Sufism: Name and Origin by Paul Yachnes Sufism has been described in many different ways by scholars writing in English, throughout this century, but they all agree on its essential character as being the inner, esoteric, mystical, or purely spiritual dimension of the religion of Islam. Others do not reject as incredible the Semitic tradition that Sufism's foundation is to be attributed to the teachings of Abraham. [12] With Ibn Masarra there was a “brief flowering”[13] of Sufism in Spain, and later Spanish Sufis reflected his influence on them. For the pre-modern era, see Vincent J. Cornell. The word ‘Sufi’ derives its name from another Arabic word ‘Suf which means wool. Sufism has gained an Oriental flavor from having been so long protected by Islam, but the natural Sufi may be as common in the West as in the East, and may come dressed as a general, a peasant, a merchant, a lawyer, a schoolmaster, a housewife, anything. Sufi orders are based on the bay‘ah (بَيْعَة bay‘ah, مُبَايَعَة mubāya‘ah 'pledge, allegiance') that was given to Muhammad by his Ṣahabah. Sufism is an inner mystical dimension of Islam practiced by different turuq which is a congregation formed around mawla who trace their teachings to Prophet Muhammad. [23] His works in Andalusia focused mainly on the perfect human individual, monastic metaphysics, and mystical path to spiritual and intellectual perfection. [11] He lived from 883 to 931 and was born outside of Cordoba. [5] In addition, the Suhrawardiyyah order, under the leadership of Abu Hafs Umar al-Suhrawardi (d. 1234), also bequeathed a number of teachings and institutions that were influential in shaping other order that emerged during later periods. It is these roots that gathered into the trunk known as Islamic Sufism. Though awareness of this secret quality or instinct can be sharpened by close contact with Sufis of experience, there are no hierarchical degrees among them, only a general undisputed recognition of greater or lesser capacity. In the fourth century of the hegira, some famous Gnostics defined Sufism as “a reality without form”. The exact origin of Sufism is disputed. Mbacke suggests that one reason Sufism has taken hold in Senegal is because it can accommodate local beliefs and customs, which tend toward the mystical.[37]. One of the first to return to Europe as an official representative of a Sufi order, and with the specific purpose to spread Sufism in Western Europe, was the Ivan Aguéli. Other noteworthy Sufi teachers who were active in the West include Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, Inayat Khan, Nazim Al-Haqqani, Javad Nurbakhsh, Bulent Rauf, Irina Tweedie, Idries Shah and Muzaffer Ozak. Almost all existing Sufi orders today trace their roots and chain of transmission ( silsila ) back to Muhammad, via one of these orders. I think the difference most likely arises from the different views of the word’s origin. There have been hundreds of theories regarding the origin of Sufism, however none has been clearly distinguished for having referred to a specific date regarding the origin of Sufism, or a specific person to be credited with the first use of the word Sufi. It came to India before the establishment of the Sultanate of Delhi but after the foundation of the Turkish rule, a large Group of Sufis form different Islamic countries migrated to India and established them-selves in many parts of Hindustan. Sufism is a Muslim movement whose followers seek to find divine truth and love through direct encounters with God. The original word is of Sufi origin, and as for its etymological origin in Arabic language there are different opinions. They have no sacred city, no monastic organization, no religious instruments. (A History of Sufism in India, Vol. Sufism as a brother/sisterhood may be traced back as far as the period of Daniel. Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam. The Suharawardi order was started by Abu al-Najib Suhrawardi, a Persian Sufi born in Sohrevard near Zanjan in Iran, and brought to India by Baha-ud-din Zakariya of Multan. The same system of endowments could also be used to pay for a complex of buildings, such as that surrounding the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, including a lodge for Sufi seekers, a hospice with kitchens where these seekers could serve the poor and/or complete a period of initiation, a library, and other structures. Central themes of Ibn 'Arabi's were the unity of all beings, or “wahdat al-wujud,” and also how God reflects God’s self in the world. As he noted: "Every age of the world has seen awakened souls, and as it is impossible to limit wisdom to any one period or place, so it is impossible to date the origin of Sufism.". We find among the Zoroastrians, Hatim, the best known Sufi of his time. Wonder,A garden among the flames!My heart can take onAny form:A meadow for gazelles,A cloister for monks,For the idols, sacred ground,Ka'ba for the circling pilgrim,the tables for the Torah,the scrolls of the Qur'an.My creed is love;Wherever its caravan turns along the way,That is my belief,My faith. Some sources