SUFISM: The Deviated Path

[azc]

Greetings and peace be with you islamirama; Ok, I am a Christian, and if I listened to all the hysteria about Islam, I could easily think you were all a bunch of wife beating terrorists. But after taking the trouble to be a part of this forum for the last eleven years, I have come to understand that you are wonderful people, with a deep faith. I have learned a lot from all of you over the years, I have found we have much in common, and I can look at you as brothers and sisters in faith, despite all our obvious differences. In the spirit of praying to the same 'One God' Eric

I love to read your comments. Man, your just amazing.!

 

[Grandad]

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum

‘It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: “Ask me (about matters pertaining to religion), but they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) were too much overawed out of profound respect for him to ask him (anything).

‘In the meanwhile a man came there, and sat near his knees and said: “Messenger of Allah, what is al-lslam”?

‘To which he (the Holy Prophet) replied: “You must not associate anything with Allah, and establish prayer, pay the poor-rate (Zakat) and observe (the fasts) of Ramadan”.

‘He said: You (have) told the truth. He (again) said: “Messenger of Allah, what is al-Iman (the faith)”?

‘He (the Holy Prophet) said: “That you affirm your faith in Allah, His angels, His Books, His meeting, His Apostles, and that you believe in Resurrection and that you believe in Qadr (Divine Decree) in all its entirety”.

‘He (the inquirer) said: “You (have) told the truth. He (again) said: “Messenger of Allah, what is al-Ihsan”?

‘Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: “(Al-Ihsan implies) that you fear Allah as if you are seeing Him, and though you see Him not, verily He is seeing you”.

‘He (the inquirer) said: “You (have) told the truth”. He (the inquirer) said: “When shall be the hour (of Doom)”?

‘(Upon this) he (the Holy Prophet said:

‘“The one who is being asked about it is no better informed than the inquirer himself. I, however, narrate some of its signs (and these are): when you see a slave (woman) giving birth to her master - that is one of the signs of (Doom); when you see barefooted, naked, deaf and dumb (ignorant and foolish persons) as the rulers of the earth - that is one of the signs of the Doom. And when you see the shepherds of black camels exult in buildings - that is one of the signs of Doom. The (Doom) is one of the five things (wrapped) in the unseen. No one knows them except Allah”.

‘Then (the Holy Prophet) recited (the following verse): " Verily Allah! with Him alone is the knowledge of the hour and He it is Who sends down the rain and knows that which is in the wombs and no person knows whatsoever he shall earn on morrow and a person knows not in whatsoever land he shall die. Verily Allah is Knowing, Aware.”

‘He (the narrator, Abu Huraira) said: “Then the person stood up and (made his way). The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: “Bring him back to me”.

‘He was searched for, but they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) could not find him. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) thereupon said: “He was Jibreel and he wanted to teach you (things pertaining to religion) when you did not ask them yourselves”.

(Muslim: Book 001, Number 0006). See also: Muslim: Book 001, Number 0004; and Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2, Number 47.

From this Hadith we see that Islam is a tree with three major branches:

Islam - Submissions to the Will of Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla), especially concerning what is right or wrong, halal or haram. This branch is the preserve of the jurists.

Iman – Faith. Belief in One God; in His Angels; in His Prophets; in His Books; in the Day of Judgement and so on. This branch is the preserve of the theologians.

Ihsan – Remembrance of Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla); righteousness, self-realisation and so on. This branch is the preserve of those who practice Tasawwuf.

There are people - especially in the West - who call themselves ‘Sufis’ but are not Muslims. And there are Muslims who call themselves ‘Sufis’ but whose practices are - to say the least - suspect. A true follower of Tasawwuf knows that the shari‘a and ‘aqida of Islam are paramount. They know this…….and they act accordingly. One who does not act in this way, and yet pretends to be a Sufi, is like one who walks through a hospital wearing a white coat, with a stethoscope around his neck, trying desperately to convince everyone that he is a doctor. A real doctor is something else.

It is clear from the Hadith that the practise of Tasawwuf (living in the remembrance of Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla) was the norm among the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions, even though the term ‘Tasawwuf’, like many other Islamic disciplines, was not known to them. It was, however, very much in use during the period of the four great Imams of the Maḏāhib. This is what they had to say about it:

‘If it were not for two years, I would have perished. For two years I accompanied Hazrat Jafer as-Sadiq (R.A) and I acquired the spiritual knowledge that made me a knower in the Way (i.e. Sufism).’
(Reported of Imam Abu Hanifa: ‘Ad-Durr Al-Mukhthar’; Volume 1, page 43).

