Sufism Essay

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The popularization of Sufism as a common practice is controversial for a number of reasons. Objections by a number of theologians and jurists denouncing central aspects of Sufism are rooted in concerns regarding ideas about religious authority and unit.
A major area of concern for “orthodox” Islam in regards to Sufism is the ways in which it seems to challenge existing gender and sexuality based hierarchies and constructs. An example of this is that the singing and dancing of those who practice Sufism is likened to intoxication, and is believed it will in some way incite homoerotic behavior or attacks against authority (Berkey, 237). In addition, another large concern was the expanded role of women within Sufism. Women taking on leadership …show more content…

Out of that we see groups who are more moderate and inclined towards the beliefs of jurists and those who practice extreme mysticism in ways considered impure by the orthodoxy. The vast range of practices within Sufism and conflicting ideas about intuition vs. knowledge could be considered a movement towards the weakening of centralized Islamic beliefs. Particularly in terms of people like the shayk ummi who claim their knowledge from visions and dreams, rather than religious texts. This is clearly incredibly problematic for jurists who base their lives and beliefs off the laws and teachings within the text. Not only could this aspect of Sufism be denounced on these grounds, but also on the idea greater variances in teachings and beliefs could lead to a less unified Islam which could weaken standing political authority and Islam as a whole, as well as lead to …show more content…

The focus on individuality and ability to practice in many forms makes it more accessible to a greater range of individuals. However, it challenges orthodox beliefs in many ways, creating the potential to undermine orthodox precedent of political authority. In addition the many sects of Sufism and the conflict against orthodoxy could create vast conflict internally. This is especially important when looking at the conflicts of later groups of Islam. However, despite the denouncement by jurists out of fear of chaos and a weakened centralized orthodox authority, this more “popularized” Islam was able to spread due to its

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