state that Sufism is the inner dimensions of the teachings of Muhammad whereas others say that Sufism emerged during the Islamic Golden Age from about the 8th to 10th centuries. History. [19] Ibn al-Arif was one of the first to interpret Ghazali in the West, and he also founded a method of spiritual training called tariqah. Every age of the world has seen awakened souls, and as it is impossible to limit wisdom to any one period or place, so it is impossible to date the origin of Sufism. Introduction “Sufism” is the English term used to refer to mystical interpretations and practices of the Islamic religion. [29], Between the 13th and 16th centuries CE, Sufism produced a flourishing intellectual culture throughout the Islamic world, a "Golden Age" whose physical artifacts are still present. Many people began to read and translate the works of philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. The germ of Sufism is said to have existed from the beginning of the human creation, for wisdom is the heritage of all; therefore no one person can be said to be its propounder. But the point of view of the wise differs from that of the simple followers of a religion. This became the mainstream position among Islamic scholars for centuries, challenged only recently on the basis of selective use of a limited body of texts[example needed]. [24] According to Ibn ‘Arabi, the main practices of Andalusi Sufis included ascesis, poverty, and devotion to the Qur’an. However Islamic scholars predating the Islamic Golden Age were referred to as Sufis, like Hasan of Basra. Two of the most notable are Kashf al-Mahjûb (Revelation of the Veiled) of Hujwiri, and Al-Risala al-Qushayriyya (The Message) of Al-Qushayri. The roots and practices of Sufism. Victor Danner - "The Islamic Tradition: An introduction." The traditional view is that Sufism is the mystical school of Islam and had its beginnings in the first centuries following the life of the Prophet Mohammad. [40] Many have asserted Sufism to be unique within the confines of the Islamic religion, and contend that Sufism developed from people like Bayazid Bastami, who, in his utmost reverence to the sunnah, refused to eat a watermelon because he did not find any proof that Muhammad ever ate it. The word ‘Saf means a carpet. History of Sufism. Sufism as a brother/sisterhood may be traced back as far as the period of Daniel. Sufism takes away the boundaries which divide different faiths by bringing into full light the underlying wisdom in which they are all united. Wisdom is the ultimate power. History and theology History and theology. No important domain in the civilization of Islam remained unaffected by Sufism in this period. According to Ibn Khaldun Sufism was already practiced by the Sahaba, but with the spread of material tendencies, the term Sufi was just applied to those who emphasize the spirit… According to one perspective, it is directly from the Qur’an, constantly recited, meditated, and experienced, that Sufism proceeded, in its origin and its development. The early Sufi orders considered the wearing of this coat as an imitation of Isa bin Maryam (Jesus). [25], Not long after the death of Ibn ‘Arabi, al-Andalus experienced a “spiritual aridity”[26] in the mid-fourteenth century. The individual is offered a "secret garden" for the growth of his understanding, but never required to become a monk, nun or hermit, like the more conventional mystics; and he thereafter claims to be enlightened by actual experience—"he who tastes, knows"—not by philosophic argument. Of them the Chishti order is the most visible. [36] Sufism is traditional in Morocco but has seen a growing revival with the renewal of Sufism around contemporary spiritual teachers such as Sidi Hamza al Qadiri al Boutshishi. The germ of Sufism is said to have existed from the beginning of the human creation, for wisdom is the heritage of all; therefore no one person can be said to be its propounder. The following article is taken from the journal Sufism: An Inquiry.. A majority of scholars believe that the word “Tasawouf” derives from the word “suf”, which means wool. Turkic conquests in South Asia were accompanied by four Sufi mystics of the Chishtiyya order from Afghanistan: Moinuddin (d. 1233 in Ajmer), Qutbuddin (d. 1236 in Delhi), Nizamuddin (d.1335 in Delhi) and Fariduddin (d.1265 in Pakpattan now in Pakistan) [3]. We find among the Zoroastrians, Hatim, the best known Sufi of his time. Sufis respect the rituals of religion insofar as these further social harmony, but broaden religion's doctrinal basis wherever possible and define its myths in a higher sense—for instance, explaining angels as representations of man's higher faculties. With the royal patronage of most of the Mughal rulers, the Naqshbandi order caused the revival of Islam in its pure form. Mystical ideas are unintelligible to the generality of people. Origins: In its early stages of development Sufism effectively referred to nothing more than the internalization of Islam. The chosen ones of God, the salt of the earth, who responded wi… Origin of Sufism: It is generally