SUFISM & SUFI ORDERS IN ISLAM

SUFISM & SUFI ORDERS IN ISLAM

Sufism - The Way of the Heart

Sufism is known as the Way of the Heart, the Way of the Pure, the Mystical Path of Islam. By whatever name it is called, it is the path which takes the seeker to the Divine Presence. In essence Sufism is a means and a way by which the seeker will move from the gravity of his or her lower self, to ascend, with the assistance of a mystical guide, and through the methods and practices defined by the Way he or she has chosen, to the state wherein the Vision of God is presented to her or him. The ways to God are as numerous as the breaths of mankind. Each individual person has his or her own, personal and private way to the Divine Presence.
The Mystical Path to the Divine Presence
Among human beings, there must always exist those, whom through Divine Grace, have received their Trusts from God in this worldly life. They move about in the world as if they were part of it, yet inside, their hearts and souls are in the Divine Presence. If they ask of God, their request is accepted, and if they look at mankind, it is always with the eye of mercy to those less fortunate than themselves. They are known as the Friends of God, called Awliya in Sufism. It is Sufism which is related to them and they are product of Sufism.
What is Sufism [=Tasawwuf] ?
"There is no doubt that Sufism [=Tasawwuf] is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may be derived form the Arabic word "Sool" (Wool) or form "Sata" (cleanliness). But its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking to be close to Allah and to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the Holy Prophet and his faithful Companions provides unmistakable support to this reality" (An Objective Appraisal of the Sublime Sufi Path) by Shaikh Allah Yar Khan.)
What is Not Sufism [=Tasawwuf] ?
"Kashf (visions) and Karamah are not essential to Tasawwuf (Sufism) though charlatans claim such gifts as Sufis in order to gain advantage in commerce, or win cases in the courts of law. Nor is Sufism in any way involved in hocus pocus and talisman trading. Sufism has also nothing to do with prostration on tombs or the lighting of lamps on them. To predict the future is not Tasawwuf either, nor is calling the aulia in absentia (with the belief that they hear such a call), nor belief that they have the power to deliver mankind from its sufferings. No Tawajjuh of a mentor can edify and enlighten a disciple and direct him toward the Straight Path without his own efforts and his own adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah. Claims for the veracity of kashf and ilham are not Sufism, nor are taken to be essentials of Sufism, whereas in fact they are its opposite.
In Sufism, a Sheikh should:
• Follow the Prophet Muhammed sallallahu alaihi wasallam.
• Follow the sharia and act from the Sunnah.
• He has a silsila (lineage) and a licence to teach the path.
• He speaks what's in your heart. He answers questions that you have not spoken aloud.
• When you are in his presence, you forget your troubles. He takes your load. You feel your troubles lifted.
• He praises Allah and not himself. He points to Allah and not himself.
• Practices what he preaches.