Labib Mahfuj Chisty
In the modern world, as people become more connected to technology, they are sinking into loneliness and emptiness of existence. The heart is thirsty, the soul is searching for its true address. In these turbulent times, Sufism or the religion of Sufis appears with a calm, silent, yet deep call. The path of spiritual love, which turns people into people, connects the soul with Allah in a latent bond. The name of this path is the Sufi path of love or the religion of Sufis.
- Sufism: The path that begins with love
Sufism is basically a heart-based, love-centered Islamic spirituality. It is not a group, but an inner journey. This journey begins with love – towards Allah, towards the Prophet, towards creation. The Sufis say – the true taste of faith is found only when a person loves Allah more than himself. For them, God is not an object of fear, but a lover. And the soul is a lover restless to meet that lover. - What is love?
“Love” comes from the Arabic word “hubb”, which means love. But for Sufis, love is not just an emotion. It is the complete surrender of the soul, the silent longing of the heart, the readiness to abandon everything except the pleasure of Allah. In Sufism, love is a holy fire that purifies the soul and takes it to Allah. - How does the door of the heart open?
Sufis believe that there is a door in every human heart—it is not visible to the external eye, but this door is the real entrance to the soul. This door is opened through dhikr (remembrance of Allah), khalwat (solitary meditation), muraqaba (introspection), patience and the practice of a pure heart. But the most important way is—love. Without love, the soul can never walk on the path of Allah. Hazrat Bayazid Bostami (may Allah be pleased with him) said – Love is the key that opens the secret door of the soul. - Love of the Prophet (peace be upon him): The center of Sufism
The first and main source of Sufi love is Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). Loving him means embracing his character, following his Sunnah, and devoting one’s heart to him. Imam Junaid (may Allah be pleased with him) said – Whoever does not embrace Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his heart, his love for Allah is also false. Sufis love the Prophet as a beloved and weep in his court and immerse themselves in blessings. - Love of the Awliya and the Chisti, Naqshbandi, Qadiri streams of love
In various orders of Sufism, especially in the Chisti, Naqshbandi and Qadriya orders, love is given special importance. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) said – No worship, no path is successful without love. His shrine still opens the hearts of millions of people, where the wind of love and unconditional surrender blows. - Sound, Music and Qawwali: The Language of the Heart
Sufis speak the words of the heart through music. Qawwali, Sama, Ghazal – through all these sounds, the soul cries, laughs, and falls in love with Allah in a silent prayer. Qawwali is a declaration of love – I want Allah, I love the Messenger, in this love there is salvation. This music knocks on the door of the heart, and through sound the soul rushes towards Allah. - Six Stages of Love: Sufi Analysis
Sufi saints have divided love into 6 stages –
Mayal (Attraction) – The first attraction towards Allah
Mahabba (Love) – The permanent feeling of the heart
Ishq (Deep love) – The fire of the heart
Shawq (Craving) – Restlessness for the beloved
Osla (Relationship) – Spiritual attachment
Fana (Self-destruction) – Losing oneself in love - Worship of Love: Not Fiqh, but the Heart
Sufis are interested in worship, but it is not just a rule. Their worship is the expression of love, standing in front of the beloved, the dialogue of the lover with the lover. Rabia Basri (may Allah have mercy on her) said – I do not worship in the hope of Paradise or in the fear of Hell; I worship because I love Allah. - Why is the love of Sufism increasing among the youth?
Modern youth believe in the heart, not in rules, they want to seek God with love, they want a pure inner experience, Sufism opens that loving door for them. Where tears are not forbidden, where music is not forbidden – if it purifies the soul, where God is not a fear, there is only unbridled love.
- Conclusion: The heart opens in love
The Sufi path of love is a journey that takes the soul to God by opening the door of the heart. This path has rules, but it is in the language of the heart. On this path there are tears in the eyes, there are cries in music, there is a silent call, and most importantly – there is love. For those who truly want to find God with their hearts today, this path is an eternal path of spiritual liberation. This Sufi path of love lights a bright lamp that dispels the darkness of the heart, immerses the soul in the love of God.