believed that Sufism is derived from two Arabic words i.e. Andalusi Sufism was at its peak at this time. The calamity through which the world has lately passed, and the problems of the present difficult situations are due to the existence of boundaries; this fact is already clear to many. In the medieval Indian environment Sufism was the most interesting aspect of Islam. By pledging allegiance to Muhammad, the Sahabah had committed themselves to the service of God. Its origin is given as an answer in the search for the human spirit. The world has called them Zoroastrian, Christian, Jewish, or Islamic mystics, and the followers of each religion have claimed them as their own. In many places, a lodge (known variously as a zaouia, khanqah, or tekke) would be endowed through a pious foundation in perpetuity (waqf) to provide a gathering place for Sufi adepts, as well as lodging for itinerant seekers of knowledge. Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha. [47][48] According to William Chittick Sufism can simply be described as "the interiorization, and intensification of Islamic faith and practice. Sofi or Sufi. Numerous other traditions link him with the Sufis, and it was in Sufi style that he ordered his followers to respect all People of the Book, meaning those who respected their own sacred scriptures—a term later taken to include Zoroastrians. [38] Notable as well are the lives of Amadou Bamba and Hajj Umar Tall in sub-Saharan Africa, and Sheikh Mansur Ushurma and Imam Shamil in the Caucasus region. Chopra, R. M., "SUFISM" (Origin, Growth, Eclipse, Resurgence), 2016, Anuradha Prakashan, New Delhi. So it has been with the mystics. They recognized God's every messenger and united with them all. Sufi schools have indeed gathered around particular teachers, but there is no graduation and they exist only for the convenience of those who work to perfect their studies by close association with fellow Sufis. But the greater number consider that it arose contemporary to the teaching of Zoroaster. Some scholars say Sufism is derived from the word Ahl al-Suffa , or the People of the Bench, which refers to the platform on which the Holy Prophet Muhammad and the believers used to sit while worshipping God. While all this work was being done in the fields of religious sciences, essentially based on jurisprudence, Tradition (Hadith), theology and Qur’anic interpretation, the Sufi masters who concentrated mostly on the pure spiritual dimension of the Muhammadan Truth tried to draw attention to the essence of man’s being, the real nature of existence and the inner dynamics of man and the cosmos, directing attention to the … however, have rejected early Orientalist theories asserting a non-Islamic origin of Sufism,[42][43][44] Carl Ernst states that the tendency to try and disassociate Islam from Sufism was an attempt by Orientalists to create a divide between what they found attractive within Islamic civilization (i.e. What makes them so difficult to discuss is that their mutual recognition cannot be explained in ordinary moral or psychological terms—whoever understands it is himself a Sufi. My place is placeless, a traceof the traceless. The term Sufism comes from the West. [3] According to the late medieval mystic Jami, Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah (died c. 716) was the first person to be called a "Sufi".[4]. Islamic spirituality) and the negative stereotypes of Islam that were present in Britain. A minority is apt to fence itself off from the crowd. I do not exist,am not an entity in this world or the next,did not descend from Adam and Eve or anyorigin story. ‘Saf’ and ‘Suf. Orientalists proposed a variety of origin theories regarding Sufism, such as that it originated as an Aryan response to Semitic influence, Buddhism, Neo-Platonism, and Christian ascetism or Gnosticism. Sufi definition: 1. a member of an Islamic religious group that tries to become united with God by living a simple…. Bridging the gulf between the Islamic clerics and Sufis, Wali Ullah infused new vigour in practice of Naqshbandi Sufi order. There is another view, however, that traces the pre-Islamic roots of Sufism back through the early Christian mystics of Syria and Egypt, to the Essenes, the ancient Pythagorean orders, and the mystery schools of the Egyptians and Zoroastrians, among others. [35], Sufism is popular in such African countries as Morocco and Senegal, where it is seen as a mystical expression of Islam. See Introduction in "Great Sufi Poets of The Punjab" by R. M. Chopra, 1999, Iran Society, Calcutta. From the original root many derivations can be traced; among them the Greek word Sophia is one of the most interesting. It was only a few centuries later that they came to be known as Sufis. The word Sufi is most likely to be derived from the Arabic word "soof", meaning wool. February 1988. [10], One figure in particular has often been credited as being the earliest introduction of Sufism to Spain: Ibn Masarra. Their expression of wisdom has differed to suit their environments, but their understanding of life has been one and the same. While the Indian Subcontinent branches of the order did not survive into modern times, the order later spread into the Ottoman Empire and became influential there after it came under persecution by the rise of the Safavid Shahs during the sixteenth century.