The position is often described as hierarchical, with the Qotb at the top and other saints or deputies beneath, such as the Abdal and other ranks of sainthood.

Recognition of the Qotb is not uniform across all traditions. Some orders identify a living Qotb through lineage, personal discernment, and recognition by peers, while others treat the concept more symbolically, emphasizing ongoing spiritual influence rather than a formal office. The title Qutb al-Aqtab is sometimes used to refer to the supreme Qutb, with subsidiary roles beneath.

Academic and historical perspectives view the Qotb as a powerful religious and literary motif within Sufi hagiography, reflecting beliefs about spiritual authority, cosmic order, and the transmission of mystical knowledge. While central to certain lineages, the concept remains diverse in interpretation across different Sufi communities and periods.