Sufism

Sufism or taṣawwuf ( ) is, according to its adherents, the inner, mystical dimension of Islam , . A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a ṣūfī ( صُوفِيّ ), though some adherents of the tradition reserve this term only for those practitioners who have attained the goals of the Sufi tradition. Another name used for the Sufi seeker is Dervish . Classical Sufi scholars have defined Sufism as "a science whose objective is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all else but God." Alternatively, in the words of the renowned Darqawi Sufi teacher Ahmad ibn Ajiba , "a science through which one can know how to travel into the presence of the Divine , purify one’s inner self from filth, and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits." During the primary stages of Sufism, Sufis were characterised by their particular attachment to dhikr "remembrance [of God]" and asceticism . Sufism arose among a number of Muslims as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE ). The Sufi movement has spanned several continents and cultures over a millennium, at first expressed through Arabic, then through Persian, Turkish and a dozen other languages. "Orders" ( ṭuruq ), which are either Sunnī or Shī‘ī in doctrine, mostly trace their origins from the Islamic Prophet Muhammad through his cousin ‘Alī , with the notable exception of the Naqshbandi who trace their origins through the first Caliph , Abu Bakr . Other exclusive schools of Sufism distinctly describe themselves as 'Sufi'. According to Idries Shah , the Sufi philosophy is universal in nature, its roots predating the arising of Islam and the other modern-day religions; likewise, some Muslims consider Sufism outside the sphere of Islam. Mainstream scholars of Islam, however, contend that it is simply the name for the inner or esoteric dimension of Islam. Alan Godlas, University of Georgia, Sufism's Many Paths , 2000, University of Georgia Nuh Ha Mim Keller, "How would you respond to the claim that Sufism is Bid'a?", 1995. An English translation of Ahmad ibn Ajiba 's biography has been published by Fons Vitae. The first dynasty of Islam: The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-750 . The title of the book establishes this fact. Classical Islam and the Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition .

Sufism or Tasawwuf ( ) is defined as the inner mystical dimension of Islam . Practitioners of Sufism ( Tasawwuf ), referred to as Sufis ( ṣūfī ) ( / ˈ s uː f i / ; صُوفِيّ ), often belong to different ṭuruq or "orders"—congregations formed around a grand master referred to as a Mawla who maintains a direct chain of teachers back to the Prophet Muhammad . These orders meet for spiritual sessions (majalis) in meeting places known as zawiyahs, khanqahs , or tekke. Sufis strive for ihsan (perfection of worship) as detailed in a hadith : "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him; if you can't see Him, surely He sees you." Jalaluddin Rumi stated: "The Sufi is hanging on to Muhammad, like Abu Bakr ." Sufis consider themselves to be the original true proponents of this pure original form of Islam. Sufi orders ( turuq ) trace many of their original precepts from the Islamic prophet Muhammad either through his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib or through his (companion) and friend Abu Bakr . Sufi orders are largely Sunni and follow one of the four schools of Sunni Islam and maintain a Sunni Aqidah or creed. Over the years various Sufi orders have been influenced by and adopted into various Shi'ite movements including Ismailism - which led to the Safaviyya order's conversion to Shi'ite Islam and the spread of Twelver Shi'ism throughout Persia. Some Sufi orders include Alevi , Bektashi , Burhaniya , Mevlevi , Ba 'Alawiyya , Chishti , Rifa'i , Khalwati , Naqshbandi , Nimatullahi , Oveyssi , Qadiria Boutshishia, Qadiriyyah , Qalandariyya , Sarwari Qadiri , Shadhiliyya and Suhrawardiyya . Classical Sufi scholars have defined Sufism as "a science whose objective is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all else but God". Alternatively, in the words of the Darqawi Sufi teacher Ahmad ibn Ajiba , "a science through which one can know how to travel into the presence of the Divine , purify one's inner self from filth, and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits". Traditional Sufis, such as Bayazid Bastami , Jalaluddin Rumi , Haji Bektash Veli , Junaid Baghdadi , and Al-Ghazali , define Sufism as purely based upon the tenets of Islam and the teachings of Muhammad . Some Orientalists , however, have proposed a variety of diverse theories pertaining to the nature of Sufism, such as Sufism being influenced by Neoplatonism or was an Aryan reaction against Semites . Seyyed Hossein Nasr , states that the preceding theories are false according to the point of view of Sufism. According to William Chittick , " In a broad sense, Sufism can be described as the interiorization and intensification of Islamic faith and practice. In this view, "it is absolutely necessary to be a Muslim" to be a true Sufi, because Sufism's "methods are inoperative without" Muslim "affiliation". Orthodox views also maintain that Sufism is unique to Islam. In contrast, author Idries Shah states Sufi philosophy is universal in nature, its roots predating the rise of Islam and Christianity. Some neo-Sufis in Western countries allow non-Muslims to receive "instructions on following the Sufi path". Some Muslim opponents of Sufism also consider it outside the sphere of Islam. Classical Sufis were characterised by their attachment to dhikr , (a practice of repeating the names of God, often performed after prayers) and asceticism . Sufism gained adherents among a number of Muslims as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE). Sufis have spanned several continents and cultures over a millennium, originally expressing their beliefs in Arabic , before spreading into Persian , Turkish , and Urdu among dozens of other languages. Classical Islam and the Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition . A History of Shi'i Islam |New York NY |I.B. The Jamaat Tableegh and the Deobandis by Sajid Abdul Kayum, Chapter 1: Overview and Background. The Principles of Sufism . An English translation of Ahmad ibn Ajiba 's biography has been published by Fons Vitae . Sufism: A Beginner's Guide . An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines . Journal of the American Oriental Society . 89 (1). The first dynasty of Islam: The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-750 .