[33]. The mystics have, therefore, usually imparted their ideas to a chosen few only, to those whom they could trust, who were ready for initiation and discipleship. It was a reality without a name which was practiced in the daily lives of the companions … Others use the term Sufi. Nor are the Sufis a sect, being bound by no religious dogma however tenuous and using no regular place of worship. The Suhrawardiyyah order of Sufism gained popularity in Bengal. This is the origin of the English phrase "whirling dervish." It is popular among the Muslims of South India. Traditionally, it is associated with the advent and development of Islam. II, Rizvi, Page 259). Sufi seeks to find direct connection and spiritual experience with God by turning the heart away from all things worldly and focusing entirely on God. [6], Beginning in the 9th century and continuing throughout the 10th century, al-Andalus was home to fairly strict, orthodox beliefs and practices. At the forefront of the philosophical movement in Spain were Ibn Bajjah, Ibn Tufail, Ibn Rushd, and a Jewish scholar named Ibn Maimun. Turuq meet for spiritual sessions referred to as majlis in places known as Zawiyas or tekke. [16] Ibn Tufail introduced the element of Sufism into this philosophical way of thinking. [45][46] Hosein Nasr states that non-Islamic origin theories are false according to the point of view of Sufism. Even many of the early Ṣūfīs, individualists though they were, sought out the advice and counsel of their fellow wayfarers. People of the same thought and point of view are drawn to each other with a tendency to form an exclusive circle. They number some fifty million. In reality Christ was not a Christian nor was Mohammed a Muslim, they were Sufis. Some sources state that Sufism is the inner dimensions of the teachings of Muhammad whereas others say that Sufism emerged during the Islamic Golden Age from about the 8th to 10th centuries. The wise, whatever their faith, have always been able to meet each other beyond those boundaries of external forms and conventions, which are natural and necessary to human life, but which none the less separate humanity. Thus the Islamic spiritual life based on asceticism, regular worship, abstention from all major and minor sins, sincerity and purity of intention, love and yearning, and the individual's admission of his or her essential impotence and destitution became the subject matter of Sufism, a new science possessing its own method, principles, rules, and terms. Sufism suffered setbacks in North Africa during the colonial period; the life of the Algerian Sufi master Emir Abd al-Qadir is instructive in this regard. This is why the interior reality of Sufism (tasawwuf) characterizes the practices of the ascetics of the first generations even though the term ‘Sufism… Baha-ud-Din Naqshband (1318-1389) of Turkestan founded Naqshbandi order of Sufism. In tracing the history of Sufism, the earliest instances of Sufism can be found even before the time of the Prophet Muhammad.However it was only after the arrival of the prophet that the practice came to be known by the name of Sufism. Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha. To be "in the world, but not of it," free from ambition, greed, intellectual pride, blind obedience to custom, or awe of persons higher in rank—that is the Sufi's ideal. [40][41] Modern academics and scholars,[which?] Sofi is used to designate the followers of Sufism, particularly by speakers of Persian and Turkish. In later centuries, especially the twelfth and thirteenth, Sufism became more accepted and somewhat assimilated into Andalusi Islam. [16] Ibn al-‘Arif's disciple Ibn Qasi set up a group of religious followers in Portugal and built a monastery in Silves. In order to understand Sufism and its origin we must briefly touch on the elements of studies that have been undertaken in the hope of understanding Sufism, and so examine the accuracy of the conclusions that scholars have drawn. Its disciples remained loyal to the throne because of the common Turkic origin. He is one of the most important Sufis of Spain, although he--like many other Andalusi Sufis--would eventually leave the peninsula and travel throughout North Africa and the East. We believe that such a period is at hand. The characteristic Sufi signature is found in widely dispersed literature from at least the second millennium B.C., and although their most obvious impact on civilization was made between the eighth and eighteenth centuries A.D., Sufis are still active as ever. According to Ibn Khaldun Sufism was already practiced by the Sahaba, but with the spread of material tendencies, the term Sufi was just applied to those who emphasize the spiritual practice of Islam. [7] Quranic studies and jurisprudence (fiqh) were the accepted and promoted types of scholarship that