Explore the term 'MĀʾU ʾL-QUDS' (ماء القدس), its meaning, significance, and usage in the Sufi Islamic tradition. Learn how this concept influences spiritual practice and moral discipline among Sufis.
Muhammad’s Night Journey to heaven, significant in Sufi poetry and spiritual ascension.
Sufi teacher and founder of the Khatmiyya Sufi order, influential in Nilotic Sudan in the 19th century.
Islamic scholar, Deobandi alim, and founder of Tablighi Jama'at in India
A type of Sufi order that bases its authority on the assimilation of the spirituality of Prophet Muhammad, including visions of the Prophet.
Explore the term 'MUḤĀẒARAH,' its spiritual significance in Sufism, and its usage in relation to the practice of Ẕikr. Understand how this concept facilitates deeper spiritual connection and contemplation of God's attributes.
Scholar and key figure in the Naqshbandi tariqah in Afghanistan, transitional president of Afghanistan in 1992.
Explore the term 'Mulḥaq,' its etymology, and its profound significance in Sufism, particularly in describing the esoteric connection between the human soul and the divine essence.
Disciple or aspirant in a Sufi order who follows the guidance of a Sufi master
Explore the term 'Murīd,' its meanings, and significance within Sufi mysticism. Learn about the journey and responsibilities of a Murīd and their relationship with their spiritual guide or Murshid.
A prominent Sufi order in Senegal, emphasizing spiritual knowledge and agricultural labor.
One who guides and directs novices and disciples in the Sufi path to mystical knowledge of God.
Explore the term 'Musāmarah,' its origins, and its unique role in Sufi practice and Islamic mysticism, where it signifies God's intimate discourse with the heart of a believer.
Explore the concept of 'Mushāhadah' in Islamic mysticism, its etymology, significance, and how it pertains to spiritual enlightenment in Sufism.
Sufi teacher of the Khalwati order with significant influence on Islamic renewal movements, particularly in Africa.
A Sufi order known for its adherence to Islamic law, sobriety in practice, and historical political activism.
An influential Iranian philosopher, theologian, traditionalist, teacher, and writer advocating for Safavid Islam and opposing modernist forces.
Explore the term 'NĀSŪT' (ناسوت), its meanings, and its role in Sufi thought and practice. Learn about the concept of human nature in Islamic mysticism and its relationship to spiritual development.
The influence and integration of Neoplatonism in major Islamic philosophical and mystical traditions.
An Islamic Sufi order originating in southeast Iran, initially Sunni, later embracing Shi'i practices, and emphasizing spiritual and ethical aspects of Islam.
Explore the concept of Nūr-i-Muḥammadī, also known as the Light of Muḥammad, its meanings, and significance in Islamic theology. Understand its role within the framework of Haqīqatu ʾl-Muḥammadīyah.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a renowned Pakistani qawwali musician known for his influential and dexterous style, blending traditional Sufi devotional music with modern pop elements.
A stage of mystical or spiritual development in Sufism characterized by feelings of constriction and sadness, often in response to the divine attributes of majesty and severity.
Sufi order founded posthumously by followers of Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (Gilani), known for its Hanbali legal orientation and widespread influence.
A Persian term for mendicant Sufi mystics unattached to any specific shaykh or order, known for their disheveled appearance and unconventional public demonstrations of devotion.
Axis, pivot, or pole in Sufi thought representing the human manifestation of divine consciousness.
A seminal female mystic who introduced the doctrine of selfless love into Sufism.
A suborder of the Khalwati tariqah, rooted in the Kabyle region of Algeria and known for its significant sociopolitical influence.
A fort or stronghold founded by Muslims in non-Muslim areas, often evolving into centers of Sufi teaching and spiritual devotion.
Rifai Tariqah is a Sunni Sufi order instrumental in the institutionalization of Sufism, established by Ahmad ibn Ali al-Rifai, and notable for its significant presence in several regions and diverse practices.
An exception to a general Islamic law, granted to preserve life or remove hardship, contrasted with azimah in Sufism.
