Sufism : The Heart of Islamic Spirituality
Sufism, often described as Islamic Sufism, represents the superstitious dimension of Islam. It focuses on the spiritual journey and the search for a direct personal experience of the divine. Its roots are Hz. Based on the teachings of Muhammad, Sufism aims to purify the heart, develop inner knowledge, and draw closer to God.
Sufism sees itself as a manifestation of a transformative power that can propel man to higher stages of spiritual development. Whatever its name, Sufis claim that the true essence of Sufism works consistently across cultures. But skepticism about the combination of mysticism and pragmatism is not unique to our time.
To be a Sufi is to detach from fixed ideas,
and from preconception; and
not try to avoid what is your lot.
Abu – said, Son Of Abi- Khair
Sufism is Truth without Form
Ibn el- Jalali8
Sufism Journey
Throughout a rich literary and psychological tradition spanning more than a thousand years, and spanning regions such as Spain, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Sufis have often encountered narrow-minded thinkers. Although some historical examples seem foreign to us today, others remain useful because they are repeated in different forms.
Al-Halaj was hanged in Baghdad in 922 for blasphemy. Among the accusations against him are the serious allegation that he is the grandson of a Zoroastrian and that he is “ignorant of the Qur’an and its subsidiary sciences, including jurisprudence, hadith, poetry and Arabic scholarship.” In addition, searches of the homes of his followers found books written in gold on Chinese paper, as the Manichaeans used gold ink and Chinese paper. It was interpreted as innovation. Similarly, Suhrawardi was executed in 1191 for atheism, heresy and belief in ancient philosophers.
In the 12th century, the Spaniard Ibn al-Arabi was brought before an investigation by scholars accused of obscenity because he suggested that love poetry could be spiritual even though he thought it was obscene.
Jalaluddin Rumi was accused of disguising trivial folk tales as spiritual texts. It may be difficult to attack
Sufis when they have achieved literary fame or cannot be proven immoral. An exemplary example of this
is the Nasimi fabrication. When he could not defeat Nasimi in debate, some scholars sent him a pair of
shoes from another country. A surah of the Quran was hidden inside the base. Later he told the governor
of Aleppo that Nasimi had insulted the Quran. Nasimi, who opened the shoe and found the paper,
understood that his fate was inevitable and did not respond to the accusations. He was alive and reciting
verses while dying.
Sufis Are Known To Provoke
Many of these Sufis were literary figures who rose to prominence because of their refusal to accept the beliefs of contemporary institutions. Although he was often unofficially beaten after his death, many were severely persecuted during his lifetime.
This harsh behavior is not surprising: people often persecute or ignore things they do not understand. Sufis in particular led to such reactions. What would a medieval theologian do with a self-proclaimed mystic, more interested in human evolution, and more involved in scientific endeavors?
It is in this historical background that the study of Sufi literature is useful. Sufi writings cover many levels, from simple entertainment to profound truths “that lie beneath the poet’s tongue.” The symbols and language encoded in these works had both practical and spiritual purposes.
Sufism Is Not Anti To The World
The need for such active cooperation can be summed up in an anecdote from Mulla Nasruddin’s work:
Nasruddin found a hawk sitting on the window. Because he had never seen such a bird before, he said, “Poor thing, how did you allow yourself to be in such a condition?” he said. He cut off the falcon’s claws, cut its beak straight off, and clipped its wings. “You look like a bird now,” said Nasruddin.
We also have the problem of seeing Eastern philosophies and their representatives through an Indian lens.
“Gurus” are viewed as revered teachers by religious and scientific institutions, and are often interviewed by journalists, fascinated by their strange and seemingly sacred ways. They are considered more authentic to the extent that they claim that the things of the world are of no importance.
But Sufism differs significantly from what he sees as a corruption of the true tradition. He teaches that one cannot approach Sufism without realizing that a person whose appearance and life is quite ordinary can experience higher spiritual states. Sufism is not an insult to the world. His goal is “to be in the world, but not of it.”
Right Then, What is sufism
While Idris Shah’s first book, Sufism, was accepted for review by mainstream literary circles due to pressure from poets and other literary figures, it was largely ignored by scholars in the field.
This example highlights the multifaceted nature of every Sufi activity and skill. Sufi says: “We are frugal in our work.” “Even stinginess, if you like: What we say and what we do has many different functions and consequences.” A new book, “The Convent of Magic,” continues this theme. Who asks: What is Sufism? You’ll get a “taste” of it here. However, if the term textbook can be used for an activity other than the traditional form of study, it is also a textbook for students.
Sufism is a non-scientific study. Its content is drawn from almost every type of human experience. His books and tools exist in the environment, contrary to what the researcher or hobbyist imagines.
For example, consider this story: In the 19th century, a famous Sufi teacher in Afghanistan named Jan Fishan Khan learned that a scholar had maliciously attacked one of his neighbors. He decided to invite both men to a banquet. On the occasion of Eid, Jan Vishan Khan began to criticize his neighbor as the world and pointed out many faults and shortcomings. Despite the allegations, the neighbor remained silent as per instructions of John Vishan Khan. Finally the scientist couldn’t take it anymore and begged: “Please stop. I see my behavior reflected in you and it is unbearable.”
“Tonight,” Jan Fishan Khan said, “we have all risked our friend here by not being patient and retaliating; me, so that my harsh words will provoke you more instead of embarrassing you; and he, I may begin to think that I am really against but the worry now is that if this story spreads among the people who… They don’t understand our intentions, our friends will consider us weak, you will fall easily, and I am quick to anger.” For More about Sufism please visit.Sufism and Islam.
Conclusion
With its rich history and deep spiritual teachings, Sufism is an important and integral part of the Islamic tradition. Its focus on inner journey, love, and direct divine experience provides timeless wisdom and guidance to seekers of truth and enlightenment. Whether through Rumi’s poetry, meditative chanting practices, or the collective spirit of Sufi orders, Sufism invites individuals to embark on a transformative journey toward spiritual awakening and divine love.