Sufism

Habāʾ (هباء‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the term 'Habāʾ,' its meanings both in the physical and metaphysical sense, and its significance in Sufi mysticism. Understand how the concept of Habāʾ reflects the relationship between creation and the Divine.
AD-DURRATU ʾL-BAIẓĀʾ (الـدرة البيضاء‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Learn about the term 'AD-DURRATU ʾL-BAIẓĀʾ,' its implications and usage in Ṣūfī thought. Understand the concept of the first intelligence in Islamic mysticism and its significance.
Ahd
Ahd: Covenant or compact, representing alliances and allegiances in early Muslim relationships and Sufi initiations.
Ahl-i Haqq
A religious sect based in Northwest Iran known for incorporating Shii and Sufi elements, and characterized by unique beliefs and practices regarding divinity and spiritual hierarchy.
Ajmer
Ajmer, a city in Rajasthan, India, known for its historical significance and spiritual heritage, especially related to the Chishti Sufi order.
Al-Furqān
Explore the term 'Al-Furqān,' its various meanings, and its significance within the Islamic tradition. Understand its application in the Qur'an and its connotations in Islamic mysticism and other contexts.
AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH (الحقيقة المحمدية)
Explore the concept of AL-ḤAQĪQATU ʾL-MUḤAMMADĪYAH, its origins, interpretations, and significance in Islamic mysticism. Understand the varying perspectives between Ṣūfī mystics and other Islamic schools of thought.
Al-Ḥaẓarātu ʾL-K͟hams in Sufism
Explore the concept of Al-Ḥaẓarātu ʾL-K͟hams (الحضرات الخمس‎) in Sufi mysticism. Learn about its five divine existences and their significance.
al-Insān al-Kāmil
Term in Islamic mysticism referring to the 'Perfect Human'. Initially attributed to Prophet Muhammad, adopted later by Sufi teachers.
Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim (الوقت الدائم) in Sufism
Explore the term 'Al-Waqtu ʾd-Dāʾim' in Sufism, its profound implications, and spiritual significance. Learn about the concept of Everlasting Time and its link to the Eternal One.
An-Nujabāʾ in Sufism
Discover the concept of 'An-Nujabāʾ,' its etymology, and importance in Sufi tradition. Learn how these saintly figures serve the spiritual and worldly needs of people.
An-Nuqabāʾ (النقباء‎)
Explore the term 'An-Nuqabāʾ,' its origins, and its spiritual significance within Sufi tradition. Learn about the role of these individuals in Islamic thought and how they contribute to spiritual enlightenment.
Ascetic
A person who renounces worldly comforts to undertake specific practices such as fasting, seclusion, and night prayer vigils to discipline selfishness and curb temptation
Asfar
Journey or travel, especially in the context of Sufi spiritual development, which often involves a fourfold journey of mystical realization.
AT̤-T̤IBBU ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الطب الروحانى‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of 'AT̤-T̤IBBU ʾR-RŪḤĀNI (الطب الروحانى‎),' its etymology, and its importance in Sufi traditions. Understand how this term relates to spiritual health and the remedies prescribed for maintaining a healthy heart and soul.
Bābu ʾL-Abwāb (باب الابواب‎) in Sufism
Explore the term 'Bābu ʾL-Abwāb' in Sufi tradition, its linguistic roots, and its deep spiritual significance in the practice of repentance.
Bakkai al-Kunti, Ahmad al-
West African religious and political leader during the 19th century, known for his accommodationist approach towards European Christian presence and for his influence in the Qadiri brotherhood.
Bakri Tariqah
A specialized branch of the Khalwati Sufi order established in the mid-eighteenth century in Egypt by Mustafa ibn Kamal al-Din al-Bakri.
Baqa
Abiding or remaining in God, a state achieved following annihilation of the self in Sufi practice.
BĀRIQAH (بارقة‎) in Sufism
Explore the concept of BĀRIQAH in Sufism, its etymology, spiritual significance, and role in the enlightenment journey of a true Muslim. Learn about the transformative power of this initial refulgence of the soul.
Bayrami Tariqah
An overview of the Bayrami Tariqah, a Turkish Sufi order established in the fifteenth century by Hacı Bayram Veli.
Bayyumi Tariqah
An Egyptian successor to the Badawi tariqah, founded by hadith scholar Ali ibn al-Hijazi al-Bayyumi, notable for its divergence from the Khalwati tariqah and its role in championing the rights of the poor.
Central Asia, Islam in
An overview of the historical and contemporary presence of Islam in the Central Asia region, detailing its spread, influence, and persistence through various sociopolitical changes.
Dance
Understanding the Role of Dance in Islamic Civilization
Darqawi Tariqah
Revivalist branch of the Shadhili tariqah emphasizing emotional fervor, contemplation, and political resistance, significant in North African Islamic spirituality
Darvesh, Darwīsh (درويش‎)
Explore the term 'Darvesh,' its etymology, and significance in Islamic mysticism and Sufism. Understand the role of a Darvesh in the spiritual and communal life of Muslims.
