Islamic Sufism: The Path of Spiritual Purification
Allah created man in the best form and endowed him with great cognitive abilities, especially the ability to think and use language. It was ordained that man use these abilities, which Allah has blessed him with, in a way that benefits both himself and others, and to show his gratitude to Allah for this great creation. In a world filled with conflict between good and evil, it was necessary for man to use his abilities completely and follow the path of benefit. Allah says: “And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, all of it from Him.” (Al-Jathiya: 45). Therefore, Sufism in Islam concerns the purification of the soul and teaches an individual how to elevate their personal control.
The Path: Refining the Soul and Society
Islamic Sufism is a spiritual method that deals with the refinement of the human soul and guides it towards upright behavior. The purpose of this method is to make the individual beneficial to himself and his society by teaching him how to interact positively with his environment, in addition to adhering to the values of God’s piety. Allah has emphasized in His statement: “Fear Allah, and He will teach you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282), indicating that piety and knowledge are not just related to learning but practicing the values in daily life.
The Path to Faith and Inner Change
Achieving this virtuous state can only be done through faith in Allah first, as stated in the verse: “And indeed, I am the most forgiving to whoever repents, believes, and does righteous work, then is guided.” (Surah Ta-Ha / 82). Belief in Allah and righteous deeds are the foundation that motivates a person to act in ways that please Allah and spread goodness, as Allah says: “And let there be among you a group who invite to goodness, and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and those will be the successful.” (Al-Imran / 104). Therefore, following the Sufi path and purifying the soul under the guidance of a learned Sheikh who inherits the Muhammadan light and trains the soul in Islamic ethics is the beginning of the path toward achieving this lofty goal.
The Relationship Between the Teacher and the Seeker: The Role of the Sheikh in the Path
Sufism, in essence, is a spiritual teaching that includes the seeker under the guidance of a Sheikh who knows Allah. The path requires that the seeker be taught the values of the religion and that his faith in Allah is strengthened through the teaching of different acts of worship, such as remembrance (dhikr) and glorification (tasbih), in addition to developing spiritual ethics. As stated in the Hadith: “The Sheikh among his people is like the Prophet among his nation.” Scholars are more merciful to the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ than parents, for they teach what leads to goodness in this world and the Hereafter.
The Muhammadan Path: Islam, Faith, and Excellence
Sufism is based on three main pillars: Islam, faith, and excellence (ihsan). These pillars teach the seeker how to monitor his soul, repent for his sins, and rid himself of undesirable traits that hinder spiritual growth. Through practices such as honesty, sincerity, asceticism, and righteous work, the seeker is able to reach high spiritual levels and progress in stages from self-blaming to contentment, and then to acceptance by Allah.
Contemporary Sufism: Acquiring Knowledge and Self-Development
Islamic Sufism encourages the seeker to seek knowledge in all fields of life, whether religious sciences or contemporary life. The seeker must always strive to stay updated on the latest scientific, technical, and human knowledge to enhance his thinking and awareness. Allah says in the Quran: “And they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth.” (Al-Imran / 191), where Allah calls His servants to reflect on the universe around them to expand their awareness and understand the power of Allah in His creation.
The Path and Society: The Impact of Sufism on the Individual and Society
Through deep reflection and spiritual purification, the Muslim learns how to interact with others with tolerance and refinement, which contributes to achieving social stability. Moreover, a Muslim’s Sufism enables him to face challenges and changes in society positively. This is what contributes to the formation of a community that seeks goodness and works to combat corruption and reform.
Practical Ways to Develop Society Through Sufism
Sufism encourages the application of noble Islamic values in all aspects of daily life. Focusing on moral values such as honesty, sincerity, and respect for others helps in building a cohesive society. Additionally, improving the economic and social aspects of society comes through voluntary cooperation and participation in charitable projects that benefit the public.
The Values of Sufism: Building a Balanced Personality
Sufism helps build an individual’s personality by promoting moral, social, and economic values. By teaching how to act wisely, endure hardships, and find solutions to social problems, the seeker becomes capable of actively participating in improving his society.