Significance of Sufism for Positive Existence in the Contemporary world

Abstract—Sufism or tasawwuf is considered to be science of souls. So, it deals with the “Batin” aspect of Islam. “Batin” can be defined as pertaining to souls. Sufism preaches certain way of living to attain the direct knowledge of the eternal. A Sufi goes through several states from conquering over ones “Nafs” or ego or animal spirit to the state of “Baqa”, which is ultimate state for any Sufi where they reach the state of ultimate salvation. This paper is organized into several parts which deals with introduction to Sufism, its major orders, teachings and the relationship between modern lifestyle and Sufi pattern. Basically, Sufism can be considered as a certain lifestyle to attain enlightment. In contemporary world were negative emotions like hatred, anger, disgust, contempt, fear, guilt etc has engulfed most of our energies, Sufism provides a way to embrace things as they are and positivity in mind set. Keywords— Esotericism, Contemporary world, Sufism, tasawwuf, Batin aspect of Islam.

I. INTRODUCTION

Sufism or tasawwuf is considered to be science of souls. There are various arguments on the origin of word ―Sufi and the relationship of Sufism culture. It is accepted widely that Sufism is derived from the Arabic word ―Sufi which refers to wool. Early Sufi dervishes used to wear woolen garments and thus called as Sufis. Some arguments also support that origin of the word ―Sufi is from the word, Ahle-e-Suffa meaning people of bench. It signifies a group of early Muslims who were in direct communication with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There are two aspects of Islam. Former is ―Zahir, one which is external and manifest and the latter are ―Batin, one which is hidden. Sufism is the inward or ―Batin, aspect of Islam. It can be defined as science of souls.

Sufism is not a separate religion rather it is a certain attitude or lifestyle of people in Islam. The basic ideology of Quranic spirituality is- attentiveness, Inner-discipline, intention, gratitude, generosity, responsibility and justice. Such themes were presented in different forms and are collectively known as Hadith. It is a documentary compiled by various inferences from the Quran. All Sufis follow the holy Quran and hadith which is said to be prophet’s tradition. The basis of Sufism is ―Imaan, or faith which has six basic beliefs viz- one supreme power (Allah), prophets, angels, good and evil, Day of resurrection and predestination [1]. Sufis spend their life in attaining knowledge with reference to Quran and sunnah. Sufism is always backtracked to Prophet Muhammad. He was considered to be the chosen one and the enlightened one. The people who were close to prophet and were enlightened by his teachings were known as ―Sahabi‖(companions). This was the only and highest title given to the Muslims of his time. The knowledge attained by the Shahabis were passed on to the next generation and this generation was called as ―Tabin, [2]. They were the followers of companions of Prophet. Next generation which was followers of followers of companions of Prophet were called as ―Taba Tabin‖. This chain continued and thus all new generation people must have a spiritual guide. These guides were known as ―Sheikhs or ―Pirs, who acted as a spiritual guide to the ―Mureed (disciple). Prophet Muhammed conferred the esoteric or inward knowledge of Islam only to his companions or Sahaba, they in turn passed it on to next generation and the chain continued till date. This chain is known as ―Silsila‖ or orders. There were four caliphs of Islam who succeeded Prophet Mohammad. First caliph was Hazrat Abu Bakr. He ruled from 632-34. He was a perfect example of voluntary poverty. He taught people to abandon their wealth for Islam. Hazrat Umar Farooq was the second caliph. He ruled from 634-644. He taught Sufis the inward and outward aspect of Islam. Third caliph was Hazrat Usman Ghani. he ruled from 644-656. Hazrat Ali was the fourth caliph. He was cousin of Prophet Mohammad and also his son-in-law. He has a special significance in Islam, and he was considered to be Sheikh (Guide) by the Sufis. He was assassinated while praying at the mosque of Kufa. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, his son Imam Hassan become the caliph. For Sufis he was the symbol of simplicity. He taught Sufis to be indifferent to praises, critics and abuses. He was poisoned in medina. By his time wearing wool by Sufis became very frequent. According to Sufis wearing wool was legacy of Prophet Muhammad. Hassan-Al-Basri is considered to be first Sufi. He preached fear of Allah and self-discipline from worldly pleasures. This discipline is mandatory for purification of heart which leads to the vision of Allah. Thus, the first appearance of Sufism was in Basra which was evident of extreme devotion. Rabia-Al-Basri was another significant Sufi of Basra Sufism. She preached the idea of Love towards Allah in addition to fear of Allah. According to her ―one should remember Allah due to love not because of fear of hell or attainment of heaven.

