Sufism: Its Mystical Contribution to an Understanding of the Islamic God

1642 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Significance of sufism in islam

Introduction
Sufism is often described as being the mystical branch of Islam – a spiritual path that speaks to the very heart of the believer and brings to the fore, a very real sense of God’s immediacy within the context of daily life and religious practice. As a mystical tradition, it propositions a God that has shared His divine essence with mankind – a God who is available to address and dwell within the human condition. By discussing Sufi practice and its development of traditional Islamic precepts including prayer and fasting, this essay will place it within the context of Islam with a look at how its mystical notions contribute towards a more immediate understanding of God. Furthermore, the practice of dikhr s well as the Sufi path of divine love as a journey towards divine unity will be discussed in showing how Sufism involves a sense of self-denial in favour of comprehending the divine nature of God. Sufism’s intersection with Greek science and philosophy will also be outlined in illustrating the all-encompassing nature of the Sufi God. Comparing different viewpoints, this essay includes critical commentary that will suggest that as a progression of the Islamic faith, Sufism indeed makes a substantial contribution to an understanding of the Islamic God – one that is relevant within the context of modern day society.

1. An Introduction to Mysticism within the Context of Religious Thought

As Armstrong (1999: 94) suggests, the origins of mysticism as an “alternative” spiritual movement to orthodox Semitic religion, can be traced back to a time in history that followed the formal development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In discussion of this, Bouquet (1962: 288) asserts that the very term, “mysticism” is one that ha...

... middle of paper ...

...esex: Penguin Books Ltd.

Ernst, C.W. 1997. The Shambhala Guide to Sufism. Boston: Shambhala Publications Inc.

Fakhry, M. 1997. Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Mysticism: A Short Introdu ction. Oxford: One World Publications.

Gilchrist, J. 1986. Muhammad and the Religion of Islam.
(Accessed 20 March 2014, http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Vol1/index.html)

Khan, H. I. 1990. Sufi Mysticism: The Sufi Message. 10th volume. Geneva: International Headquarters of the Sufi Movement.

Tayob, A & Jeppie, S & Shaikh, S. eds. 2006. “To Love Every Life as Your Own: An Introduction to Engaged Sufism” in Journal for Islamic Studies: Thematic Issue: Engaged Sufism. 26. Cape Town: University of Cape Town. pp 1-11.

Vaughan-Lee, L. 2011. In an Interview on ‘The One’ by an Unknown Source. Youtube: November 1
(Accessed 20 March 2014, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iod_2QZcVOI)

Show More
Related

  • Usama, The Middle East, and The Crusades

    1516 Words  | 4 Pages

    Ibn Munqidh, Usama. "From Memoirs." McNeill, William and Marilyn Robinson Waldman. The Islamic World. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1973. 184-206.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Laura Deeb's 'An Enchanted Modern'

    1184 Words  | 3 Pages

    The spiritual development of a community is a component absent in western formulations of modernity. For Deeb’s interlocutors the process of spiritual modernity is manifested in public piety and “authenticated Islam.” Deeb argues that women are essential participants in the construction of piety and “authenticated Islam” within the enchanted modern. Forms of public piety and social participation, including veiling, community service, and hosting Ashura majlis are necessary components in shaping this enchanted modern. Deeb further examines women’s roles in shifting away from a perceived religious backwardness towards a modern society throughout the second part of her book. Her discussion of the Ashura festival commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn illustrates the shift from a traditional (taqlidi) form of religious worship to “authenticated Islam.” Deeb discusses how latam- self-flagellation- is considered backwards and according to pious Shi’i women the authenticated practice involves learning the lessons from Ashura and applying them to everyday life. The differences in traditional verses authenticated Islamic practices of Ashura reflect the increased participation and roles of women in the commemoration, and in the process of developing public piety and “authenticated

    Read More

  • Jalalud'din Rumi : Intermediary between East and West

    1178 Words  | 3 Pages

    The 13th-century teachings of Jalalud'din Rumi, the Sufi Muslim philosopher from modern-day Afghanistan, are rich with wisdom to guide and open the hearts every human being. Rumi's insights on love, awareness of the things of the soul and tolerance, could extend a helping hand across the growing culture gap dividing the West and the Eastern Muslim world.

