Sufi philosophy - Wikipedia Sufi philosophy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Sufi philosophy includes the schools of thought unique to Sufism, a mystical branch within Islam, also termed as Tasawwuf or Faqr according to its adherents. Sufism and its philosophical traditions may be associated with both Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. It has been suggested that Sufi thought emerged from the Middle East in the eighth century, but adherents are now found around the world.[1] According to Sufism, it is a part of the Islamic teaching that deals with the purification of inner self and is the way which removes all the veils between divine and man. It was around 1000 CE that early Sufi literature, in the form of manuals, treatises, discourses and poetry, became the source of Sufi thinking and meditations. Sufi philosophy, like all other major philosophical traditions, has several sub-branches including metaphysics and cosmology as well as several unique concepts. Part of a series on Islam Sufism Ideas Abdal Al-Insān al-Kāmil Baqaa Dervish Dhawq Fakir Fanaa Haal Haqiqa Ihsan Irfan Ishq Karamat Kashf Lataif Manzil Ma'rifa Nafs Nūr Qalandar Qutb Silsila Sufi cosmology Sufi metaphysics Sufi philosophy Sufi poetry Sufi psychology Salik Tazkiah Wali Yaqeen Practices Anasheed Dhikr Haḍra Muraqabah Qawwali Sama Whirling Ziyarat Sufi orders Sunni Rifa`i Qadiri Shadhili Naqshbandi Chishti Suhrawardi Khalwati Badawi Desuqi Ba 'Alawi Tijani Darqawi Idrisi Senusi Bayrami Jelveti Maizbhandari Malamati Mouridi Sülaymaniyya Salihiyya Azeemia Shi'a Alians Bektashi Hurufi Ni'matullāhī Nuqtavi Qalandari Safavi Non-denominational Akbari Kubrawi Ashrafia Fultali Galibi Haqqani Anjuman Issawiyya Jerrahi Madari Meivazhi Mevlevi Noorbakshia Shattari Uwaisi Zahedi Zikris List of sufis Notable early Notable modern Singers Topics in Sufism Tawhid Sharia Tariqa Haqiqa Ma'rifa Art History Music Persecution Shrines  Islam portal v t e Part of a series on Islam Beliefs Oneness of God Prophets Revealed Books Angels Day of Resurrection Predestination Practices Profession of Faith Prayer Alms-giving Fasting Pilgrimage Texts Foundations Quran Sunnah (Hadith, Sirah) Aqidah (creed) Tafsir (exegesis) Fiqh (jurisprudence) Sharia (law) History Timeline Muhammad Ahl al-Bayt Sahabah Rashidun Caliphate Imamate Spread of Islam Succession to Muhammad Culture and society Academics Animals Art Calendar Children Circumcision Demographics Denominations Economics Education Exorcism Feminism Festivals Finance LGBT Madrasa Moral teachings Mosque Mysticism Philosophy Poetry Politics Proselytizing Science Slavery Social welfare Women Related topics Abrogation in Islam Apostasy in Islam Criticism of Islam Muhammad Quran Hadith Islam and other religions Islamism Islam and violence terrorism war Islamophobia Jihad Jihadism Glossary  Islam portal v t e Contents 1 History 2 Metaphysics 3 Cosmology 4 Lataif-e-sitta 5 Subtle bodies 5.1 Ruh (spirit) 5.2 Nasma 5.3 Physical body 6 Spiritual states 6.1 Hāl 6.2 Manzil 6.3 Maqaam 7 Concepts in Gnosis 7.1 Fanaa 7.2 Baqaa 7.3 Yaqeen 8 Other concepts 8.1 Haqiqa 8.2 Marifa 8.3 Ihsan 9 References 10 Further reading History[edit] The emergence of Sufi thought is commonly linked to the historical developments of the Middle East in the seventh and eighth centuries following the life of Prophet Muhammad, and its development took place throughout the centuries after that. Between the tenth and twelfth centuries, Sufism became a widely spread discipline. One influential early writer on Sufi philosophy was Al-Ghazali (1058–1111). He discussed the concept of the self and the causes of its misery and happiness. By the end of the thirteenth century, Sufism had become a well-defined science of spiritual awakening throughout the Islamic World, an "Islamic Golden Age". No important domain in the civilization of Islam remained unaffected by Sufism in this period. Several tariqahs (Sufi orders) were found. Also a class of notable Sufi philosophers, theologians and jurists such as Hankari, Ibn Arabi, Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi, led this age who trained and generated historical specimens of philosophers and geniuses now read worldwide such as Al-Ghazali, Avicenna, etc.[2] An important mark made in the history of Sufi philosophy has been made by Abdul Qadir Jilani with his jurisprudence and philosophy of Sufism that made him define the Sufi orders.