SUFISM: A Modern Day perception.

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Sufism, also known as al-Ṣūfiyya or al-Taṣawwuf, represents a mystical aspect of Islamic practice. It emphasizes Islamic purification, spirituality, ritualism, and asceticism.

The followers of Sufism are known as “Sufis” and have traditionally been part of “orders” referred to as tariqa (plural: ṭuruq) – communities centered around a revered wali who is the last in a line of successive teachers tracing back to Muhammad. Their primary aim is to undergo tazkiya (self-purification) in order to attain the spiritual state of ihsan while seeking the pleasure of God by striving to return to their original state of purity and natural disposition, which is called fitra.

Sufism traces its roots back to the early days of Islamic history, as a response to the secularism of the early Umayyad Caliphate (661–750). Its development was primarily guided by Hasan al-Basri. Despite their opposition to rigid legalism, Sufis dutifully followed Islamic law and were associated with various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. While the majority of Sufis, from ancient times to the present, remain within Sunni Islam, certain aspects of Sufi thinking were incorporated into Shia Islam during the late medieval period, especially after the Safavid conversion of Iran under the concept of Irfan. Central to Sufi worship is dhikr, which revolves around the practice of remembering God. In addition, Sufis played a significant role in the dissemination of Islam through their missionary and educational activities.

In spite of the decline in Sufi orders in the modern era and persistent attacks from fundamentalist Islamic movements like Salafism and Wahhabism, Sufism continues to maintain significant importance in the Islamic world. Moreover, it has had a notable impact on various forms of spirituality in the West and has ignited substantial academic interest.

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By: Sauda Haniya, Nobleton, Canada.
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Post Managed by:

Tanvir Islam | Moderator, WorldSufiMedia Dot Com

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