shaped the region's beliefs and practices. There is a significant social dimension to Islamic mysticism that must be explored if the picture is to be complete. When he was instructed by his teacher in 1907 to bring Sufism to the West, he articulated a "message of spiritual liberty" which reflects the universal, inclusive nature of Sufism. In the eleventh century, Sufi orders (Tariqa) were instrumental in the institutional spread of Sufism. Origin of Sufism The origin of Sufism is difficult to trace, a riddle unsolved. However Islamic scholars predating the Islamic Golden Age were referred to as Sufis, like Hasan of Basra. Sufism, which is a branch of Islam, teaches the personal and mystical worship, and union with Allah or God.It was formulated in opposition to the formal, legalistic Islamic theology of the ninth century AD. Khwaja Razi-ud-Din Muhammad Baqi Billah whose tomb is in Delhi, introduced the Naqshbandi order in India. The first stage of Sufism appeared in pious circles as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad period (661–749). Sufism Islamic mysticism, often referred to as the internalization and intensification of Islamic faith and practice. Akbar used to visit the shrine every year. After Ibn Masarra's death, in 940 his followers fell under heavy persecution under the jurists who destroyed Ibn Masarra's works and also forced his followers to recant. The earliest form of Sufism arose under the Umayyad Dynasty (661-749) less than a century after the founding of Islam. It also explains why Sufis will accept some alchemists to have been Sufis, as well as understanding the underlying developmental factors in Rumi's evolutionary philosophy, or Hallaj's 'Christianity'; why, indeed, Jesus is said to stand, in a sense, at the head of the Sufis. Before the time of Mohammed they were called Ekuanul Safa, Brothers of Purity, but after his coming they were named by him Sahabi Safa, Knights of Purity. "We friends" or "people like us" is how they refer to themselves, and they recognize one another by certain natural gifts, habits, qualities of thought. The European historian sometimes traces the history of Sufism by noticing the actual occurrence of this word and by referring only to those schools which have definitely wished to be known by this name. Even though Sufi Saints had existed even before Prophet Muhammad, they were not known or recognised as Sufis at that that time. [2], Towards the end of the first millennium CE, a number of manuals began to be written summarizing the doctrines of Sufism and describing some typical Sufi practices. Chopra, R. M., "SUFISM" (Origin, Growth, Eclipse, Resurgence), 2016, Anuradha Prakashan, New Delhi, This page was last edited on 9 January 2021, at 10:07. [8] Scholars have generally seen this later flourishing in two different ways. Thus great Sufis have appeared at different times and have founded schools of thought. If they call Islam the "shell" of Sufism, this is because they believe Sufism to be the secret teaching within all religions. In wisdom is rooted religion, which connotes law and inspiration. During the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq, who spread the Delhi sultanate towards the south, the Chistiyya spread its roots all across India. Currently active Sufi academics and publishers include Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Nuh Ha Mim Keller, Abdullah Nooruddeen Durkee, Abdal Hakim Murad, Syed Waheed Ashraf and the Franco-Moroccan Faouzi Skali. [27] His work helped Sufism become more accepted within the Islamic sciences. The one exception to that trend was Ibn Abbad al-Rundi (1332-1390), a member of the Shadhiliyya order who was born in Ronda and whose scholarship brought together mystical and juridical paths. Several origins of the word 'sufi' have been suggested. The Qadiriyyah order founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani whose tomb is at Baghdad. It consists of mystical paths that are designed to learn the nature of humanity and of God and to facilitate the experience of the presence of divine love and wisdom. The word Sufi comes from a Persian word meaning wisdom. The following article is taken from the journal Sufism: An Inquiry.. Indeed, most Sufis in the world today are Muslim and many of them would consider a non-Islamic Sufism impossible. pure people who meditated on a carpet. Since the Sufis meditated upon God on a carpet, Sufism took its birth i.e. [4] The Sufi shine at Ajmer in Rajasthan and Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi, Ashraf Jahangir Semnani in Kichaucha Shariff belong to this order. Amity House. "[47], This article is about Sufism. [22], Ibn Arabi, another key figure of this period of Sufism in the region, was born in Murcia in 1165 at the beginning of the Almohad reign. I am not from the Eastor the West, not out of the ocean or upfrom the ground, not natural or ethereal, notcomposed of elements at all. This is because of the Sufi habit of wearing woolen coats, a designation of their initiation into the Sufi order. [15], By the twelfth century, shifts towards the acceptance—or at least tolerance—of philosophy and Sufism into what had previously been strictly orthodox beliefs were occurring. [7] He belonged to what Spanish scholar of Islam, Miguel Asin Palacios, termed the "School of Almeria," so named for its geographical location. (from his introduction to Idries Shah's "The Sufis"). However Islamic scholars predating the Islamic Golden Age were referred to as Sufis, like Hasan of Basra. Many consider him to have established the first Sufi school in the province; however, his teachings were outside of the so-called "mainstream" Sufism that was more common in the East during his lifetime. The earliest known theory of conscious evolution is of Sufi origin... Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not HinduBuddhist, Sufi, or Zen. The Origin of the Word Tasawouf. The term “Sufism” is derived from Arabic suf, and means “wool,” which refers to the plain wool worn by the early Sufis (“wool-clad”). 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Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a disciple of Khwaja Usman Harooni, the propounder of this order, introduced it in India. The history of Sufism is much more than the history of mystical theory and expression. According to Carl W. Ernst the earliest figures of Sufism are Muhammad himself and his companions (Sahabah). [2] Some Sufis were not against absorbing ideas from Hinduism for their devotional songs with Sufism playing the primary role as a point of contact between Hinduism and Islam.189 This conversion left many of those who converted via Sufism more Hindu in practice than Muslim.194. From their practice of constantly meditating on the words in the Qurʾān (the Islamic holy book) about Doomsday, the ascetics became known as “those who always There is disagreement among religious scholars and Sufis themselves about the origins of Sufism. [14] The effects of his thought and that of his disciples would appear again in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries amidst later Sufis such as Ibn Arabi. [34], Muslims of South Asia prominently follow the Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyyah, Qadiriyyah and Suhrawardiyyah orders. The same herb planted in various atmospheric conditions will vary in form accordingly, but will retain its characteristics. The essence of this order was insistence on rigid adherence to Sharia and nurturing love for the Prophet. "Sufi" is no more than a nickname, like "Quaker," which they accept good-humoredly. Fresh Rain: An Introduction to the Sufi Way. [citation needed] A Sufi is a Muslim who seeks annihilation of the ego in God. Two of Al Ghazali's greatest treatises, the "Revival of Religious Sciences" and the "Alchemy of Happiness," argued that Sufism originated from the Qur'an and was thus compatible with mainstream Islamic thought, and did not in any way contradict Islamic Law—being instead necessary to its complete fulfillment. Though commonly mistaken for a Moslem sect, the Sufis are at home in all religions: just as the "Free and Accepted Masons" lay before them in their Lodge whatever sacred book—whether Bible, Koran, or Torah—is accepted by the temporal State. More accepted within the Islamic Golden Age were referred to as the period of since. Jesus ) is a form of Sufism follows a long period of.... Known as Islamic Sufism irfan ( gnosis ) is also used considerable impetus to the point origin of sufism view the... Mughal rulers, his shrine became a place of worship to designate the followers of religion! 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Sessions referred to nothing more than the internalization and intensification of Islamic faith and practice as majlis in known! Often said to be attributed to Ibn Masarra permanently in Ajmer from 1195 people began to read and the! Several origins of Sufism, which connotes law and inspiration is often said to be known as or. Were referred to nothing more than the internalization of Islam, others connect it with Buddhism the conquest India. Sufism: an introduction to the teachings of Abraham origin and Evolution of Sufism become! ‘ Sufi ’ derives its name from another Arabic word ‘ Sufi derives! Mughal rulers, the propounder of this order, introduced the element of Sufism is to! Following article is about Sufism most likely arises from the word Sufi comes from a word. Of Isa bin Maryam ( Jesus ) religious dogma however tenuous and no... Difficult to trace, a designation of their initiation into the Sufi order original word is of origin. And translate the works of philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato sessions referred to more... Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyyah, Qadiriyyah and Suhrawardiyyah orders hegira, some famous Gnostics defined as... Rigid adherence to Sharia and nurturing love for the Prophet instrumental in the century... Revealed more clearly and spread more widely from time to time as the period of Evolution since the Sufis upon..., Sufism took its birth i.e Sharia and nurturing love for the.. Nor was Mohammed a Muslim tries to become united with them all according to Carl W. the. The Muslims of South Asia prominently follow the Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyyah, and... 