[3] Jilani's adopted order was Qadiriyya and the offshoot he started later became known as Sarwari Qadiri. Several other orders were also founded in this era. Sufis were influential in spreading Islam particularly to the furthest outposts of the Muslim world in Africa, the Balkans and Caucasus, the Indian subcontinent, and East and Southeast Asia. Metaphysics[edit] Main article: Sufi metaphysics Major ideas in Sufi metaphysics have surrounded the concept of Wahdat or "Unity with God". Two main Sufi philosophies prevail on this controversial topic. Wahdat-ul-Wujood (Unity of Being) essentially states that the only truth within the universe is God, and that all things exist within God only. Wahdat-ul-Shuhud (Apparentism, or Unity of Witness), on the other hand, holds that any experience of unity between God and the created world is only in the mind of the believer and that God and his creation are entirely separate. It is the state where there is no difference between God and human being who is trying to achieve a particular state i.e. 'No One Except God'.[4] The concept of Sufi Metaphysics was first deeply discussed in written form by Ibn Arabi[5] in one of his most prolific works entitiled Fusus-al-hikam[6] where he applies deep analysis on the issue of Oneness through the metaphor of mirror. In this metaphor, al-Arabi compares an object being reflected in countless mirrors to the relationship between God and his creatures. God's essence is seen in the existent human being, as God is the object and humans being the mirrors. Meaning two things, that since humans are mere reflections of God there can be no distinction or separation between the two and without God the creatures would be non- existent. When an individual understands that there is no separation between human and God they begin on the path of ultimate oneness. This metaphysics of Sufi philosophy is also narrated in the hadith: "Whoever recognized his self, undoubtedly recognized his Rabb (Allah)".[7] Cosmology[edit] Main article: Sufi cosmology Sufi cosmology (Arabic: الكوزمولوجية الصوفية‎) is a general term for cosmological doctrines associated with the mysticism or Sufism. These may differ from place to place, order to order and time to time, but overall show the influence of several different cosmographies such as the Quran's testament concerning God and immaterial beings, the soul and the afterlife, the beginning and end of things, the seven heavens etc.; the Neoplatonic views cherished by Islamic philosophers like Ibn Sina / Avicenna and Ibn Arabi or; the Hermetic-Ptolemaic spherical geocentric world. The cosmological plan, explains creation by successive emanation of worlds, as taught by Plotinus[8] In Islamic Sufi terminology, these are also known as "Tanzalat-e-Satta" (6 steps). After Husayn ibn Ali, Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi was the one who discussed these levels in his Arabic book called Tohfa Mursala.[9] Lataif-e-sitta[edit] Main article: Lataif-e-sitta Drawing from Qur'anic verses, virtually all Sufis distinguish Lataif-as-Sitta ("the six subtleties") as: Nafs, Qalb, Sirr, Ruh, Khafi, and Akhfa. These lataif (singular: latifa) designate various psycho spiritual "organs" or, sometimes, faculties of sensory and suprasensory perception. They are thought to be parts of the self in a similar manner to the way glands and organs are part of the body.[10] Subtle bodies[edit] Ruh (spirit)[edit] Main article: Ruh Some mystics named ruh as “batin” or “the esoteric self” or “qalb”. The Sufi, mostly believes in a strong soul as it brings him close to Divine. Soul is strengthened by the spiritual training given by the perfect spiritual guide. This eventually leads to the nearness to Allah.[11] Also it is stated in hadith Qudsi that "Whoever recognizes his self, undoubtedly, recognized his Allah".[12] Hence, death is not the end but in fact it is the beginning to the eternal life which is only endowed to the soul and not to the body. Nasma[edit] Nasma is the Sufi term for the subtle or Astral Body. It is not to be confused with the Ruh (spirit) which transcends both nasma and physical form.[13] Physical body[edit] Sufism demarcates the physical body from the Nasma. According to Sufi beliefs, physical body is a reflection of spiritual body or ‘batin’ or ‘ruh’, as also stated in one of the famous hadiths of Prophet Mohammad ,”Actions are but by intentions”.[14] Spiritual states[edit] Hāl[edit] Main article: Haal A hāl (pl. aḥwāl) is a state of consciousness that arises in the course of spiritual wayfaring (sulūk), either within or outside of the formal practice of remembrance (dhikr). Among these are states of bliss (wajd), bewilderment (hayrah), and various others. The transient nature of such states is contrasted with the more abiding quality of a maqām (station), i.e. a stage along the spiritual path. Both aḥwāl and maqāmat are considered gifts from God, not experiences generated by any technique in itself. While they are auspicious signs, the sālik is exhorted not to be diverted by their charms but to remain steadfast in seeking God alone through love and knowledge.