Sufism

Sufism

Sufism, otherwise known as Islamic Mysticism, is a branch of Islam. It deals with special powers that are contained in the Qur'an. It is a more philosophical approach, where a person tries to become one with nature, and feel the power of God. The term mysticism can be defined as the consciousness of the

One Reality -- be it called Wisdom, Light, Love or Nothing. (Shcimmel 23)

A Sufi tries to unite his will with God's will. They try to isolate themselves, so they can fear and become close to God. By isolating themselves, a

Sufi tries to stay away from politics and public affairs, so as too not get corrupted. The Sufi's path is a path of love, to be thankful of all God's bounties. Many Sufi's try to help individuals in trouble. They use special powers, which enable them to help people who are suffering. Of course this power can only be given by God, and Sufi's in no way equal to God's power. In fact,

Sufi's that claim to be at the same level of God cannot be classified as a

Muslim. (Frager 11)

Sufi's stress love, because they believe that love will help you in the

Day of Judgement. That the people who you truly love, will give you their good deeds, so that you may enter Paradise. Normally these people who give their good deeds away are known as dervishes (this is quite different from the belief in

Islam).

Sufi's also stress the remembrance of God, which is called Zikr. They try to get close to God, to be one with God. They define God as something that is close to you but you can't see it. That God is all around us, but His presence is too overwhelming to see. An example is like fish who is in water.

The fish can't really see the water, even though it is all around the fish. Once a person realizes the presence of God, he or she will feel closer to God.

(Frager 27)

Sufi's believe that God remains hidden, so that people don't complain to

Him (this however is not an Islamic belief). In Islam, God's presence isn't seen, because He has too much power for the human eyes to see. Sufi's also believe that pain increases the devotion to God. To get close to God, one must experience pain. To suffer pain is a true test of faith. Life becomes a test for that person, and if he or she remains close to God, then he or s...

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Sufi must have a strong will and be able to control their inner soul (nafs).

This also part of the reason why they isolate themselves, so they do not get tempted by any worldly desires. A Sufi's outside appearance should represent his inner soul. If a person does commits a sin then he/she must repent to God, and ask for forgiveness. If a Sufi sees a fault in someone else, then he should correct. It is a Sufi's duty to correct other people and help them.

These beliefs are followed by many Sufi's around the world. All aspect of Sufism are considered Islamic, unless the basic principles of Islam are broken. These basic principles are found in the Qur'an and also in the hadith.

Anything else added to the religion is called bidah, and is not accepted in

Islam. Sufism deals with a whole other side of Islam, a part which deals with mystical powers and mysteries (some of which are not meant to be understood, that is only for God to know). To understand these powers and mysteries are very difficult and take a great deal of studying and self searching. But when one taps into these mystical powers, that person opens a door of unlimited

knowledge.