The Doctrine of the Ṣūfīs: An Overview
Ṣūfīsm, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes the inward search for God and the esoteric interpretation of Islamic teachings. The following is a succinct account of the doctrines of the Ṣūfīs:
Core Doctrines
1. Divine Omnipresence
Tenet: God only exists (Allāhu wāḥid). He is in all things, and all things are in Him.
Ṣūfīs believe in the absolute oneness of God, positing that everything in existence is a manifestation of the Divine.
2. Emanation and Unity
Tenet: All visible and invisible beings are an emanation from Him and are not really distinct from Him.
This view underscores the belief that the multiplicity observed in the world is an illusion, and in truth, everything is a part of God’s essence.
3. Indifference to Dogmatic Religion
Tenet: Religions are matters of indifference; they serve as paths leading to realities. Some, however, are more advantageous, with Islam and Ṣūfīsm being the highest form of guidance.
Although all religions can lead to truth, Islam and Ṣūfīsm are seen as the most beneficial pathways.
4. Unity of Good and Evil
Tenet: There is no real difference between good and evil; all is reduced to Unity, with God as the real Author of all acts.
This doctrine philosophically unifies all actions as divinely ordained, challenging conventional moral dichotomies.
5. Divine Will and Predestination
Tenet: God fixes the will of man; hence, humans are not free in their actions.
According to Ṣūfīsm, human actions are predestined by God, negating the concept of free will in the ultimate sense.
6. Preexistence and the Soul
Tenet: The soul existed before the body and is confined within it like in a cage. Death is therefore desirable as the soul returns to Divinity.
The soul’s journey is seen as a temporary confinement within the physical body, with death being a release back to God.
7. Metempsychosis (Reincarnation)
Tenet: Souls undergo purification through successive existences, eventually becoming worthy of reunion with God.
This concept, though controversial and not widely accepted in orthodox Islam, represents a process of spiritual evolution.
8. Divine Grace (Faẓlu ’llāh)
Tenet: Without God’s grace (Fayaẓānu ’llāh or Faẓlu ’llāh), spiritual union cannot be attained. However, fervent prayer and devotion can invoke this grace.
The grace of God is essential for achieving union with the Divine, attainable through earnest devotion.
9. The Ṣūfī Path (T̤arīqah)
Tenet: The Ṣūfī’s primary duties are meditation on God’s Unity (waḥdānīyah), remembrance of God’s names (Zikr), and progression on the spiritual path leading to unification with God.
The Ṣūfī life is one of continuous spiritual practice aimed at achieving closeness to the Divine.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: التصوف (al-taṣawwuf)
- Turkish: Tasavvuf
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination” by William C. Chittick
- “The Essential Rumi” translated by Coleman Barks
- “The Mystics of Islam” by Reynold Alleyne Nicholson
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by Carl W. Ernst
- “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid al-Din Attar (translated by Dick Davis and Afkham Darbandi)
Takeaways and Conclusion
The doctrines of Ṣūfīsm present a profound, mystical approach to Islam focused on inner spirituality and the direct experience of God. Through a combination of metaphysical beliefs, devotional practices, and philosophical views on existence and morality, Ṣūfīsm offers a unique perspective within the Islamic tradition.
By understanding these tenets, one gains insight into the Ṣūfī quest for ultimate truth and spiritual unification with the Divine, embodying a dedicated path of love, remembrance, and unity.
For a deeper exploration of Ṣūfīsm, engaging with the suggested readings will provide more comprehensive insights into its rich and diverse philosophical landscape.
