Labib Mahfuj Chisty
The message of Islam was not limited to religious laws or external regulations; rather, it was a place of spiritual peace that was shaded within the heart. The path of this spiritual calling is Sufism—which teaches purification of the soul, love, selflessness, and a deep connection with God.
Sufism is not just a philosophy, it is a journey—where people are identified with the soul illuminated by the light of the heart. Throughout history, Sufis have been faithful bearers of that light, who have transformed society through knowledge, love, and sacrifice. However, the path of this light was not always smooth. The darkness of fanaticism has often sought to envelop them. But love has never been defeated.
Origins of Sufism: Beginnings before the Hijra
Sufism (Tasawwuf) represents the spiritual side of Islam, which began at the very beginning of Islam. Many researchers agree that to find the roots of this path, we must look at the solitary meditation, solitude, and devotion to Allah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira before the Hijra. From this emerged a spiritual meditation movement—later known as Tasawwuf.
Origin and meaning of the word ‘Sufi’
The word ‘Sufi’ originally comes from the word ‘suf’ (wool or woolen cloth), which originally symbolizes poverty and restraint. However, Sufis identify themselves as “Ahle Tasawwuf”. Many also believe that it is derived from the words ‘safa’ (purity), ‘ashabus-saf’ (true companions), or ‘safwat’ (chosen ones).
Basic teachings of Sufism
The main goal of Sufism is self-surrender to the love of Allah and the purification of the soul. The main stages of this path are:
Tawbah (the beginning of self-purification)
Murakaba (spiritual awareness)
Mahabba (love for Allah)
Fana (dissolution of the self)
Baqa (achievement of permanence with Allah)
Development of Sufism and the main orders
The period between the 8th and 12th centuries is considered the period of development of Sufism. Various orders or spiritual paths developed during this period. The four main orders are:
Chishtia: Promulgated by Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may Allah be pleased with him), especially influential in the Indian subcontinent.
Qadiriya: Promulgated based on the teachings of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah be pleased with him).
Naqshbandiyya: Emphasizes the development of the soul through inner meditation and “Khafi Zikir”.
Suhrawardiyya: Developed from the initiation of Shaykh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi.
Great achievements and humanitarian contributions of Sufis
Sufis spread Islam not through the sword, but through love and sacrifice. With the arrival of Sufis in India, Islam spread through devotion and humanistic philosophy. Sufis like Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya, Baba Sheikh Farid, Hazrat Shah Jalal (Rahmatullah Alaihi), Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rahmatullah Alaihi), Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali and others were social reformers, saints and beacons of humanity. Their khanqahs were shelters for the poor, centers of knowledge and a self-absorbed pasture for the remembrance of the Lord. They did not deny language, culture and folklore; rather, they integrated Islam with local life.
Sufism in the eyes of fanatics
Sufis speak of the inner beauty of Islam. Where there is love, meditation, tolerance and a luminous tradition of analyzing the inner world. Fanatics have always seen this insight as a threat. Because in their eyes, Islam means strict restrictions, fear and a numbing subject of mindless obedience. Fatwas are issued against those who love Allah with the sound of ‘Allahu Akbar’. Many times this fatwa takes the form of torture, imprisonment or death penalty.
Persecution of Sufis: A tragic chapter in history
Hussain ibn Mansur Hallaj (d. 922 AD): He said “Anal Haqq” (I am the truth). Although this statement was a manifestation of spiritual decay, fanatics called it kufr and sentenced him to death after extreme physical torture. Suhrawardy (Shahabuddin Yahya): He was called the “Philosopher of Light”, but the son of Saladin of Aleppo felt threatened by his philosophy and sentenced him to death. Even in the present era, Sufi shrines and shrines have been attacked in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia and Nigeria. In 2010, many lives were lost in a bomb attack on the Data Darbar in Pakistan. Recently, many heinous incidents like vandalism, arson, and looting of the shrines of many saints and Sufi Kamelgans have taken place in Bangladesh.
Modern Appeal of Sufism
In the present world, where people are divided by various obstacles, where hearts are sad, Sufism calls people to return to the love of Allah, spiritual peace and mutual love. Sufis say: Not religion, but love is the path to salvation.
Revolution of the Heart
Sufism is not a new religion, but the heart of Islam. Where externality creates conflict, Sufism brings about inner unity. The path of Sufism is the path where there is no hatred, no division—there is only love, self-purification, and the search for the ultimate light.