Six Sufi masters, c.1760 Sufism or Taṣawwuf ( ), variously defined as " Islamic mysticism ", "the inward dimension of Islam" or "the phenomenon of mysticism within Islam", is mysticism in Islam, "characterized ... [by particular] values, ritual practices, doctrines and institutions" which began very early in Islamic history and represents "the main manifestation and the most important and central crystallization of" mystical practice in Islam. Practitioners of Sufism have been referred to as "Sufis" (from , ṣūfiyy / ṣūfī ). Historically, Sufis have often belonged to different ṭuruq or "orders" – congregations formed around a grand master referred to as a wali who traces a direct chain of successive teachers back to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad . These orders meet for spiritual sessions ( majalis ) in meeting places known as zawiyas , khanqahs or tekke . They strive for ihsan (perfection of worship), as detailed in a hadith : "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him; if you can't see Him, surely He sees you." Sufis regard Muhammad as al-Insān al-Kāmil , the primary perfect man who exemplifies the morality of God, and see him as their leader and prime spiritual guide. All Sufi orders trace most of their original precepts from Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law Ali , with the notable exception of the Naqshbandi order, who trace their original precepts to Muhammad through his companion and father-in-law, Abu Bakr . It has historically been mistaken as a sect of Islam, when it is in fact a religious order for any Islamic denomination. Although the overwhelming majority of Sufis, both pre-modern and modern, were and are adherents of Sunni Islam , there also developed certain strands of Sufi practice within the ambit of Shia Islam during the late medieval period, particularly after the forced conversion of Iran from majority Sunni to Shia . Traditional Sufi orders during the first five centuries of Islam were all based in Sunni Islam . Although Sufis were opposed to dry legalism, they strictly observed Islamic law and belonged to various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Sufis have been characterized by their asceticism , especially by their attachment to dhikr , the practice of remembrance of God, often performed after prayers. They gained adherents among a number of Muslims as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661–750) and have spanned several continents and cultures over a millennium, initially expressing their beliefs in Arabic and later expanding into Persian , Turkish , Punjabi and Urdu , among others. Sufis played an important role in the formation of Muslim societies through their missionary and educational activities. According to William Chittick , "In a broad sense, Sufism can be described as the interiorization, and intensification of Islamic faith and practice." Despite a relative decline of Sufi orders in the modern era and criticism of some aspects of Sufism by modernist thinkers and conservative Salafists , Sufism has continued to play an important role in the Islamic world, and has also influenced various forms of spirituality in the West. Association with Sufism was in fact widespread amongst common as well as learned Muslims before the advent of the 20th century. Encyclopaedia of Islam (2nd ed.). The Essential Seyyed Hossein Nasr . The perennial philosophy series. Sufism is the esoteric or inward dimension of Islam [...] Islamic esoterism is, however [...] not exhausted by Sufism [...] but the main manifestation and the most important and central crystallization of Islamic esotericism is to be found in Sufism. "According to Idries Shah, Sufism is as old as Adam and is the essence of all religions, monotheistic or not." See Perennial philosophy "tariqa | Islam" . The Pillars of Islam & Iman . Opposed to the dry casuistry of the lawyer-divines, the mystics nevertheless scrupulously observed the commands of the divine law. [...] the mystics belonged to all schools of Islamic law and theology of the times.

