Definition of sufism and its importance

[leo28]

Assalamualaikum

I want to know, what is sufism, in an easy language, its importance as per sahih bukhari and sahih muslim and what is its overall standing in hanafi school of thought?

[Zahra]

Walaikum asalam,

Here's a link to an article which gives an introduction to sufism and tasawwuf:

http://www.tasawwuf.org/basics/what_tasawwuf.htm

Islam promotes Tazkiyah - the cleaning or purification of the heart of all forms of spiritual filth that may impede ones spiritual progress and closer proximity to Allah. In simple terms, sufism is a branch of Islam that focuses on this spiritual elevation. Hope that answers your question inshallah.

If you wish to learn more about sufism, try and learn from authentic sources, be wary of some websites that you may come across!

Assalamu Alaikum.

[akhi_islam]

Assalamu alaikum JazakAllah Khair!

[leo28]

Walaikum asalam,

Here's a link to an article which gives an introduction to sufism and tasawwuf:

http://www.tasawwuf.org/basics/what_tasawwuf.htm

Islam promotes Tazkiyah - the cleaning or purification of the heart of all forms of spiritual filth that may impede ones spiritual progress and closer proximity to Allah. In simple terms, sufism is a branch of Islam that focuses on this spiritual elevation. Hope that answers your question inshallah.
Assalamu Alaikum.

Thanks sister, I understood, I just want to know about its importance for simple muslims, not having deep understanding of Islam or not associated with religious studies.

[salman]

Thanks sister, I understood, I just want to know about its importance for simple muslims, not having deep understanding of Islam or not associated with religious studies.

salamu `alaykum

The ultimate purpose of the spiritual path is to reach ma`arifa (i.e. deep knowledge of Allah) such that one "worships Him (s: Allah) as if he sees Him" (Bukhari, Muslim). This is the goal, and all the acts of worship we do are means to attain this goal. By 'knowledge' we do not mean knowledge gleaned from books, but the secrets of the Prophetic states as passed down from the hearts of the spiritual masters, and the actualization of such states. How true it was when the scholars stated that the reason Sayyidina Abu Bakr was the greatest of creation after the prophets was due to a "secret placed in his heart, not the amount of his prayers and fasts."

At the same time though, the spiritual path has other sub-goals. Many people, for example, join to become "good muslims" or "people of piety" or "people of good conduct". Although none of this is the ultimate goal, it is nonetheless a praiseworthy state. May Allah reward all those whos trive for such a state.

So, for the simple-minded Muslim who is unaware of this, the spiritual path - minimally - gives him some level of realization of his duty to Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and provides the stepping stone for him to walk to Allah.

Remember that not all the companions of the Messenger were `arifin (knowers), but all of them had one guide: Allahs messenger. They all had goals, some had higher than others, but everyone got *something* out of it whether that was merely fulfilling all their obligations (like the case of the bedouin) or reaching the apex of knowledge of Allah (like Abu Bakr or `Ali). Similarly, the spiritual path offers the same i.e. something for everyone, no matter what your level or understanding. The guide in this case is the Messenger still... but through those who know him and understand him better then us: His inheritors.

Wasalam
Salman

[leo28]

Incisive indeed and amply covers the essentials, I wanted to know. Thanks brother salman. May Allah Almighty bless you with more knowledge and wisdom (Ameen).