‘Whoever studies jurisprudence and does not study Sufism will be corrupted. Whoever studies Sufism and does not study Jurisprudence will become a heretic. Whoever combines both will reach the truth.’ (Imam Malik: ‘Kashf Al-Khafa Wa Muzid Al-Abas’; Volume 1, page 41).

‘I accompanied the Sufi people and I received from them three kinds of knowledge: They taught me how to speak. They taught me how to treat people with leniency and a soft heart. They guided me in the ways of Sufism.’ (Imam Shafi: ‘Tanwir Al-Qulub’; page 405).

‘O my son you have to sit with the Sufis, because they are like a fountain of knowledge. They recite the remembrance of Allah (S.W.T) in their hearts. They are ascetics and they have the most spiritual power……………………… I do not know any people better than them.’ (Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, advising his son: ‘Ghiza Al-Albab’; Volume 1, page 120).

And what of other scholars?

‘I knew it to be true that the Sufis are the seekers in Allah's Way. Their conduct is the best of conduct. Their way is the best of ways. Their manners are the most sanctified. They have purified their hearts from other than Allah and they have made them as pathways for rivers to run receiving knowledge of the Divine Presence.’ (Imam Ghazali: ‘Al-Munqidh Min Ad-Dalal’; page 131).

‘The specification of the Ways of the Sufis are five: To keep the Presence of Allah (S.W.T) in your heart in public and in private. To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W) by action and speech.
To keep away from dependence on people. To be happy with what Allah (S.W.T) gives you, even if it is little. To always refer your matters to Allah (S.W.T) Almighty and Exalted.’ (Imam Nawawi: ‘Al-Maqasid At-Tawhid’; page 20).

‘Sufism appeared in the 1st century of Islam and it received tremendous honour. It purified the self, straightened the conduct and gave knowledge to people from the wisdom and secrets of the Divine Presence.’ (Muhammad Abduh: ‘Majallat Al Muslim’; page 24).

‘The Sufis initiate people in Oneness and sincerity in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W), in repentance from their sins and in avoidance of every disobedience to Allah, Almighty and Exalted. Their guides encourage them to move in the way of perfect Love of Allah.’ (Abul Hasan Ali An-Nadwi: ‘Muslims in India’; pages 140-146).
‘Sufism is a reality whose signs are the love of Allah and the love of the Prophet (S.A.W), where one absents oneself for their sake and one is annihilated from anything other than them. It instructs us how to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (S.A.W)……………The Shariah and Sufism; what is the similitude of the two? They are like the body and the soul. The body is the external knowledge, the Shariah, and the spirit is the internal knowledge.’ (Abul Ala Mawdudi: ‘Mabadi Al Islam’; page 17).

It is clear from the above that Tasawwuf is very much a part of Islam.

My son is a murid in the Shadhili tariqa, and has been one for around twelve years. All members of this tariqa follow one of the four Sunni Maḏāhib; as well as one of the two schools of tenets of faith, Ash‘ari or Maturidi. My son is of the Maliki; and follows the Ash‘ari school in ‘aqida. Like all Shadhili murids he does not take his din from those who are not Imams, especially not from oriental-ists or authors without a traditional Islamic education at the hands of the tradition’s sheikhs.

I hope this helps.

 

[ZeeshanParvez]

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum

‘Sufism appeared in the 1st century of Islam and it received tremendous honour. It purified the self, straightened the conduct and gave knowledge to people from the wisdom and secrets of the Divine Presence.’ (Muhammad Abduh: ‘Majallat Al Muslim’; page 24).

‘The Sufis initiate people in Oneness and sincerity in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W), in repentance from their sins and in avoidance of every disobedience to Allah, Almighty and Exalted. Their guides encourage them to move in the way of perfect Love of Allah.’ (Abul Hasan Ali An-Nadwi: ‘Muslims in India’; pages 140-146).
‘Sufism is a reality whose signs are the love of Allah and the love of the Prophet (S.A.W), where one absents oneself for their sake and one is annihilated from anything other than them. It instructs us how to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (S.A.W)……………The Shariah and Sufism; what is the similitude of the two? They are like the body and the soul. The body is the external knowledge, the Shariah, and the spirit is the internal knowledge.’ (Abul Ala Mawdudi: ‘Mabadi Al Islam’; page 17).

It is clear from the above that Tasawwuf is very much a part of Islam.

My son is a murid in the Shadhili tariqa, and has been one for around twelve years. All members of this tariqa follow one of the four Sunni Maḏāhib; as well as one of the two schools of tenets of faith, Ash‘ari or Maturidi. My son is of the Maliki; and follows the Ash‘ari school in ‘aqida. Like all Shadhili murids he does not take his din from those who are not Imams, especially not from oriental-ists or authors without a traditional Islamic education at the hands of the tradition’s sheikhs.