Body of mystical practice within Islam This article is about Sufism. Six Sufi masters, c. 1760 Sufism ( aṣ-ṣūfiyya ), also known as Tasawwuf ( التَّصَوُّف ‎ at-taṣawwuf ), is a mystic body of religious practice found within Islam which is characterized by a focus on Islamic purification , spirituality , ritualism , asceticism and esotericism . It has been variously defined as "Islamic mysticism ", "the mystical expression of Islamic faith", "the inward dimension of Islam", "the phenomenon of mysticism within Islam", the "main manifestation and the most important and central crystallization" of mystical practice in Islam, and "the interiorization and intensification of Islamic faith and practice". Practitioners of Sufism are referred to as "Sufis" (from صُوفِيّ , ṣūfīy ), and historically typically belonged to "orders" known as tariqa (pl. ṭuruq ) – congregations formed around a grand wali who would be the last in a chain of successive teachers linking back to Muhammad , with the goal of undergoing Tazkiah (self purification) and the hope of reaching Ihsan . The ultimate aim of Sufis is to seek the pleasure of God by endeavoring to return to their original state of purity and natural disposition, known as fitra . Sufism emerged early on in Islamic history , partly as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661–750) and mainly under the tutelage of Hasan Al-Basri . Although Sufis were opposed to dry legalism , they strictly observed Islamic law and belonged to various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology . Although the overwhelming majority of Sufis, both pre-modern and modern, remain adherents of Sunni Islam , certain strands of Sufi thought transferred over to the ambits of Shia Islam during the late medieval period. This particularly happened after the Safavid conversion of Iran under the concept of Irfan . Important focuses of Sufi worship include dhikr , the practice of remembrance of God. Sufis also played an important role in spreading Islam through their missionary and educational activities. Despite a relative decline of Sufi orders in the modern era and attacks from revivalist Islamic movement (such as the Salafis and Wahhabis ), Sufism has continued to play an important role in the Islamic world , especially in the neo-traditionalist strand of Sunni Islam. It has also influenced various forms of spirituality in the West and generated significant academic interest. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion . Secret Practices of the Sufi Freemasons: The Islamic Teachings at the Heart of Alchemy . In McAuliffe, Jane Dammen (ed.). Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān . In Cusack, Carol; Norman, Alex (eds.). Handbook of New Religions and Cultural Production . Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion (2nd ed.). Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition . The Essential Seyyed Hossein Nasr . The perennial philosophy series. Sufism is the esoteric or inward dimension of Islam [...] Islamic esoterism is, however [...] not exhausted by Sufism [...] but the main manifestation and the most important and central crystallization of Islamic esotericism is to be found in Sufism. The garden of truth : the vision and promise of Sufism, Islam's mystical tradition . OCLC 191932004 . : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) "Back to Basics | Tazkiyah: An Introduction to Spiritually Blossoming This Islamic New Year" . The garden of truth: the vision and promise of Sufism, Islam's mystical tradition . Opposed to the dry casuistry of the lawyer-divines, the mystics nevertheless scrupulously observed the commands of the divine law. [...] the mystics belonged to all schools of Islamic law and theology of the times. Mystic regimes : Sufism and the state in Iran, from the late Qajar era to the Islamic Republic . A Prayer for Spiritual Elevation and Protection (2007) by Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi, Suha Taji-Farouki Piraino, Francesco; Sedgwick, Mark J. Global sufism : boundaries, structures and politics . OCLC 1091678717 . : CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link ) Newlon, Brendan (1 July 2017).

Body of mystical practice within Islam This article is about the body of mystical practice. Sufism ( Arabic : الصوفية‎ , romanized : aṣ-Ṣūfiyya or Arabic: التصوف‎ , romanized: at-Taṣawwuf ) is a mystic body of religious practice found within Islam which is characterized by a focus on Islamic purification , spirituality , ritualism , and asceticism . Six Sufi masters, c. 1760 Practitioners of Sufism are referred to as "Sufis" (from صُوفِيّ , ṣūfīy ), and historically typically belonged to "orders" known as tariqa (pl. turuq ) — congregations formed around a grand wali (saint) who would be the last in a chain of successive teachers linking back to Muhammad , with the goal of undergoing tazkiya (self purification) and the hope of reaching the spiritual station of ihsan . The ultimate aim of Sufis is to seek the pleasure of God by endeavoring to return to their original state of purity and natural disposition, known as fitra . Sufism emerged early on in Islamic history , partly as a reaction against the expansion of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661–750) and mainly under the tutelage of Hasan al-Basri . Although Sufis were opposed to dry legalism, they strictly observed Islamic law and belonged to various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology . Although the overwhelming majority of Sufis, both pre-modern and modern, remain adherents of Sunni Islam , certain strands of Sufi thought transferred over to the ambits of Shia Islam during the late medieval period. This particularly happened after the Safavid conversion of Iran under the concept of irfan . Important focuses of Sufi worship include dhikr , the practice of remembrance of God. Sufis also played an important role in spreading Islam through their missionary and educational activities. Rabia Basri , one of the earliest sufi mystics Despite a relative decline of Sufi orders in the modern era and attacks from fundamentalist Islamic movements (such as Salafism and Wahhabism ), Sufism has continued to play an important role in the Islamic world . It has also influenced various forms of spirituality in the West and generated significant academic interest. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion . Secret Practices of the Sufi Freemasons: The Islamic Teachings at the Heart of Alchemy . Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition . The garden of truth : the vision and promise of Sufism, Islam's mystical tradition . OCLC 191932004 . : CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link ) "Back to Basics | Tazkiyah: An Introduction to Spiritually Blossoming This Islamic New Year" . Opposed to the dry casuistry of the lawyer-divines, the mystics nevertheless scrupulously observed the commands of the divine law. [...] the mystics belonged to all schools of Islamic law and theology of the times. Mystic regimes : Sufism and the state in Iran, from the late Qajar era to the Islamic Republic . Global sufism : boundaries, structures and politics . OCLC 1091678717 . : CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link ) Newlon, Brendan (1 July 2017).