Dasuqi Tariqah
A Sufi order founded in Egypt by Ibrahim ibn Abi al-Majd al-Dasuqi, emphasizing inner purity, self-denial, and strict adherence to Sharia.
Daudiyah
Sufi Zawiyah founded in Damascus by Hanbali jurist Abu Bakr ibn Daud in the late 14th century, and developed by his son, Abd al-Rahman. The first Qadiri zawiyah in Damascus, serving as a pious meeting place with various facilities.
Dervish
A term referring to ascetic Sufis known for their poverty and spiritual devotion
Dhahabi Tariqah
A Sufi order branching from the Kubrawi, known for its unique lineage and spiritual practices.
Dhawq
Mystical Intuition in Islamic Mysticism
Dhikr
Dhikr in Islamic practice: remembrance of God involving individual and collective litanies and prayers
Dhul-Nun al-Misri
A renowned Egyptian Sufi poet, scholar, and mystic known for his contributions to early Sufi thought and mysticism.
Fana
Fana, a pivotal concept in Sufi Islam, refers to the state of mystical annihilation of the self, representing the stage just prior to experiencing union with God.
Faqir
Term describing Sufis who live a poor or mendicant lifestyle, indicating a need for God and sometimes referring to Sufi leaders or practitioners.
Farq
A mystical state in Sufism involving dispersion or separation.
Futuwwah
The ideal of youthful manhood and chivalry derived from the example of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin, and the first youth to convert to Islam.
Ghaib
Explore the term 'Ghaib,' its spiritual and theological implications in Islam, particularly within Sufi mysticism. Understand the esoteric dimensions and how they shed light on the mystical nature of God.
GURZ (گرز‎) in Islamic Context
Explore the term 'GURZ,' its meanings, and implications in Islamic practices. Understand how an iron mace is used both in religious symbolism and devotional exercises.
Ḥāl
A transitory spiritual state of enlightenment or ecstasy in Sufism, viewed as a gift from God distinct from an acquired spiritual stage (maqām).
Halaqah
A concept referring to a circle of learners gathered typically for Sufi spiritual study or ritual.
Hamadani, Ayn al-Qudat al-
Islamic scholar and mystic known for his contributions to Sufi thought and literature.
Hamallah, Shaykh
Shaykh Hamallah was the founder of the Hamallism Sufi order, known for his asceticism and mysticism, and his opposition to French colonial rule.
Haqiqah
Haqiqah, meaning 'reality,' represents the inward vision of divine power attained through mystical union with God in Sufi thought.
Haqiqah al-Muhammadiyyah
The Muhammadan Reality - a key concept in Islamic mysticism describing the primordial essence and model of creation.
Hasan, Muhammad Abdallah
Somali Sufi and intellectual leader who led the resistance against European and Ethiopian occupation from 1899 to 1920.
Hermeticism in Early Sufism
The role of Hermeticism in early Sufism, emphasizing ascetic practices and the renunciation of worldly affairs.
Hujwiri, Sayyid Ali al-
Medieval Sufi intellectual and theoretician; author of Kashf al-mahjub, which detailed and assessed various schools of Sufism.
Hurr
In Islamic context, 'Hurr' and 'Hurriyyah’ signify freedom, particularly in a Sufi metaphysical sense, implying ultimate devotion to God.
Hurufis
Mystical Sufi order founded in fourteenth-century Iran, offering unique beliefs on divine revelation and numerical mysticism.
Ibn al-Arabi, Muhyi al-Din
Influential and controversial Sufi thinker known for his views on the unity of being and the perfect person
Ibn al-Farid, Umar
Celebrated Arab poet, mystic, and saint known for his mystical poetry expressing the beauty and love of God.
Ibn al-Humam
Ibn al-Humam - Egyptian Hanafi jurist and theologian, renowned for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and Sufism.
Ibn Idris, Ahmad
Moroccan Sufi teacher and founder of the Idrisi tradition, known for his antiauthoritarian approach and emphasis on individual duty to seek God.
Ibn Tufayl, Abu Bakr Muhammad
Andalusian physician and philosopher best known for his philosophical novel Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, describing the intellectual development of a man living isolated on a desert island.
Ibrahim Titus Burckhardt
Expert on Islamic art and culture, translator of Arabic religious and philosophic works, and UNESCO cultural preservationist.
Ihsan
A concept in Islam referring to 'doing what is beautiful' and a deepened understanding and experience of worshiping God as if one sees Him.
Ilham
Term used by Sufis to refer to the transformation of the human soul by the power of universal Spirit and personal revelation received by and for an individual.
Indonesia, Islam in
Examination of Islam in Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population.