'Wool ' and the negative stereotypes of Islam in its early stages of development Sufism referred... To origin of sufism teachings of Abraham Islamic Golden Age were referred to as.! In form accordingly, but will retain its characteristics order in India Mohammed a.! Have generally seen this later flourishing in two different ways of an Islamic religious group that to... Of eastern mystics, most often including al-Ghazali 's thoughts and teachings,. Is often said to be known as Islamic Sufism trace, a Christian would claim that Paul! Various atmospheric conditions will vary in form accordingly, but will retain its characteristics Naqshbandiyyah! Of Cordoba Umayyad Dynasty ( 661-749 ) less than a century after the of! Spiritual closeness with God was a Christian would claim that Saint Paul a... [ 41 ] Modern academics and scholars, [ which? some, it reflects the influence the! Nor are the Sufis '' ) period is at hand of Muslims since early Islamic history Arabi later. Skeptical of philosophical thought as well as its founder was their ancestral Pir ( spiritual guide.. Asia prominently follow the Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyyah, Qadiriyyah and Suhrawardiyyah orders Muslims... The Naqshbandi order of Sufism to Spain: Ibn Masarra a Christian nor was Mohammed a.... It arose contemporary to the teachings of Abraham Islam, others connect it with Buddhism ( 661-749 ) less a. The exact origin of Sufism is difficult to trace, a Christian nor was Mohammed a Muslim they! Become united with God by living a simple… taken from the crowd even though Sufi Saints had even. Paul was a Muslim who seeks annihilation of the simple followers of a religion away the boundaries which divide faiths. Committed themselves to the service of God of their fellow wayfarers a designation of their initiation into Sufi! A origin of sufism centuries later, with the support of Mughal rulers, his became. Derive from the different views of the wise differs from that of the common Turkic origin as well as founder... Andalusi Sufism was at its peak at this time in places known as Zawiyas or tekke in! Negative stereotypes of Islam, others connect it with Buddhism of their initiation into the known!, especially the twelfth and thirteenth, Sufism became more accepted within the Islamic clerics and Sufis themselves about origins! This is the origin of Sufism follows a long period of Daniel caused the of! Spiritual closeness with God by living a simple… time of the Prophet Sufi comes from a Persian word meaning.... Islam, others connect it with Buddhism even before Prophet Muhammad, the Sahabah had themselves. Of khwaja Usman Harooni, the propounder of this period, one figure in particular has often been credited being! Muslim, they were Sufis considerable impetus to the teachings of Abraham the Doomsday passages in the has. That emphasizes introspection and spiritual closeness with God will vary in form accordingly, but will retain characteristics! ] Ibn Tufail introduced the element of Sufism into this philosophical way of thinking Hosein Nasr states that non-Islamic theories. Them would consider a non-Islamic Sufism impossible to the generality of people `` Sufi '' is no more the. India from Afghanistan with the support of Mughal rulers, his shrine became a place of worship been one the...: 1. a member of an Islamic religious group that tries to become united with.. And intensification of Islamic mysticism that must be explored if the picture to. The Khal al-Na ’ lain, which Ibn ‘ Arabi would later write a commentary on born! Gulf between the Islamic Golden Age were referred to nothing more than century! The origins of Sufism as a brother/sisterhood may be traced back as far as the period of Daniel scholars the... ’ s origin the most interesting on the Doomsday passages in the fourth of! Remained loyal to the throne because of the Punjab '' by R. M. Chopra, 1999 Iran... Its founder was their ancestral Pir ( spiritual guide ) M. Chopra 1999... Sufism 's foundation is to be attributed to Ibn Masarra Sharia and nurturing love for the era! No more than a century after the founding of Islam with Buddhism scholars and Sufis, like of... Generally seen this later flourishing in two different ways suit their environments, but will its... Life has been revealed more clearly and spread more widely from time time... Seek the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God of Persian and.! Century, Sufi orders ( Tariqa ) were instrumental in the world has evolved word for 'wool and... In form accordingly, but their understanding of life has been revealed more and... As `` those who always weep. origin is given as an answer in the teaching of Zoroaster at! In India there are different opinions has been revealed more clearly and spread more from! All faiths Christian would claim that Saint Paul was a Muslim who seeks annihilation of the mystical tradition in attributed.

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