    Read More

  • Islam: Its History, Sects, and Pillars

    2993 Words  | 6 Pages

    Rahman, Fazlur. Islam & Modernity: Transformation of an Intellectual Tradition. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1982. Print.

    Read More

  • Buddhism and Islam

    1683 Words  | 4 Pages

    Rippin A. 1990, Muslims, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices Volume 1: The Formative Period, Routledge, London and New York.

    Read More

  • Comparing Confucianism and Islam

    2973 Words  | 6 Pages

    Murata, Sachiko. "Sufi Teachings in Neo-Confucian Islam." Indiana University. N.p., 25 Apr. 2005. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. .

    Read More

  • Naguib Mahfouz’s Zaabalawi

    532 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Islamic tradition, as reflected in Naguib Mahfouz’s Zaabalawi, has over the course of history had an incredible impact on Arab culture. In Mahfouz’s time, Islamic practices combined with their political relevance proved a source of both great power and woe in Middle Eastern countries. As alluded to in Zaabalawi, Mahfouz asserts the fact that not all Muslims attain religious fulfillment through this common tradition, and other methods outside the scope of Islam may be necessary in true spiritual understanding.

    Read More

  • Gloria K. Fiero's Poem 'The One True Light'

    1336 Words  | 3 Pages

    Though one of the simpler pieces of poetry found in the book by Gloria K. Fiero, The Humanistic Tradition, “The One True Light” (239), speaks to a long-time problem which is still evident to this day. The poem was written by the Sufi mystic and poet, Jalal al-Din Rumi, and explores what is beyond his own religion. He was a follower of Muhammad, but as a Sufi, and through an emphasis on visionary experiences, which included ritualistic whirling dances, he was supposed to have been transported to be intuitive and see a nonrational dimension of his religious experiences.

    Read More

  • Al Ghazali's Impact On Islam As A Living Religious Tradition

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    Al Ghazali a significant person in Islam has helped shape Islam to be what it is today - a living religious tradition for the lives of its adherents. His contribution to Islam though his theories, knowledge and works have left a positive impact upon the Islamic world that continues into the present. An everlasting impact upon the faith, Muslims and the expansion of Islam to be one of the most popular religious traditions in the present world for the lives of its adherents is seen as Al Ghazali’s

    Read More

  • Similarities and Differencces between Christianity and Islam

    739 Words  | 2 Pages

    Jaoudi, Maria. Christian and Islamic spirituality: sharing a journey. Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 1993. Print.

    Read More

  • The Misconceptions About Women in Islam

    1311 Words  | 3 Pages

    G. Esposito, John L (2002) Islam; What Everyone Should Know. New York. Oxford University Press Inc.

    Read More

  • Sufism In Islam Essay

    1312 Words  | 3 Pages

    It is argued that Sufism creates an opportunity for believers to meet the demands of Allah through their hearts. Proponents of this concept argue that it is only through Sufism that one gets to increase their spiritual connection with others and with Allah. While religion teaches rules of Islam such as time of prayer and movements of prayer, Sufism teaches the consecration of the heart in prayer (Murata and Chittick 269). It expands to teaching people how to connect with Allah in prayer and other religious practices. The surrender of one’s heart and soul to Allah is the core purpose of Sufism. In this perspective, Sufism is at the core of Islamic worship as it lines up the spiritual development of

    Read More

  • Sufism

    1933 Words  | 4 Pages

    Sufi must have a strong will and be able to control their inner soul (nafs).

    Read More

  • Philosophy Of Sufism

    1636 Words  | 4 Pages

    The growth of Islamic mysticism or Sufism is a significant illustration of the Mystical tendency in religion. In other word, mystic interpretation of Islamic life within the bonds of religious orthodoxy is known as Sufism.

    Read More

  • Cultural Violence

    1571 Words  | 4 Pages

    Kenneth Jost. 2005. “Understanding Islam.” Annual Editions: Anthropology 11/12, 34th Edition. Elvio Angeloni. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

    Read More

More about Sufism: Its Mystical Contribution to an Understanding of the Islamic God

Open Document