Sufism | Ideology-Concepts-steps-Seven Valleys-Practices of Sufism

Sufism - Sufi Ideology

Sufism, also known as Islamic mysticism, is a mystical Islamic belief system and spiritual practice that focuses on the inward search for God and self-realization. It emphasizes the inward search for God and strives for a direct personal experience of the divine. Sufism transcends the external aspects of religion and delves into the deeper dimensions of spirituality.

Sufism

Foundation of Sufism

Initially, Sufi people (in the eighth and ninth centuries) appeared in Arabia and for a long time they were identified with their clothes in woolen clothes. Saaf generally means wool or wool fabric of sheep-bakery who wore a clean garment, he was called Sufi. Ibnulairbi was the first person who gave the important principle in Sufism, wahdat ul wajood. Which means, God is omnipresent and everyone has a glimpse of it, nothing is different from it, all humans are equal. The residence of Sufis was called Khanqah while their speech was in Mahfuzat (Granth).

According to Syed Muhammad Hafiz, Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (who came with Mohammad Gauri in 1192 AD) started Sufism in India.

Key Concepts of Sufism:

1. Tawhid: The fundamental concept in Islam, emphasizing the oneness of God. Sufis interpret Tawhid as the intimate and personal relationship between the individual and the Divine.

2. Dhikr: The practice of remembering and invoking God. Sufis engage in various forms of dhikr, including recitation of God's names and phrases, to achieve spiritual closeness to the divine.

3. Sufi Orders (Tariqas): Sufism is often organized into different orders or brotherhoods, each with its own spiritual leader (sheikh). These orders provide guidance, spiritual practices, and a sense of community for their followers.

4. Spiritual Guide (Murshid or Sheikh): Sufis often seek the guidance of a spiritual teacher, known as a murshid or sheikh, who helps them on their spiritual journey and imparts esoteric knowledge.

5. Love and Devotion (Ishq): Sufism often emphasizes the theme of divine love, portraying the relationship between God and the individual as a profound love affair. This love is seen as a driving force for spiritual growth.

6. Sufi Poetry: Many Sufis express their spiritual experiences and insights through poetry. Well-known Sufi poets include Rumi, Hafiz, and Attar, whose works continue to inspire people worldwide.

Three steps of Sufism

Three steps of Sufism to be absorbed in God -

1. Fanafissekh (To dissolve in his pir)
2. Fana Kirrsuk (Samna in his Rasool)
3. Fanafillah (Converting Yourself to God)

Fariduddin's Seven Valleys

The Sufi poet Saint Fariduddin Attar said that one can find God with love for whom he said that it is necessary to cross seven valleys which are as follows -

1. Search Valley - Here the seeker should discard material things. The seeker should leave it on receiving the ultimate light.
2. The ultimate light touch - The seeker, after finding this light, leads to the infinite valley. Here begins the mysterious life of the seeker.
3. Marifat Valley - In this valley, the seeker gets the knowledge of truth,
4. Anasakti Valley - In this, the seeker gets divine love.
5. Anand Valley - In this seeker, there is a feeling of bliss after attaining divine beauty.
6. Kautuhal Valley - This seeker's insight gets omitted again and the seeker goes into darkness.
7. Reality Valley - In this, the seeker becomes one with the soul or the soul of God. After completing this valley journey, the seeker gets love.

Sufi Practices:

1. Meditation and Contemplation: Sufis engage in meditation and contemplation to achieve spiritual insights and closeness to God.

2. Sama: Sufi gatherings featuring music, chanting, and dance. Sama is believed to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy and union with the divine.

3. Asceticism: Some Sufis practice asceticism, including voluntary poverty and self-discipline, to detach from material desires and focus on spiritual pursuits.

4. Charity and Service: Sufis emphasize the importance of helping others and serving the community as a means of expressing their love for God.

Sufism has contributed significantly to Islamic culture, philosophy, and art. Its teachings emphasize universal love, tolerance, and understanding among people of different faiths, making it a prominent and influential aspect of Islamic spirituality.