Thread: Sufism?

Call me ignorant but what is Sufism? can anyone explain, *takes pad and paper out*

Sufism or tasawwuf, as it is called in Arabic, is generally understood by scholars and Sufis to be the inner, mystical, or psycho-spiritual dimension of Islam. Today, however, many Muslims and non-Muslims believe that Sufism is outside the sphere of Islam which is incorrect. It is also said to predate Islam.

The substance of Sufism is the Truth and the meaning of Sufism is the selfless experiencing and actualization of the Truth. The practice of Sufism is the intention to go towards the Truth, by means of love and devotion. This is called the tariqat, the spiritual path or way towards God. The sufi is one who is a lover of Truth, who by means of love and devotion moves towards the Truth, towards the perfection which all are truly seeking. As necessitated by love's jealousy, the sufi is taken away from all except the Truth.

thanks redhand thats really interesting it peeked my interest off to google

My favorite teacher on Sufi and magic is Punditt Maharaj unfortunatly he seems to have gone into Silence. One of his students that has also influenced me is Paul Hughs-Barlow who runs the Super tarot site.

As a musician I have followed the virtuoso and Sufi teacher Hazrat Inyat Khan for a while.
He has written some wonderful books that I cannot recommend enough.

I followed a discussion a while ago where a guy was insisting that one cannot practice Sufism apart from being a Muslim. What do you guys think?

Originally Posted by d&g

I followed a discussion a while ago where a guy was insisting that one cannot practice Sufism apart from being a Muslim. What do you guys think?

its probally possible. but i would think that many muslims may grow intolerant of you. its interesting though ill say that.

Well from my understanding Sufism is much older than Islam so? I have met some who were not Muslims who practiced Sufi ways! It seems more philisophic than religion it is a way to live truly peaceful and with ones surroundings.

true but it may be to them what it is for someone learning the martial arts style but not learning the rest of the traditional teachings.

Originally Posted by EtuMalku

As a musician I have followed the virtuoso and Sufi teacher Hazrat Inyat Khan for a while.
He has written some wonderful books that I cannot recommend enough.

oh yes, his work is awesome.
Sufism is like a study group of mystical islam, there are I think 30 something Tariqahs all reconciled by the Quran.
I really love some of the mystical Islamic poetry. The Secret Rose Garden is an exceptional read