The Way: The Noble Actions of Muhammad
The word “The Way” is interpreted by many as a Qur’anic term alluding to what later came to be known as Sufism. Sufism is considered one of the complex terms that carries deep and multiple meanings. To understand what Sufism truly represents, we can look at the various titles given to those who follow this spiritual path, such as “Sufi” and “Mystic.” It is important to note a common misconception among researchers, where some believe that this term entered Islamic terminology in later centuries, but Sheikh Abu Nasr al-Saraj al-Tusi clarifies that the term was used since the time of Al-Hasan al-Basri, the disciple of Imam Ali, and perhaps even before that.
The Term “Sufi” and its Origin
The term “Sufi” is believed to have originated from the Arabic word “suf,” meaning wool, due to their woolen garments. It is believed that there is a connection between this title and what was mentioned about Imam Ali during the Battle of Badr, where he wore a white woolen cloak. Others link the name to the description of the people of the Sufa (the platform in the mosque of the Prophet), while some say it came from the purity of their inner secrets and the clarity of their deeds. Sheikh Sahl bin Abdullah considers the Sufi to be someone whose heart is pure for Allah, while Sheikh Umar al-Suhrawardi mentions that a Sufi is one who continues to purify his heart and remains free from the contamination of the soul.
Sufism: Its Understanding and Applications
Descriptions of Sufism by many scholars reflect a spiritual aspect related to inner purity and connection with Allah, and not just external practices or specific attire. Sheikh Junayd al-Baghdadi described a Sufi as “like the land upon which every impurity is thrown, and only the beautiful comes out of it.” Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Shibli confirmed that a Sufi is someone detached from creation and connected to the truth, while Dhul-Nun al-Misri said that a Sufi is not tired by seeking nor disturbed by deprivation. Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani described a Sufi as someone whose inner and outer self is purified by following the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Terms Sufi, Traveler, and Poor
“Sufi” and “Mystic” were not the only titles for those on the Sufi path; they were also known as “the Traveler,” referring to the journey towards Allah. They were also called “the Poor,” due to their complete renunciation of worldly possessions for the sake of Allah. The term “the Poor” is mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, such as in His saying: “For the poor who have been restricted in the cause of Allah…”.
The Way in the Qur’an
The Way in the Qur’an refers to the path of Islamic Sufism, and it is mentioned in multiple verses. For example, in the verse “And if they had remained steadfast on the way, We would have given them abundant water…”, where Allah specifically mentions “the way” as the path that believers must follow to achieve uprightness. Other verses point to steadfastness on “the way” as an essential element for attaining Allah’s pleasure, such as in “Indeed, those who say ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast…”.
The Way in the Qur’anic Verses: The Path to Steadfastness
Steadfastness on the Way is a central theme in the Qur’an, where steadfastness is linked to obedience to Allah and righteous actions that reflect strong belief in His Lordship. Every righteous act stems from genuine faith in Allah, and thus steadfastness is the fruit of this faith. As mentioned in the verses: “Indeed, those who say ‘Our Lord is Allah’…”, where the relationship between faith and righteous actions is emphasized as complementary elements on the path to Allah.
The Prophetic Role in the Way
The Islamic Way is based on the actions of the Prophet ﷺ as practical examples of how Muslims should live their daily lives. According to Sheikh Junayd al-Baghdadi, Sufism is not derived from “words and discussions,” but from “hunger, renouncing the world, and abandoning habitual practices.” As the Prophet ﷺ said, “The law is the words, and the way is the actions.” Sufism is a commitment to apply the actions of the Prophet ﷺ, which represent a complete embodiment of the principles of the Qur’an.
Steadfastness on the Way: A Complete Concept
The Way is a collection of righteous actions that are based on the servant’s faith in Allah and following the actions of the Prophet ﷺ. Therefore, the Way is a comprehensive approach that embodies the Muslim’s commitment to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Sheikh Junayd al-Baghdadi also emphasized that Sufism is closely linked to the book and the Sunnah, and that the knowledge of the Sufis is the fruit of righteous deeds based on the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Way in the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Message to the Jinn
The Qur’an mentions “the way” in the context of the universality of the Prophet Muhammad’s message to the jinn, as in His saying: “And when We sent towards you a group of the jinn…”. This indicates that “the way” encompasses all creation, whether from the jinn or humans. This inclusiveness reflects Allah’s mercy that extends to all of His creation, meaning that following the way is not limited to humans only, but it applies to all creatures in their pursuit of uprightness on the straight path.
Steadfastness on the Path: The Link Between Faith and Righteous Actions
The way is the path that the believer must walk, and adherence to it is steadfastness on what has come in the book and the Sunnah. This adherence is manifested in righteous actions, which are a reflection of true faith in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.