Renowned Persian Sufi Mystic, Poet, and Founder of the Mawlawi Order
Ruzbihan Baqli, a notable Persian Sufi known for his ecstatic visionary life and comprehensive writings on Sufi expressions of ecstasy.
Sa'di, Musharrif al-Din Muslih (d. ca. 1291), Persian mystic poet member of the Suhrawardi tariqah.
Stage of mystical or spiritual development characterized by careful observance of Shariah, manifestation of wisdom, and clarity of spiritual vision, contrasted with Sukr, spiritual 'intoxication.' In negative terms, refers to closure to spiritual influences.
Celebrated Egyptian Sufi and founder of the Sammani tariqah
Revivalist Sufi order founded in 1841 by Muhammad ibn Ali al-Sanusi, known for its resistance to colonialism and emphasis on learning, piety, and work ethic.
Algerian founder of the Sanusi Sufi tariqah and an influential Islamic reformist.
Major historian and theorist of Sufism from Tus in northeastern Iran
Prominent scholar-activist of Muslim South Asia (d. 1831). Follower of Sayyid Ahmad Barelwi and pivotal figure in reforming Sufism through the 'Way of Muhammad'.
A Sufi term referring to ecstatic expression or utterance, often of an apparently blasphemous nature.
An influential Sufi order in India and Indonesia, founded in the fifteenth century and known for incorporating Hindu and yogic elements.
A site considered a locus of spirituality in Islam, often dedicated to deceased descendants of Muhammad, saints, or associated with natural phenomena, which offers spiritual blessings and attracts pilgrims.
Formal chain of spiritual descent in Islamic mysticism (Sufism), detailing the transmission of ritual from original teacher to students.
Iranian mystic and philosopher of the Kubrawi Sufi order, known for his emphasis on Quranic adherence and critiques of Ibn al-Arabi’s monism.
Major hadith teacher in Medina, known for his emphasis on ijtihad and opposition to popular religious practices
Mystery, secret, or the innermost part of the heart in Islamic mysticism.
The manifestation and history of various Sufi orders in America
The Suhrawardi Tariqah is an orthodox Sufi order founded by Shihab al-Din Umar Suhrawardi in twelfth-century Baghdad.
A stage of mystical or spiritual development characterized by ecstasy and loss of discernment due to divine love in Islamic mysticism.
Prolific Egyptian scholar known for his extensive contributions to various Islamic disciplines.
A cell in a Sufi hospice used for meditation, contemplation, and lodging
Doctrine of divine exemption emphasizing God's unique and incomparable nature
A Turkish term for Sufi residence, hospice, or lodge where Sufi activities, teaching, rituals, and worship occur.
Founder of the Tijani Sufi order, claiming to be the 'seal of the saints' and combining strict law observance with a rejection of ascetic practices.
Islamic tombs and their significance within popular Islam, Sufi orders, and revivalist movements.
A multifaceted term in Islam referring to both marriage and Sufi spiritual union
Honorific title of respect assigned to learned individuals, commonly used for teachers in Islamic traditions and Sufi masters.
A branch of the Qadiri tariqah founded by Shaykh Umar Uways al-Barawi, known for its missionary activities and revivalism in East Africa.
Oneness of appearance, an Islamic mystical doctrine distinguishing from the Oneness of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud), primarily propagated by Indian Sufi Ahmad al-Sirhindi.
Explore the meaning of 'Wajd,' its connotations within Sufi mysticism, and its role as an essential stage in the spiritual journey towards divine illumination.
The Islamic concept of being chosen by God for spiritual and leadership roles, particularly significant in both Shiism and Sufism.
A form of devotion or liturgical practice specific to a particular Sufi order.
Ceremonial pause or halt in the Hajj pilgrimage and a specific practice in Naqshbandi Sufism
A reformist branch of the Shadhili tariqah founded by Ali Nur al-Din al-Yashruti, known for its activities in Palestine, Syria, and East Africa
A Sufi order founded by Ahmad ibn Yusuf al-Milyani al-Rashidi, prominent within the Shadhili tradition in North Africa.
