History of Sufism: The Mystical Dimension of Islam

History of Sufism

Definition

Sufism (tasawwuf) is the inner dimension of Islam. While Sharia deals with external rules, Sufism focuses on heart purification (tazkiyah) and direct experience of the divine presence.

Origins

Sufism is based on the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Companions. The Ashab al-Suffah (Companions of the Bench) at the Medina Mosque, who lived in extreme poverty dedicated to worship, are considered the first Sufis.

Great Sufi Masters

Hasan al-Basri (642-728 CE): considered founder of classical Sufism. Preached the fear of God and detachment from the world.

Rabia al-Adawiyya (717-801): female Sufi saint who introduced pure love of God without hope of reward or fear of punishment.

Al-Junayd al-Baghdadi (830-910): systematized Sufi teachings. Emphasized the balance between divine love intoxication and the sobriety needed for community life.

Al-Ghazali (1058-1111): "Reviver of Islam." His work "Revival of Religious Sciences" integrated Sufism into Sunni orthodoxy.

Ibn Arabi (1165-1240): greatest Sufi philosopher. Developed the doctrine of "Unity of Being" (wahdat al-wujud).

Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273): Persian Sufi poet whose poems in the "Masnavi" are considered the Quran in Persian. Founder of the Mevlevi order (whirling dervishes).

Sufi Orders (Turuq)

Major orders include: Qadiriyya, Rifa'iyya, Shadhiliyya, Naqshbandiyya, Tijaniyya, and Mevlevi. Each order has its own dhikr, liturgy, and transmission line (silsilah).

Main Practices

• Dhikr: repetitive recitation of God's names
• Muraqabah: meditation and spiritual vigilance
• Sama: spiritual audition, sometimes with music and dance
• Khalwah: solitary spiritual retreat
• Suhbah: companionship of the spiritual master (shaykh)

Controversies

Sufism has been criticized by some Salafi scholars for practices like saint veneration, tomb pilgrimage, and music in dhikr. However, most Muslims throughout history have seen Sufism as integral to Islam. Today, Sufism is experiencing a revival in the West.