Intercession
Request for assistance from a spiritual intermediary in seeking divine help
Iqrar
The transformative experience of mystical union and self-transcendence in Sufism
Iradah
Desire in Sufism; refers to the soul's journey towards God and the discipline within a Sufi order.
Ishq
Intense passion or love, notably in Sufi thought, regarded as a crucial stage in the journey towards union with God or the Prophet Muhammad.
Islam in Chechnya
Exploration of the historical and contemporary presence of Islam in Chechnya
Islam in Djibouti
Overview of the practice and influence of Islam in Djibouti, including its demographic composition, historical context, and religious traditions.
Islam in Niger
An exploration of the presence and influence of Islam in Niger, its historical development, current practices, and ongoing challenges.
Islam in Senegal
A comprehensive overview of the practice and history of Islam in Senegal
Islam in Somalia
Islamic faith practices permeate nearly the entire population of Somalia, with significant historical influences from various Sufi orders and persistent contemporary engagement in global and regional Islamic revivalist movements.
Islam in Sudan
An overview of Islam's presence and influence in Sudan, encompassing its historical evolution, cultural integration, and political dynamics.
Islam in Tajikistan
An overview of the presence, historical development, and current state of Islam in Tajikistan.
Istiqāmah
Explore the concept of 'Istiqāmah,' its meanings in Islamic theology and Sufi mysticism, and how it guides Muslims to lead a life of rectitude and spiritual steadfastness. Delve into its Quranic basis and relevance in contemporary Muslim life.
Kachkūl in Islamic Culture
Explore the meaning and cultural significance of 'Kachkūl,' the begging bowl of religious mendicants in Islamic tradition. Learn about its etymology, historical context, and role within Sufi practices.
Karamah
Grace, miraculous acts in Sufi tradition signifying divine favor and sanctity
Kashani, Abd al-Razzaq
Medieval Sufi leader in Iran, known for defending and promoting the thought of the mystic Ibn al-Arabi and concerns with esoteric metaphysics, predestination, and individual responsibility.
Kashf
Uncovering or revealing what is hidden, often used in Sufi terminology to describe the mystical process of illumination and seeking hidden truths.
Khalwati Tariqah
A Sufi order known for the practice of periodic retreat, which stresses a combination of knowledge and practice.
Khan, Inayat
Sufi of the Chishti tariqah from India who established the order in the West.
Khanaqah
A Sufi meetinghouse where devotees engage in spiritual practices and communal rituals.
Khatmi Tariqah
The Khatmi Tariqah is a Sufi order founded in Sudan in 1817 by Muhammad Uthman al-Mirghani, known for its devotion, political activism, and spiritual rejuvenation practices.
Khirqah
The Sufi patched cloak symbolizing initiation and authority within the Sufi order.
Lalla Zaynab bint Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abi al-Qasim
Algerian female saint and head of Rahmania Sufi zawiyah, known for her opposition to the French colonial order and her spiritual and social contributions
Love
Explore the concept of 'Love' in the Qur'an and Islamic literature, including its various terms, theological implications, and differentiations between animal and spiritual love.
MABNĀ ʾT-TAṢAWWUF (مبنى التصوف‎) - Foundation of Sufism
Explore the term 'MABNĀ ʾT-TAṢAWWUF (مبنى التصوف‎),' its etymology, principles, and its significance in Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam.
Mahmud Shabestari
Persian mystic poet and scholar famous for his mystical poem 'Golshan-i Raz'.
Mahmud, Abd al-Halim
Egyptian Islamic leader who reasserted al-Azhar’s independence and promoted Sufism based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Malfuzat
Malfuzat refers to the written records of audiences and question-and-answer sessions with notable scholars or Sufis, providing historical context, teachings, and attitudes, often presented in chronological order and dated.
Maneri, Sharif al-Din
Sharif al-Din Maneri, a 14th-century Sufi saint of Bihar, India, known for his contributions to spiritual literature, especially his 'Hundred Letters'.
Marabout
Definition and elaboration of the term 'Marabout,' referring to Sufi saints or leaders in North Africa.
Marifah
Mystical intuitive knowledge in Sufism, attained through ecstatic experiences.
Mauritania, Islam in
The historical and contemporary presence of Islam in Mauritania, encompassing its introduction, Sufi traditions, and socio-political dynamics.
MAUT (موت‎) in Islam and Sufism
Learn about the term 'Maut' (Death) in its literal and figurative senses in Islam and Sufism. Understand its usage in the Qur'an and its deeper spiritual meanings within Sufi traditions.
Mawlawi Tariqah
A Turkish Sufi order, popularly known as 'whirling dervishes,' noted for their distinctive meditation ritual through dance.
Mawlid al-Husayn
Festival commemorating the birth of Husayn, Muhammad’s grandson and a significant figure in Islamic history.

Dictionary of Islam

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