What is Sufism?

Scholars in religious studies call Judaism, Islam, and Christianity the Desert or Abrahamic Religions. They all claim Abraham as their Patriarch (early 2nd millennium BCE), and all three religions understand themselves as “People of the Book.” Also, each of these religions has a distinctive view of spirituality, e.g., Jews use the term, Hasidism, Muslims speak of Sufism, and Christians use the word mysticism or simply Christian spirituality.  

This article focuses on Sufism or Islamic spirituality, a somewhat complex topic. The Arabic word, ṣῡfi, means “one who wears wool.” In the eighth century the term referred to Muslims who wore woolen clothing that was uncomfortable. 

Those who call themselves a ṣῡfi stressed spiritual development above legalism, inwardness over outwardness, and cultivation of the soul above social interaction. Muslims who call themselves a ṣῡfi have nothing to do with the distinction between Sunnῑ or Shῑ῾ῑ Muslims.   

Ṣῡfῑs exist wherever there are Muslims. For example, in Philadelphia there’s a mosque run by Ṣῡfῑs that has an ecumenical spirit or milieu. In fact, Jews and Christians attend this mosque because it engenders a spirit of love and affection that brings people together. 

This mosque calls itself the Philadelphian Sufi Center of The Inayati Order. This mosque is non-denominational, and online it states that “All are welcome regardless of religion or spiritual path.” I know about this mosque because two Muslim friends of mine felt very much at home when they visited this mosque. 

Sufism arose circa 700s CE to the 1200 CE when the caliphate experienced its glory days from Spain to India. Sufis strive to have a close relationship to God. Most Muslims practice salat or ritual prayer five times a day by prostrating themselves on the ground at certain times of the day. For their part, Sufis pray to God (Allah) always, that is, multiple times during the day. 

A key term in the Sufi tradition is the Arabic term, dhikr, or remembrance or reminder of God. The Qur’an tells us about human forgetfulness, enjoining us to remember God, our mortality and judgment day. Dhikr for Sufis functions as a meditative practice and the Qur’an connects dhikr to ritual prayer five times a day.   

Fasting during Ramadan reminds Muslims of those who are down and out or destitute. Giving to the poor (zakat) constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam. This notion of almsgiving was given to the prophet Muhammad (may his name be blessed) during his stay in Mecca, as found in the Qur’an 30:39. There’s a spiritual dimension to zakat since those who give and those who receive Zakat are joined together through mutual love. Thus, the poor profit from this transaction.

Hasan of Basra (d. 728) became a key figure in Sufism by his sermons dealing with the remembrance of God, repentance, patience, and complete trust in God. He suggested to others that they should live every moment of their lives as if it were the last. There are many individuals who contributed to the understanding of Sufism. Here are some significant ones.

Abü Ḥāmid al-Ghazālῑ (d. 1111) states that dhikr “polishes the heart, allowing it to serve as a mirror reflecting the divine attributes.” He wrote the important book, The Religious Sciences Revived that makes the connection between Islamic law (shariah) and ritual with Sufi ethics. Ghazali distinguishes between lawful and unlawful Sufism and writes about the impossibility of putting into words mystical experience.

Around the twelfth century, the Sufi orders or tariqah (the Arabic name for “path” or “way,”} commenced to play a large role in the history of Islam.  The Sufi orders were led by a charismatic teacher or shaykh who acted as a spiritual guide for his followers.  One shakyh took it from another teacher in a line going back to the founder and beyond the founder to Muhammad the Prophet. 

Muhammad Jalal al-Din Rumi (107-1273) undoubtedly ranks as the best-known Sufi today. Rumi bears the title, Mevlana, “our master” and via his poetic treatment of the mystical path of love has been known over the centuries and has attracted many followers in Turkey, Iran, and the entire world.

Rumi founded an order known familiarly as the Mevlevi“ or popularly known as the whirling dervishes. When I went to Turkey in 2017, I visited an elementary school where children ten years old performed the dance wearing the exact clothes used by the adult performers I saw at Auburn High School about twenty years ago. 

Rumi spent may years in the city of Konya in modern day, Anatolia. I had the opportunity to see the remains where he was buried. At the time there were many Turkish women all wearing black and praying at Rumi’s tomb. I was greatly touched by their comportment as they paid homage to this saintly man. Today, a Mevlevi celebration occurs in Konya annually.

In sum, Sufis are serious in tuning up their interior or spiritual  life by prayer, meditation, fasting, self-abnegation, and loving others. What’s not to love about them? 

Richard Penaskovic is an Emeritus Professor at Auburn University. His writings have appeared in the Birmingham News, Columbus-Ledger Enquirer, Montgomery Advertiser and online by Informed Comment and Politurco.