Introduction to Sufism
Sufism represents the spiritual essence of Islam, and it is the ultimate goal for an individual who seeks to liberate himself from servitude to material things and to dedicate himself purely to the worship of Allah alone. This can be clearly understood if we look at the three levels of Islam: Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. Sufism begins at the level of Ihsan, which represents the peak of the spiritual pyramid. This level is described in the famous hadith: “Worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you don’t see Him, He sees you.” This phrase divides into two parts: the first is the true goal of religion, which is to worship as if you see Him, and the second is the state of worship that seeks to realize the divine presence in every aspect of life.
Worship and the Presence of Allah
When we discuss worshiping Allah “as if you see Him,” it is not just a visual perception, but it is a heart-centered and spiritual perception. In this state, the worshiper feels the immersion of his being in the presence of Allah and experiences the fading of the self before the ultimate truth. Sufism, in its essence, is a pursuit of witnessing the divine and tasting the existence that manifests in the servant. The worshiper transcends external acts of worship to a deeper worship that can only be perceived spiritually, until the worshiper reaches a real taste of the beloved. This is expressed by Al-Niffari when he said: “The ‘kaaf’ is not a metaphor; it is a truth you cannot grasp except through metaphor.” That is, the phrase “as if you see Him” is a state witnessed by the worshiper, not merely a mental concept.
The Origin and Evolution of Sufism
Sufism did not emerge suddenly; rather, it was an extension of Islamic asceticism, which was embodied by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his noble life, and followed by his companions who preferred asceticism in this world and focused entirely on the afterlife. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an example in renouncing the pleasures of the world, as reported by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “The Messenger of Allah did not eat his fill for two consecutive days until he was reunited with Allah.” The simple life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the foundation upon which the early concepts of Sufism in Islam were built.
This idea also emerged during the time of the Tabi’un (the followers), such as Al-Hasan Al-Basri, who was characterized by his sorrow and weeping over the world, and he called for reflection on the afterlife. Among those who contributed to the development of Sufi thought were Ibrahim ibn Adham, Shiqiq al-Balkhi, and others. These figures led to the formation of the nucleus of Sufism as we know it today.
Sufism and Non-Islamic Cultural Sources
While some Orientalists in the 19th century viewed Islamic Sufism as an inauthentic growth within the Islamic environment, believing that it was influenced by Indian, Buddhist, and Christian philosophies, these views gradually diminished over time. Modern studies have confirmed that Islamic Sufism originates from the spirituality of Islam itself and is not influenced by foreign sources as initially thought.
Many Western scholars specializing in Sufism, such as “Arberry” and “Nicholson,” have acknowledged the authenticity of Islamic Sufism. Arberry emphasized that studies of Sufism should rely solely on Islamic sources without resorting to foreign sources to explain its origins.
The Role of Sufism in Society and Civilizational Identity
Sufism is not just an individual act of worship; it is a civilizational and social project that contributes to building society on spiritual and ethical values. Sufism has played a role in developing ethical and educational thought through the zawiyas (Sufi centers) and schools established by Sufis, which focused on spiritual education and helping the poor and needy. For example, the zawiyas in Morocco worked on teaching knowledge, providing assistance to the needy, and served as educational institutions.
Sufism has also added great value in spreading Islam, with Sufis playing a prominent role in spreading Islam to various parts of the world, such as India, Africa, and the East. This was thanks to the Sufi character, which is characterized by love and participation without fanaticism.
Sufism in Jihad: The Greater Jihad and the Lesser Jihad
Sufism is not limited to individual worship only, but it extends to the concept of jihad, which consists of the greater jihad (the struggle against the self) and the lesser jihad (fighting in the cause of Allah). Throughout Islamic history, Sufis have participated in jihadist battles to protect Islam, whether in facing external invasions or fighting internal fitnahs. An example of this is the participation of many Sufis in battles against the Crusaders and the Mongols during the Middle Ages.
Sufism’s Role in Cognitive and Cultural Thought
Through its profound spiritual experience, Sufism provides certain knowledge that is not limited to religious beliefs only, but extends to a deep understanding of existence and human relationships. Sufi thought also contributed to enriching Arabic and global literature, having a great impact on Western philosophy through Sufi philosophers such as “Eckhart” and “Raymond Lull.”
Sufism was able to integrate the mind and the spirit, providing a balanced model that helps individuals explore the meaning of life through their relationship with Allah and reflection on the meanings of existence. Through this perspective, Sufism added ethical and spiritual values to modern Arabic literature and poetry, especially in the works of poets like Adonis.
Conclusion: Sufism Between Challenges and Transformations
Sufism has been affected by many challenges in the context of social and political life, including what can be called the Sufi discourse, which often faces difficulties in communicating with the official religious discourse. However, Sufism has continued to provide spiritual and cognitive perspectives that contributed to the development of the Muslim community and elevated human and spiritual values.
Ultimately, Sufism is a spiritual essence in Islam that encourages balance between this world and the hereafter, and provides both individuals and society with many spiritual values that help them live their lives with an open mind and a pure heart.