Sufism

Sufism has become the general term for the mystical or esoteric expression of Islam. Its roots are debated, but they may be as early as the first or early second century of Islam, the late 7th and 8th centuries C.E.

Sufi Islam has its origins in the interpretation of the Quran and in the life of Muhammad, but it was also shaped by ascetic practices common to the Near East and Byzantium.

Sufism does not have a discrete set of foundational figures, though it traces its origins back to Muhammad and his Companions.

Rather than seeking or creating an alternate scriptural basis for their beliefs, Sufis rooted their practice in esoteric interpretations of the Quran.

Though Sufism is now the general catchall term for Islamic mysticism, it is not clear that practitioners always applied that label to themselves.

As Sufism developed, larger Islamic philosophical and theological questions shaped its thought and practice.

Sufism is not divided into sects, but into "paths" or tariqas. Each tariqa has its own founding or eponymous teacher, or shaykh. Pupils of a tariqa incorporate specific practices unique to each path.

Sufism has been opposed since its inception, in spite of its enduring appeal and broad base of adherents. At times labeled heretical or simply extremist, each age has had its own Sufis and anti-Sufis.

After early developments in what becomes modern-day Iran, Sufism spread and manifested in different ways throughout the Islamic world, especially in South Asia.

Today, Sufism has more adherents than ever before, ad it continues to grow.

Mystical interpretations of the Quran and the Shahada, the Muslim testification of faith, provide the basis for Sufi beliefs about the nature of the universe.

According to Sufi belief, the only Ultimately Real Being is God. This doctrine is called "wahdat al-wujud", or Uniqueness of Being.

Sufi training is aimed at disciplining the soul and body in order to return to a more pure state of being, which is pleasing to God.

Alienation from God constitutes the suffering of the Sufi, who seeks, by means of spiritual perfection, to see beyond the veil of the Unreal universe and reunite with the Beloved, God.

Islam teaches that Muslims are on a path that will bring them close to God in Paradise after undergoing a final judgment. Sufism adds the belief that it is possible to experience the divine presence in this life as well.

In addition to customary Muslim practices, Sufi practitioners cultivate a rich inner life that analyzes temporary states of being called "hals" on the path to achieving more permanent heights of spiritual enlightenments called stations, or "maqam."

Many Sufi lodges developed around the shrines or tombs dedicated to founders of a particular "tariqa" or order. These lodges could serve as residences to members of an order, or as schools or hostels for visitors and travelers.

"Dhikr", or remembrance of God, is the central ceremony in Sufi practice and is performed in addition to regular daily prayers. Comprised of voluntary prayers that may be performed at any time, and invocations of God, "dhikr's" meaning and form are derived from an understanding of the Quran.

In addition to ceremonial practices, the daily life of the Sufi is shaped by the paradigm of worship as a path to God. Each day and each moment is seen as an opportunity to remember God while disciplining the soul.

The most enduring symbol of Sufi belief is the veil, or the "paradox of the Veil." This veil is a barrier between humans and True Reality, and overcoming it, or seeing past it, is the aim of the Sufi.

Aspiring Sufis become disciples to a master, usually known as a shaykh, who provides instruction in humility, self-denial, and patience. The disciple follows the master's path until he or she experiences inner understanding of God and universal love.

Sufi orders are called "tariqas", from the Arabic word for paths. Sufism is found in all parts of the Muslim world, attracting Sunnis and Shi'is, and men and women of all social classes. Some becomes disciples or join orders, while others do not practice Sufism but attend Sufi ceremonies or festivals.

Sufism teaches that there is both an outer law, Islamic "shariah", and an inner law, which consists of rules regarding repentance and maintaining a good and virtuous character.

Sufism is an inner tradition focused on prayers and individual character development, while sharing the wider Islamic vision of a just and peaceful society.

Sufism is generally more open to the leadership of women than is orthodox Islam. There have been hundreds of female Sufi teachers, many Sufi saints and women, and some have had shrines built in their honor.