Philosophy of Sufism
Mystic interpretation of Islamic life within the bonds of religious orthodoxy is known as Sufism. That is, Sufism represents the mystical trend in Islam. Before explaining Sufism, it is important to explain mysticism and its different types. Mysticism is a practical, spiritual discipline based on the insight of illuminated seekers of truth. The word mystic, which has passed from Greek religion in to European literature, is represented in Arabic, Persian and Turkish. To pointing out this
Geoffrey Parrinder, in his book ‘Mysticism in the world’s religions’ says, “the origin of the word Mysticism were in the mysteries of ancient Greece. Their name was perhaps derived from ‘mucin’ to close the lips or eyes, with the probable
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The growth of Islamic mysticism or Sufism is a significant illustration of the Mystical tendency in religion. In other word, mystic interpretation of Islamic life within the bonds of religious orthodoxy is known as Sufism. Etymologically, the term Sufism is derived from an Arabic root ‘Sufi’, which conveys the notion of purity, this would make ‘Sufi’ mean ‘one who is pure in heart or one of the elect’. Some writers showed conclusively that the name was derived from ‘suf’ (wool), and was originally applied to those Muslim ascetics, who in invitation of Christian monks had themselves, in course woolen grab as sign of puritans and renunciation of wordily verities. That is, the Sufis derived their name from the costume of white wool (suf) which they wore in imitation most probably of Christian monks. But most authors believe that the word ‘Sufism’ goes back to the Arabic word (soof-wool) as it was of wool that ascetics rainment was made. This explanation is found in the oldest extract Arabic treatise on Sufism by Abu-Nasr-Al-Sarraj, who declared, “the woolen rainment is the habit and the badge of the saints and eclect. …show more content…
Firstly certain internal influences led to the formation of Islamic mysticism. Then Sufism gathers tributaries from Christianity and Neo-Platonism. Hinduism and Buddhism supplied a number of ideas and also the religions of ancient Persia brought to it to their share.
1. Internal Circumstances: - In the early phase of political and religious expression, the growth of external knowledge, religious and secular, the spate of philosophical and theological controversies led to the growth of Islamic Mysticism. That is, when Sufism began to develop, the internal circumstances of the Muslim world were political disorder, skeptical tendencies of Islamic rationalism and unconditional piety of the various orthodox schools of Islam. Then also Social taboos of the materialistic world led to the formation of the men of piety and mystic among the Muslims.
2. Christian influences: - There are instances of Christian monks of giving instructions and advices to the wandering Muslim saints. The great Sufis have quoted the gospel text and saying of Jesus Christ in there
Because of Islam’s holy book, The Qur’an revolved a lot around the sacred language, Arabic, which was very beneficial for trade. Since the text in The Qur’an was in Arabic, it helped spread language, religion and culture when people traded it (Outside Source: Spread of Islam Background Reading Packet). This helped spread Islam because a lot of people read it, they may have thought of the same way and told themselves that they should become and adherent (Adherent: “Sticking to” or “ Having Faith in”) to Islam (Doc
Fakhry, M. 1997. Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism: A Short Introdu ction. Oxford: One World Publications.
is a unique way of life with rich cultural and spiritual roots. The word Santeria is a syncretistic
Islam is the second biggest faith in the world. It is a monotheistic, peaceful religion which believes that there is only one god in the whole universe and his name is Allah. In his book, “Islam the Straight Path”, L.Esposito (1998) writes that the main ambition of Islam is to spread into the entire world and every act is based on the words of Qur’an and Muhammad says and deeds. But throughout the years of spreading 12 new orders were created in Islam. They were deviations from the classical Islam. One of these orders was The Bektashi Order of Dervishes. Their religion was also known as the popular Islam or (non-canonical) (L.Esposito, 1998). The aim was to reach Allah in a different way. Dervishes could be driven in the history of Islam in the same role that monks stay in Christianity. Their main difference is that dervishes to don’t stay closed in cloisters but they are close to the people in the everyday life. Now the most significant order that took place in the Balkans and it is still present now days the Bektashi order of Dervishes is very famous in Albania. In order to understand clearly the role of this Sufi order (Tariqat) we need to explain some questions raised. Who created it? When and where was the Bektashi order born? What were the circumstances that leaded to his creation? What are its main features? Why did it spread in the Balkans? What is its role now? What is the place of it in the Islamic world? The world center momentarily speaking is in Tirana, Albania. Bektashism has its own place in the Islamic world but the influence of it and the crucial role it played on Balkans especially in Albania is considerable.
...tianity, to what makes sense in comparison with the teachings of Pagan religions; I searched for my own answers, and found them in Wicca.
Paganism is the oldest religion in human history, originating with Vikings and Celts. Monotheism is widely rejected in the followers of Paganism and while the use of magic is a stigma usually tied to Paganism and various other occult religions, not every pagan practices ritualistic magic. Through the various topics and examples, Pagan culture, different deities, and practices were shown and explained. Common misconceptions, deities, rituals, traditions, and influences on Christianity/modern America have all formed into one and brought the true nature of Paganism to light.
Renard, John. Islam and Christianity: theological themes in comparative perspective. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Print.
WITCHCRAFT: The word witchcraft comes from the word “Wicca.” Wicca means the wise one. Witchcraft is to be believed as a pagan worship and or religion, a stereotype as a “magical phenomenon. In 1000 A.D., the practice of witchcraft became a threat to the Christians and their beliefs. They believe that wit...
Murata, Sachiko. "Sufi Teachings in Neo-Confucian Islam." Indiana University. N.p., 25 Apr. 2005. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. .
Mystical, spiritual, and enlightened are only a few words that describe the belief system Kabbalah. Kabbalah, which means to receive, is founded on the core belief that all humans were placed on this earth to possess complete goodness and fulfillment by the light of the creator. To grow in joy, happiness and fulfillment is the ultimate achievement for all humans and a factor that all humans can achieve.
Russell, Jeffrey. A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans. New York: Themes and Hudson Inc. 1983.
...d in the 1980s (Guiley). Spiritualism purported evidence of survival after death along with spirits performing cool paranormal activity. Its activity spread across America and developed deep roots in Great Britian as well. People back then, as they are today, succumbed to the mystery and power Spiritualism had to offer.
Occult is gotten from the Latin word “occulere”, this means to conceal, it can also mean secret or hidden. According to the book, the belief in occultism is more than that of God; the practitioners see themselves as scientists, philosophers and religious leaders. This chapter tells us about the connection between Christianity and occultism, “what is being rejected by the by the occultists according to Whitehead, is the doctrine of atonement and the belief that the unrepentant will be consigned to some sort of eternal punishment.”(Lehmann 376)
other people, such as Greeks, Indians and Chinese, and added to it. Learning helped to make Muslims into better farmers, traders, teachers, officials, travellers and soldiers. All these led to the Muslim religion becoming stronger and spreading to different people and lands. It was only until 1300 that Europe began to learn things from Muslims and the effect it had can still be seen today. Science, medicine, business, warfare, art and even architecture all come from old Islamic ideas.