Explore the concept of ẔAK͟HĀʾIRU ʾLLĀH, its roots in Ṣūfī terminology, and its significance as the 'Repositories of God' in preventing national troubles through spiritual attainments.
Explore the term 'Zunnar,' its etymological origins, cultural significance in different regions, and its role within Sufi practices. Understand how the term integrates with the attire and practices of different religious communities.
The Sammani Tariqah, a reformist branch of the revivalist Khalwati Tariqah founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Sammani in the 18th century, is committed to formal Islamic law and opposed to traditional saint veneration.
Explore the term 'ḤUJJATU ʾL-ḤAQQI ʿALA ʾL-K͟HALQ,' its origins, and its importance in Sufi mysticism. Understand the concept of the 'perfect man' in Islamic thought.
Great Persian poet and master of the ghazal form
Explore the term 'Nūr al-Anwār,' its profound implications, and its rich usage in Islamic mystical traditions. Understand its relation to the Divine Being and its significance in Sufi terminology.
Inner, interior, inward, hidden aspect of Islamic thought, especially prevalent in Shii, Ismaili, and Sufi traditions.
Explore the term 'BAITU ʾL-QUDS,' its meaning, usage, and significance within Sufi traditions. Learn what it represents for the true seeker of God and how it relates to Sufi meditation practices.
An exploration of the term 'Dhat' as it relates to the essence or substance, often in reference to God in Islamic theology and philosophy.
Renowned Sufi mystic, jurist, and theologian
Explore the term 'UMANĀʾ (امناء),' its implications, and usage within the Sufi tradition. Understand its relationship with piety, humility, and the concept of Malāmatīyah.
An exploration of devotional poetry in Islamic tradition, history, and significance.
Third shaykh of the Shadhili Sufi order responsible for systematizing its doctrines and influential in the dissemination of Sufi teachings through his writings
Understand the perspectives on dancing (Arabic: Raqs) in Islamic teachings, its cultural context, and the differing views among various Islamic sects, including Sufism and Sunni Islam.
The Friday Sufi communal gathering for dhikr (prayer of remembrance) and its associated liturgical rituals, prayers, and song recitals.
Explore the term 'ḤAQQ,' its meanings, implications, and significance within Islamic theology, law, and Sufism. Understand the role of Ḥaqq in the Muslim worldview and its association with one of the ninety-nine names of God.
Kurdish shaykh and founder of the Khalidi suborder of the Naqshbandi Sufi tariqah
Explore the concept of 'Ittiḥad' in Sufism, its etymological roots, and its significance in the spiritual practice and belief system of Sufi mystics. Learn how it impacts the understanding of unity and divine presence.
Explore the term 'Sālik,' its meaning, etymology, and its importance in the realm of Islamic Sufism. Understand the journey and the stages a Sālik goes through on the path to divine closeness.
Founder of the Shadhili Sufi order, significant figure in Islamic mysticism
A Sufi doctrine positing the unity of all existence with God, as formulated by Ibn al-Arabi
Explore the term 'Al-Ufuqu 'l-A'la,' its meanings, and its significance in Islamic thought. Understand the Quranic context and its interpretation in Sufi mysticism.
Explore the term 'Lat̤īfah,' its mystical implications in Sufism, and how it represents divine influences on the human soul that transcend verbal expression. Understand its spiritual relevance and impact on the heart of the believer.
A genre of long poems, often written in rhyming couplets, that is popular among mystics and often involves themes of heroism, romanticism, and separation from a lover.
The presence and development of Islam in Sri Lanka, focusing on the Sri Lankan Muslim (Moor) community, historical context, and cultural practices.
Explore the term 'Faraq,' its meanings, and implications within Sufism. Understand how this concept applies to the stages of spiritual contemplation in the Islamic context.
An in-depth exploration of the term 'G͟HAUS̤ (غوث),' its significance, and its usage in the context of Islamic spirituality. Discover what defines a G͟HAUS̤ and its rank among other titles of sanctity.
Explore the Sufi concepts of Qabḍ and Basṭ. Learn about their meanings, implications, and how they delineate opposite states of the heart, contributing to the spiritual journey of a Sufi practitioner.