Goals of Sufism-

 Sufism preaches ultimate devotion towards God. It does not aspire to find intuitive knowledge of reality.

 Sufism sticks to the lifestyle of prophets and to Shariyat.

 Some basic qualities are promoted in Sufism- generosity, contentment, allusion, exile, patience, travel and patience. All these qualities symbolize prophets like generosity symbolizes Prophet Abraham, exile by Prophet John, use of wool garments by prophet Moses, poverty and simple living by Prophet

Muhammed.

 Sufis follow a special disciplined lifestyle which they call ―Tariqah. It firmly believes and follows the Shariya.

 Sufism experiences the concept of Fana and Baqa. Annihilation of everything is truth and the only thing that exists will be God who is one supreme power.

 Sufi guides are also called Wali. They can be of two types- one who remain absorbed in God and the other who returned back to the world. Those who return back after enlightening are considered to be higher in rank.

Characteristics of Sufi

The real Sufi is one who is humble and do not take pride in any of his possessions. Sufis basically follow a disciplined and simple life. Some characteristics that define a true Sufi are prophet-like characteristics viz, - courage, generosity, contentment, allusion, exile, patience, travel and patience. It is difficult for a person with ego and pride to practice such characteristics. That is why the first and foremost step of Sufi training is to kill animal spirit or the ―Nafs or ego. One who is seriously devoted to the Sufism will eventually learn to practice these characteristics and it is reflected in his/her character.

Positive Impact of Sufism on society-

 Sufi saints were very much into arts like devotional music, spiritual dance (Raqs), poems and literature. Thus, development of these arts [3] took place in society as an impact of increasing Sufism in society.

 Concept of Unity of existence was preached widely. Concepts like ―Fana (annihilation in seeking God) and ―Baqa‖ were understood and practiced.

 Religious harmony was incorporated. Sufis not only influenced Muslims, but also people of other communities. Thus, creating a religious harmony in society.

 Sufi saints preached positive attitudes towards life. They preached love, peace and social service. Thus, lessening negativity from the minds of people.

 Many Sufi manuals were written to guide the upcoming generation. Various Sufi saints contributed to making literature rich about the Sufi culture.

 Sufism remarkably moderated fanaticism and rigidity from Muslim [4] culture by preaching correct Quranic values. They also contributed to educating masses by conducting learning session for marginalized population.

 Sufism follows asceticism which forbids the evil deeds and encourages the good deeds. Sufism when followed by masses became a reason for secularism, discouraging wealth accumulation, encouraging giving away the excess wealth to the marginalized population.

II. SUFI ORDERS

Sufis organized themselves into various orders called ―Silsila's. Each order has their own founder, tracing the connection to Prophet Muhammed. All the orders have Prophet Mohammed(pbuh) at their roots. Members of each order safeguards their traditions and culture. Member of one order is desired not to be a member of other orders. There are various Sufi-orders in existence but most significant and having large number of members are the four [5]. Each of which have their own significance. a. The Chishtia Order- It was introduced in India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. He has been most celebrated Sufi saint of this order. He was born around 1142-43 AD in Sajistaan. He came to Delhi in 1192 AD. He migrated to Ajmer in 1195/97 AD and died there in 1234 AD (approx). Due

to his life at Ajmer and later his entombment earned Ajmer the title of renowned pilgrim spot. People of all faiths followed the path shown by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. According to him-― Sufi saints are like Gunthey shine over the world, and the entire world is illuminated by their light. His basic teaching was service to mankind is supreme and it is equivalent to service to God. [6].

