About Sufism
Sufism consists of a series of rituals that are usually based on prayers, poems and selections from the Koran, and methodical repetitions of divine names or Koranic formulas, such as the shahadah. In communal meetings, Sufis perform dhikr aloud, often with musical accompaniments. The specific structure and format of the daily exercises and devotional activities were established by the founder of each order as a special spiritual path.
The founder is the spiritual guide for all followers, who took a special oath of obedience as their master. The ritual transmission record was kept through a formal chain of spiritual descent known as silsilah, which dates back to the founder and then generally to Muhammad. Leadership was transmitted within a family line or on the basis of spiritual antiquity within the tariqah or order. The typical initiation rite transmits a blessing or barakah to the disciple, transforming his soul.
Origin
Sufism has its roots in the Koran, the revealed book that was granted to Muhammad who has been considered the last of mankind’s prophets. It is said that there have been 124,000 prophets and that each of them has its specific message at the necessary time. This chain includes both those of the so-called biblical tradition and the members of the religions of the East. Muhammad is considered the seal of prophecy.
Although the origin and core of Sufism is concentrated in the revelation of the Koran, it has gathered and integrated influences from other traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient Christianity. For example, some forms of Sufi mantras were provided by Central Asian Sufi.
History
The term Sufism comes from the West. The original word is of Sufi origin, and as for its etymological origin in Arabic language there are different opinions. Its origin is given as an answer in the search for the human spirit. In the fourth century of the hegira, some famous Gnostics defined Sufism as “a reality without form”.
It originated in the eighth century, when Muslim groups reacted to the growing attraction for the earthly goods of Islam and began to draw attention to the importance of the spirit and moral purification. During the 9th century, Sufism developed as a kind of mystical doctrine, with direct communion with God as its ideal.
In the 12th century, Sufism ceased to be a heritage and became a complex popular movement. The Sufi insistence on the knowledge and love of God increased the attractiveness of Islam and could extend beyond the Middle East, reaching Africa and East Asia.
The light of God in Sufism
The Sufis believe that God is responsible for all their acts, that if it were not so, then they would be equal to God, doing what they want. In this way, God is the responsible light to guide them through every thought and every work.
Sufism in the world
- Spain: it has been practiced since the 9th century and has had a great influence on Iberian culture. The diffusion of Sufism in the country is due to Muhammad Inb Massarra.
- Mexico: in this country the communities are small and very little is known about them because they do not dedicate themselves to evangelizing in a public way, but rather they do it in silence. The majority of their followers are foreigners, diplomats and Mexican converts. There are mosques in Aragón, Polanco, the mosque in Rome and in Santa María la Ribera.
Books
Some of the best-known books regarding Sufism are the following:
- The cup and the rose.
- Knowledge and wisdom.
- The great number: end and beginning and other poems.
- A strategy of good.
- I only believe in a God who knows how to dance. An open vision of Sufism.
- The exploits of the incomparable Mulá Nasrudín.
Phrases
The most recognized phrases of Sufism are mentioned below.
- Your task is not to seek love, but to seek and find the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
- Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone for others. Reveal your own myth.
- Yesterday I was intelligent, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I want to change myself.
- Empty yourself of worry. Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide? Move out of the tangle of fear.
- You must knock down parts of a building to restore it and the same thing happens with a life that has no spirit.
- Become heaven. Use an axe against the prison Escape.
Importance of Sufism
Historically, Sufi orders have been responsible for facilitating interregional interaction, education and travel, and have supported reform, spiritual revival and missionary activities. They have also provided good organization and support to movements resisting foreign government throughout the Islamic world.
Written expressions have also been important and include hagiographies, poetry and literature describing the seasons of spiritual ascent on the way to God and the psychological transformations that accompany them. Sufism offers methodical and specialized discussions about ritual, behavior, morality, Koranic exegesis, and the nature of God and the world.
