Sufism Essay -- essays research papers

SufismSufism, otherwise know as Islamic Mysticism, is a branch of Islam. Itdeals with special powers that atomic number 18 contained in the Quran. It is a morephilosophical approach, where a person tries to make one with nature, and findthe power of divinity fudge. The term mysticism can be defined as the thought of theOne Reality -- be it called Wisdom, Light, Love or Nothing. (Shcimmel 23)A Sufi tries to unite his will with Gods will. They try to isolatethemselves, so they can fear and become close to God. By isolating themselves, aSufi tries to stay away from politics and public affairs, so as too not getcorrupted. The Sufis trend is a path of love, to be thankful of all Godsbounties. Many Sufis try to help individuals in trouble. They use specialpowers, which enable them to help sight who atomic number 18 suffering. Of course this powercan only be given by God, and Sufis in no way equal to Gods power. In fact,Sufis that claim to be at the same level of God cannot be clas sified as aMuslim. (Frager 11)Sufis stress love, because they believe that love will help you in theDay of Judgement. That the people who you truly love, will give you their gooddeeds, so that you may enter Paradise. Normally these people who give their gooddeeds away are known as dervishes (this is quite different from the belief inIslam).Sufis also stress the remembrance of God, which is called Zikr. Theytry to get close to God, to be one with God. They define God as something thatis close to you but you cant see it. That God is all around us, but Hispresence is too overwhelming to see. An example is like fish who is in water.The fish cant really see the water, even though it is all around the fish. Oncea person realizes the presence of God, he or she will feel closer to God.(Frager 27)Sufis believe that God remains hidden, so that people dont complain toHim (this however is not an Islamic belief). In Islam, Gods presence isnt seen,because He has too untold power for the human ey es to see. Sufis also believethat pain increases the devotion to God. To get close to God, one mustinessexperience pain. To suffer pain is a true test of faith. Life becomes a testfor that person, and if he or she remains close to God, then he or s... ...o temptation. ASufi must have a strong will and be able to control their inner soul (nafs).This also part of the reason why they isolate themselves, so they do not gettempted by any worldly desires. A Sufis outside appearance should representhis inner soul. If a person does commits a repulsiveness then he/she must repent to God,and ask for forgiveness. If a Sufi sees a fault in someone else, then heshould correct. It is a Sufis calling to correct other people and help them.These beliefs are followed by many Sufis around the world. All aspectof Sufism are considered Islamic, unless the basic principles of Islam arebroken. These basic principles are found in the Quran and also in the hadith.Anything else added to the religion is c alled bidah, and is not accepted inIslam. Sufism deals with a whole other side of Islam, a part which deals with hole-and-corner(a) powers and mysteries (some of which are not meant to be understood,that is only for God to know). To understand these powers and mysteries arevery difficult and take a great deal of studying and egotism searching. But whenone taps into these mystical powers, that person opens a door of unlimitedknowledge.