b. The Qadriyyah Order- It was introduced by Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. He was born in a village near Caspian Sea named Jilan. He later migrated to Baghdad where he studied about law, hadith and philosophy under distinguished scholars. Abul-Khair Hammad al-Dabbas [7] was his spiritual guide who guided him towards Sufism. It is the oldest Sufi order. Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.) was a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter

Fatima. He was the embodiment of simplicity, selflessness and righteousness. This order was very widely spread and there were many Qadria saints who strictly preached Shariya. [8].

c. The Naqshbandia Order- The founder of this order was Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband. He was born in a village near Bukhara in central Asia. His family title literally means ―A Painter‖ or ―An embroider‖ which may be related to his family profession. It can be indicative of his spiritual ability to imprint the God’s name in the heart of the devotee [9]. The origin of this order is through Abu Yazid Bistami the first caliph Abu Bakr Siddiq. In India, it was spread by Khwaja Baki Billah during the reign of Akbar.

d. The Suhrawardia Order- Founder of this order was Shaikh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi. In India it was spread by his disciples Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria and Shaikh Jalaluddin Tabrizi.

III. SUFI TEACHINGS

Sufi teachings are classified into three broad categories- knowledge, practice and spiritual realization. Knowledge and practice are inter-related. Knowledge also known as ―Ilm, means the understanding of the Quran and practice also known as ―Amal, is implementation of all the knowledge thus acquired from the

Quran into real life. Knowledge without practice is nothing. Knowledge when implemented in lifestyle enlightens the heart. The Quran is the ultimate source of this knowledge, and the practice of this knowledge is practice of Islam. The third category is spiritual realization which is not mentioned in the Quran and

Hadith explicitly. It is related to inward realization of self and unification with God. The Sufi Tariqah is used to attain the third dimension of Sufi teachings. Sufism teaches the art to develop good moral values with spirituality, knowledge that develop souls and other values as they were practiced by Prophet Muhammad. Thus, Sufism can help in restoration and development of soul and spiritual aspect [10].

Some of the basic Sufi teachings are-

 Ultimate submission to love- Love without expectations, love which leads to annihilation of self or the love which is based on giving is the highest form of love. Such love is the basis of Sufism. In Sufism first stage is ultimate submission towards the guide or mentor, second is towards ―The Rasool‖ i.e., Prophet Muhammad and third towards the supreme power, The God. It is the highest form of love and often considered as the one closest to the love of God.

 The Dhikr- It is remembrance of Allah. Sufism preaches that it is only the remembrance of the creator which can purify your heart and mind, as quoted in The Quran- ―The heart becomes tranquil through the remembrance of Allah. (Surah Al-Ra’d). It includes repeating short sentences glorifying Allah. Sufis consider Dhikr as the method to gain spiritual enlightenment. It also includes some repetitive body movements.

 Dreams guide you- Sufism teaches relying on dreams because they consider dreams are the way in which our higher self or the spiritual guide communicates with us. They also believe that if a person is unable to interpret the dream, he must tell it to his mentor for proper interpretations. Sufis believe that God sends signals for everything through omens and dreams can be one of the ways.

 Devotion and service- one of the most significant Sufi teachings is devotion towards God and service to others. Sufis believes that when we strive hard to serve others arrogance, ego, being judgmental, anger and other negative emotions are replaced by empathy.

 Learn to die before death- It simply teaches to live every moment of life such that it is the last moment with the heart without grudges and ego on the other hand full of gratitude and humility. Life is a precious gift groom God and it must be cherished.

 Develop an eternal thirst for knowledge and love- One should develop a thirst for knowledge and love such that it must not be quenched rather it should keep you yearning for more love and knowledge. Both knowledge and love are too vast. To engulf maximum of it one must develop need for it which is

never ending.

 Equality- Sufis follow the sayings of Prophet Muhammad that-Superiority of one another is only by piety and good actions not on caste, race or color‖. Every human is equal for Allah. Thus, no discrimination should be done by his followers too.

 Comparison is evil- Every creation of God is unique in its own Wayand that is why comparison of two unique creatures are not acceptable. By comparing two creations of God, one belittles the uniqueness of each. Every person has his own struggles, gifts, and challenges from Allah and the comparison is the

disgrace to the uniqueness.