I hope this helps.

How interesting.

 

[Grandad]

How interesting.

Many years ago,whenever I said something daft (which was fairly often) a dear friend of mine (a Sister of Mercy) used to smile sweetly, and say: 'Oh really? How interesting.' Put me in my place!

 

[Grandad]

‘Sufism appeared in the 1st century of Islam.

The name appeared in the 1st century of Islam. The reality was there from the beginning.

 

[aaj]

This is sufism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/features/world-europe-37191980/37191980

 

[azc]

If sufis follow Quran and sunnah only then they are reliable

 

[Grandad]

This is sufism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/features/world-europe-37191980/37191980

More accurately, it is the way that certain men behave in a specific mosque. To claim that such behaviour represents sufism per se is as daft as saying that the violent behaviour of a comparatively few Muslims represents the Ummah.

 

[Grandad]

If sufis follow Quran and sunnah only then they are reliable

Exactly.

 

[M.I.A.]

This is sufism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/features/world-europe-37191980/37191980

o_o ....lol.

i do that when putting kids to sleep..

although they a bit older now.

masha'allah.

 

[aaj]

More accurately, it is the way that certain men behave in a specific mosque. To claim that such behaviour represents sufism per se is as daft as saying that the violent behaviour of a comparatively few Muslims represents the Ummah.

want to bet?

Here's sufi in lebanon and in Turkey

here's another one

Just go to youtube and type in sufi zikr and you can watch as many as you want. THIS is sufism NOT Islam.

If sufis follow Quran and sunnah only then they are reliable

Then they would be sunni aka following the sunnah of the prophet :saws1: aka ahle sunnah wal jamah

 

[Grandad]

want to bet?

Here's sufi in lebanon and in Turkey

here's another one

Just go to youtube and type in sufi zikr and you can watch as many as you want. THIS is sufism NOT Islam.



Then they would be sunni aka following the sunnah of the prophet :saws1: aka ahle sunnah wal jamah

Since when is the remembrance of Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla) unislamic?

This is not an approach I use myself; but who are we to say that it does not find favour with the Beloved (may His Name be glorified). There again, perhaps some have been gifted with knowledge denied to one such as I. Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla) knows best.

 

[ZeeshanParvez]

This is sufism.

http://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/features/world-europe-37191980/37191980

May Allah guide us all.

 

[aaj]

Since when is the remembrance of Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla) unislamic?

since it is NOT done according to the Quran and the Sunnah.

Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “My ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of whom will be in Hell except one group.” They said: Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah? He said: “(Those who follow) that which I and my companions follow.” This is mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr which was recorded and classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi (2641).

This is not an approach I use myself; but who are we to say that it does not find favour with the Beloved (may His Name be glorified). There again, perhaps some have been gifted with knowledge denied to one such as I. Allāh (Subḥānahu ūta'āla) knows best.

It is not we who are saying this.

Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told us that: “Every innovation is going astray, and every going astray will be in the Fire.” Narrated by Muslim (867) and an-Nasaa’i (1578)

 

[azc]

since it is NOT done according to the Quran and the Sunnah. Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “My ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of whom will be in Hell except one group.” They said: Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah? He said: “(Those who follow) that which I and my companions follow.” This is mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr which was recorded and classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi (2641).It is not we who are saying this. Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told us that: “Every innovation is going astray, and every going astray will be in the Fire.” Narrated by Muslim (867) and an-Nasaa’i (1578)

Do you know who are successful according to Quran..?

 

[aaj]

Do you know who are successful according to Quran..?

Do you believe in the Quran only?

 

[azc]

Do you believe in the Quran only?

every Muslim believe in Quran and sunnah... I wish to know if you know that Allah swt takes the oath 7 times and tells us who are successful... Do you know who they..?

 

[aaj]

every Muslim believe in Quran and sunnah... I wish to know if you know that Allah swt takes the oath 7 times and tells us who are successful... Do you know who they..?

Even if I don't i can look it up to paste it here what's the point of the question, unless you are going to "interpret" it to mean sufi included in it as well as other bidah practices and sects. Do you know who the saved group is?

 

[azc]

Even if I don't i can look it up to paste it here what's the point of the question unless you are going to "interpret" it to mean sufi included in it as well other bidah practices and sects. Do you know who the saved group is?

wrong practices of sufis have nothing to do with Islam.... Anyways.... Only Allah swt knows who are to be placed in jannah...

 

[aaj]

wrong practices of sufis have nothing to do with Islam.... Anyways.... Only Allah swt knows who are to be placed in jannah...

Sufism is a sect and we know how many sects there will be and how many will go to Jannah. Allah has already told us this.