One of the important aspects of understanding the Sufi methodology is studying the relationship between the rituals in Sufism and Sharia
Sharia is fundamentally based on specific rituals in terms of time and type, such as daily prayers and fasting in Ramadan. However, these rituals do not represent everything that a person is obligated to do for their Lord. This is clearly evident in the life of the Prophet ﷺ, who continued performing many additional rituals (Nafila) alongside the obligatory ones. As mentioned in the Quranic verse: "And from the night, prostrate to Him, a Nafila for you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a praised station.” His additional rituals were far more than the obligatory ones, reflecting the Sufi approach to uplifting the soul and achieving purity and perfection. As Al-Muhasibi mentioned in his book *”Love”*, the followers of the Sufi path are like psychotherapists working to heal the hearts of others.
Sufism as Ethics and a Way of Life
The Sufi way is not just theoretical texts but living ethics applied in daily life. As Abu al-Hussein al-Nuri said: “Sufism is not texts and theoretical knowledge, it is ethics, a rule for life and society.” Sheikh Junayd al-Baghdadi emphasized that Sufism is embodied in the cultivation of good ethics and the abandonment of bad ones. Sufism means observing one’s state and following the proper etiquette in every situation, as each moment has its own etiquette. A seeker (Murid) who follows the path must be disciplined in his behavior with Allah and with creation.
The Sufi Path: A Method for Purification of the Soul
The Sufi path requires that the seeker be armed with spiritual values to help them cope with material life, achieving psychological balance and becoming capable of overcoming life’s difficulties. It teaches a person to make life a means for pure worship, not an end in itself. The path is also a means to liberate the person from desires and passions by their free will, training them in self-sacrifice and refining their character according to the principles of pure faith.
The Path and Jihad: Combining Spirituality with Hard Work
Although some people have accused the Sufis of neglecting material life, the history of the path shows the opposite. The Sufi masters did not limit themselves to spiritual worship but had an active role in Jihad. For example, Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani had a major role in strengthening faith and fighting against the Crusaders. His school in Baghdad was a significant center of faith. Sufis also participated in fighting the Spanish and Portuguese, and many were martyred in battles.
The Sufi Path: Humanity and Inclusivity
The Sufi path is characterized by a global human approach, open to all religions and races. Allah said: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” Thus, the Sufi path is not restricted to Muslims but encompasses all of humanity, emphasizing human unity regardless of religion or race. It expanded the horizons of Islam to include all human religious experiences, achieving a society that is open and inclusive of all.
The Sufi Path in the Quran: A Call for Love and Brotherhood
The Islamic Sufi path, as highlighted in the Quran, is a call for brotherhood and love among all people. The first Quranic revelation was "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” These words are not merely an opening but signify the essence of Islam as a religion that promotes coexistence and love among all. In this context, we find that the Sufi path reflects the Quran’s teachings on peace, love, and mercy towards all.
Sufism: Opening Human Horizons
At its core, Sufism calls for human unity and includes all beliefs, enhancing values of shared coexistence. The Sufi path is one of the spiritual tools to achieve this coexistence, guiding the seekers towards the Muhammadan ethics, embodied in humility, patience, asceticism, generosity, and truthfulness.