Labib Mahfuj Chisty
Humans have always searched for truth, peace and love. This search is not only in the external world, but also in the inner world – deep within the soul. Sufism is a spiritual path of that eternal search, which immerses people in the love of Allah. But is Sufism really limited to meditation, ascetics and mysterious sayings? No. Sufism is an eternal mysterious journey – from the soul to the Almighty Allah.
In this article, we will explore what Sufism is, why it is still relevant today, and how Sufism has survived throughout the ages as a profound philosophy of love and devotion to God.
Definition and Core Philosophy of Sufism
Sufism, which is called “Tasawwuf” in Arabic, is a spiritual branch of Islam. It is a path that illuminates the inner world through purification of the soul, closeness to Allah, and selfless love. The word “Tasawwuf” comes from the word “Safa” (purity), which means purity of the soul. Some say it comes from the word “Suf” (wool or wool), which refers to the clothes worn by the ascetics. However, its main goal is the same—unconditional love for Allah and extreme concentration.
Historical Background
Sufism began during the time of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), although it later took shape in a clear trend. Many Sufi minds were seen among the companions, such as Hazrat Abu Dharr Ghifari (RA). Maula Ali (RA) is said to be the spiritual source of many Sufi orders. Sufism took shape as a coherent practice in the 8th century through Sufis such as Hazrat Hasan Basri (RA), Rabia Basri (RA) and Bayazid Bostami (RA). After that, various orders such as Chishti, Qaderiya, Naqshbandi and Suhrawardi were established.
What is love (Ishq) for Sufis?
According to Sufis, love for Allah (Ishq-e-Haqqi) is the true perfection of the soul. This love is not for any material or worldly gain, it is completely selfless. Sufi saints believe that the real home of the soul is in the presence of Allah. Therefore, they abandon the illusions of the world and start their journey towards the loving Allah.
Rabia Basri (RA) said, “O Allah! I do not love you to save you from Hell or to get Paradise. I love you because you are worthy of love.” The ultimate form of this love is ‘Fana Fillah’ – dissolving oneself in the love of Allah.
Meditation and Spiritual Practices of Sufism
Sufism has various practices for self-purification:
Zikr (remembrance of Allah) – it connects the heart with Allah.
Muraqabah (meditation) – meditating on the presence of Allah.
Sama and Qawwali – opening the inner doors of the soul through music.
Sahabat – self-purification in the company of a Pir or Murshid.
Sufism and Islam: Conflict or Harmony?
Many believe that Sufism is anti-Islam. But in reality, it is a practice of the Ihsan level of Islam. The hadith states: “Ihsan is that you worship Allah as if you see Him. If you cannot, then know that He sees you.” (Sahih Muslim). Sufism is the way to make this Ihsan a reality. Those who reject Sufism simply because of some practices outside the Sharia do not understand, nor do they want to understand, its inner purpose and spiritual aspect.
How Sufi saints have contributed to society
Sufis were not only spiritual saints, they were social reformers. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) of the Chishtia Tariqat conveyed the message of Islam to the hearts of thousands of people in India through love and humanism. Shahjalal (RA), Khanjahan Ali (RA), and Tinara also brought about a spiritual revolution in Bengal in the same vein. Their khankas, langarkhanas, and educational centers are still engaged in the service of people today. Sufis have built humane relationships among people of all religions and castes. This is their characteristic—love above all else.
Modern Relevance of Sufism
In today’s world, people are accustomed to external glamour, but are deprived of inner peace. Mental stress, spiritual emptiness, suicidal tendencies—Sufism can be a way out of all these. Because it illuminates the world of the heart. Rumi’s poetry is still a bestseller in the Western world, because there is a yearning of the heart, but the path is not known. Sufism shows that path.
Conclusion
Sufism is the inner journey of the soul, where love is the only vehicle and the proximity of Allah is the only destination. This is not a dogma, but a message of universal love.
A Sufi never belittles others, does not engage in religious hatred, but rather says – “If you want to understand love, make your heart a mirror—where only the color of Allah will be reflected.”
Let us light the light within ourselves, with which the mysterious journey of love in the path of Allah begins. That is true Sufism.