Sufism:
- tasawwuf; possible etymology in suf = wool (woolen garments of
ascetics) / not from sophia =(Gk.) wisdom
Emphases and their Orgins:
- anti-materialist: reaction against the wealth and decadence of
Umayyads: back to simple lifestyle of Muhammad - ascetic orientation
- anti-formalist / anti-legalist: reaction against exclusive emphasis on
outward forms of religious practice, which are perceived by Sufis as
one-sidedly emphasizing "otherness" of God: instead, focus on a more
direct experience of the closeness to God, longing for God
| Islam |
shari'a |
Law, outward practices |
| Iman |
haqiqah |
penetration of truth |
| Ihsan |
tariqah |
path of "perfection" |
Theological concerns:
- Tawhid: radical oneness of God.
- Love of God for God's sake
- removal of spiritual attitudes hindering the believer from God.
- Immanence of God (as corrective to traditional stress on God's
transcendance): "God is closer to you than your jugular vein" (50:16)
Sufi anthropology
| nafs |
"self, ego" |
| qalb |
"heart" |
| ruh |
"spirit, breath" |
Religious practice: ascetic tendencies and dhikr
- purification of body, letting go of material attachments
- purification of mind, letting go of "self"
- Practice of dhikr (lit: remembrance)
repetition of God's names in chant
breathing techniquies
rhythmic bodily movements
also dancing (whirling dervishes) and listening to music (sama')