IV. SUFISM FOR POSITIVE EXISTENCE

Sufism is the practice of disciplined life through knowledge and practice of that knowledge in order to attain the spiritual heights. In due course of becoming a Sufi one has to go through several phases. Life journey of a Sufi usually consists of following stages.

 Fana Fizzat-First and foremost stage for a Sufi contender is the removal of animal spirit or ego or Nafs. One needs to destroy all his worldly desires and focus all his energy to attain higher qualities of self.

 Fana-Fil-Sheikh- In this state one accepts that his existence is nothing whatever exist is the existence of his mentor or pir or sheikh. It is the state where Mureed or disciple agrees that one who exists in his existence is his guide.

 Fana-Fi-Rasool- The Sufi accepts that if something exists it is only the Rasool, Prophet Muhammad. There is no existence of any other thing.

 Fana- Fillah- The acceptance that whatever exists is the God.

 Baqa Billah- In this state the Sufi comes back to his existence and uses his knowledge to guide the mankind. The Sufi in this state is the part of world. He is least concerned about his image or rewards in the world. Sufi saints who attain the last stage are considered to be highest in regard. Sufis while going through their training adapt certain qualities and develop a particular lifestyle. This lifestyle is full of positive attributes which can help fighting against the negativity raised by the ambience in the contemporary world. First and foremost, stage for a Sufi aspirant to enter Sufism is to kill the Nafs. When a person kills all the worldly desires it lessens the hidden negative feelings in the heart of the Sufi aspirant. He can feel a significant decline in anger, annoyance and sadness. A Sufi

saint develops empathy towards the world and thus rather than expecting anything from world, they believe in giving back to the world. Lack of expectations and abundance of empathy does not let a Sufi heart feel grief and depression. Sufism preaches that every human being is a unique creation of God

and comparison of any two is the disrespect to the exceptionality of each. So, the comparison is prohibited which leads to the diminished probability of raising negative emotions like jealousy and hatred. Another important aspect of Sufism is repentance. Continuous repentance frees the heart [11], mind and soul from the burden of guilt. When a person is free from the guilt he will not get involved in the activities of self-punishment. ―Everything that happens, happens at the will of Allah‖, this acceptance gives the feeling of having no control on future due to which fear and anxiety of the future vanishes away. A way of practicing Sufism teaches the art of ultimate submission to the supreme power and when submission takes place in heart it certainly replaces rebellious attitude. Basis of

Sufism is ―Love‖. Love for all the creations of God, whether small or big, rich or poor, black or white. When love engulfs the heart in its totality, it changes the perspective of the person towards a positive outlook. Sufism also helps in moderating the extremist thoughts and lessening the fanaticism in the

society.

V. CONCLUSION

Contemporary world is going through a tough situation where every human being is fighting for their existence, dealing with all the negativities. People are so immersed in themselves that they don’t care about increasing crime in the society. First a person should rectify himself and eventually it will reflect in the

society. Sufism and the lifestyle that Sufis follows, can be a solution to this problem. Sufism helps in purifying one's heart and soul and thus freeing it from all the negativities. Increasing hatred among the religious groups is the major concern which results in riots and losses in terms of lives and possessions. Sufism helps in moderating the thoughts of extremists and reducing the fanaticism which can result in creating religious harmony. On the other hand, Sufism still believes in mysticism and magic which has been shaped by ideologies and legends of the religion which does not prove to be as magnetic for the modern educated minds of today as it was previously. Today people’s mind is logical rather than irrational, so they are skeptical of ideologies and mysticism. A proper scientific reasoning is required to believe in an ideology. Sufism must be modified and must be supported with proper scientific reasoning to make it more adaptable in the

contemporary world.

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[7] Rizvi, S.A.A., (2012), A History of Sufism in India, 4th edition, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd

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WEB LINKS

1. https://blog.sivanaspirit.com/sp-gn-sufi-teachings-illuminate/

2. https://www.heartofbusiness.com/2010/six-sufi-teachings