The Difference Between Sufism and Other Islamic Sects
Over fourteen centuries, experiences and lessons accumulated in the lives of Islam and Muslims, forming a vast cultural heritage. This heritage plays an important role in shaping the present awareness of both individuals and communities, as the current moment cannot be separated from this accumulated history. However, some may lack a full awareness of this heritage, leading to distortions in vision, methodology, and behavior. This is where the urgent need arises to uncover the foundations of this heritage and the components that shaped this vast cultural legacy.
The Spiritual Foundations of Islamic Civilization
The spiritual foundation was the core on which Arab-Islamic civilization was built. This civilization began with the Qur’an, which remained an inexhaustible source of meanings and interpretations. The role of the Qur’an did not stop at religious sciences but extended to many worldly sciences, such as astronomy and chemistry. Whenever the Qur’an mentioned an issue, new scientific fields emerged as a response to divine guidance.
Spiritual Seeds in the Qur’an and the Prophetic Biography
The Qur’an reveals verses that point to divine love as one of the spiritual foundations in Islam. Among these verses, many describe God’s love for His servants and their love for Him, showing that love is the essence of the relationship between the servant and the Creator. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified how love could bind God and His servants, as seen in his saying: “This mountain loves us, and we love it.” Sufi figures, such as Rabia al-Adawiyya, adopted these spiritual concepts, demonstrating the highest levels of divine love, asserting that love is the final stage of knowledge and the first stage of realization.
Sufism Between Love and Tolerance
From the early stages of Sufism in Islam, its core principle was based on love and tolerance, embodied in the works of major Sufi figures like Ibn Arabi. Ibn Arabi emphasized in his writings that love is his religion and faith, and all worship converges at one point: achieving the meaning of servitude to God.
The Evolution of Sufism and Its Impact on the Islamic World
As time passed, Sufism developed into one of the central features of Islamic civilization, contributing significantly to reviving religion in the hearts of individuals. Sufism played a vital role in its communities, instilling a passionate spirit of worship, love, and piety. Throughout the ages, Sufism was not merely an individual interaction with God, but a social catalyst for soul reform and promoting tolerance among people.
Sufism as a Tool for Tolerance and Openness
One of the main characteristics of Sufism is its tolerance and acceptance of others, clearly reflected in many Sufi tales. For example, Sheikh Muhammad Kabrit narrated the effect of prayer on changing people’s lives for the better. Sufism was not confined to theoretical spiritual thought but also expressed these values in their daily practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sufism has presented a unique model in its dealings with the world and society. It does not advocate violence or isolation but seeks to unite the servant with God in elevated and spiritual ways. Sufism has played a significant role in Islamic civilization, not only in the spiritual realm but also in influencing society and Islamic history through the centuries.