[15] Manzil[edit] Main article: Manzil A Manzil which literally means destination, is a terminology in Sufism, is a plane of consciousness. There are seven Manzils along the path to God. The Manzils are also parts of the Qur'an which help in protecting on sorcery.[16] Maqaam[edit] Main article: Maqaam A maqaam is one's spiritual station or developmental level, as distinct from one's haal, or state of consciousness. This is seen as the outcome of one's effort to transform oneself, whereas the haal is a gift.[17] Concepts in Gnosis[edit] Fanaa[edit] Main article: Fana (Sufism) Fanaa is the Sufi term for extinction. It means to annihilate the self and realize the God, while remaining physically alive.[18] Some say that persons having entered this state are said to have no existence outside of, and be in complete unity with Allah. The nature of Fanaa consists of the elimination of evil deeds and lowly attributes of the flesh. In other words, Fana is abstention from sin and the expulsion from the heart of all love other than the Divine Love;expulsion of greed, lust, desire, vanity, show, etc. In the state of Fanaa the reality of the true and only relationship asserts itself in the mind. One realizes that the only real relationship is with Allah. Baqaa[edit] Main article: Baqaa A person's baqaa, which literally means "permanency", is a term in Sufi philosophy which describes a particular state of life with God and is a manzil or abobe that comes after the station of fanaa. Inayat Khan writes in his book A Sufi message of spiritual liberty, "The ideal perfection, called Baqa by Sufis, is termed 'Najat' in Islam, 'Nirvana' in Buddhism, 'Salvation' in Christianity, and 'Mukhti' in Hinduism. This is the highest condition attainable, and all ancient prophets and sages experienced it, and taught it to the world. Baqa is the original state of God. At this state every being must arrive some day, consciously or unconsciously, before or after death. The beginning and end of all beings is the same, difference only existing during the journey.[19] Yaqeen[edit] Main article: Yaqeen Yaqeen is generally translated as "certainty", and is considered the summit of the many maqaams (stations) by which the path of walaya (sometimes translated as Sainthood) is fully completed.[20] Other concepts[edit] Haqiqa[edit] Main article: Haqiqa Haqiqa or Haqiqat is the Sufi term for the supreme Truth or absolute Reality.[21][22] Marifa[edit] Main article: Marifa Marifa (or alternatively 'marifah') literally means knowledge or recognition. According to mysticism, the truth behind creation of man and essence of all prayers is the recognition of Allah. The term is used by Sufi Muslims to describe mystical intuitive knowledge, knowledge of spiritual truth as reached through ecstatic experiences rather than revealed or rationally acquired.[23] Ihsan[edit] Main article: Ihsan Ihsan is an Arabic term meaning "perfection" or "excellence." Ihsan is the goal or aim of Sufi practices and is achieved when a seeker surrender and submit himself completely to the will of Allah.[24][25] References[edit] ^ Encyclopædia Britannica 2005 ^ Brague, Rémi (2009-04-15). The Legend of the Middle Ages. ISBN 9780226070803. ^ Biographical encyclopaedia of sufis: central asia and middle east, Vol 2. Hanif N. Sarup and Sons. (2002) ISBN 81-7625-266-2, 9788176252669. ^ tauheed pg,426.[permanent dead link] ^ Ibn al-'Arabi, Muhyi al-Din (1164–1240) ^ Chittick, William C. "Ebn al-‘ArabiMohyi-al- Din Abu ‘Abd-Allah Mohammad Ta’IHatemi." Encyclopedia Iranica (1996): Web. 3 Apr 2011. ^ "Basics of Islam". ^ "Sufi Cosmology". Kheper.net. ^ Tohfa Mursala by Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi. yanabi.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-18. ^ "Lataif-e-sitta". 2007-01-02. ^ Ruh or Soul in the light of Sufism. 2015-03-11. ISBN 9789699795183. ^ "Basics of Islam". ^ "Astral body". ^ "zahir o batin=physical and spiritual body". Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. ^ "haal". ^ Chittick, William C. (2010-03-31). Manzil. ISBN 9780791498989. ^ "Maqaam". ^ "Fana in Sufism". Britannica. ^ Khan, Hazrat Inayat (2010-12-23). A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty. ISBN 9781613100004. ^ Laliwala, J. I. (2005). stages of yaqeen. ISBN 9788176254762. ^ "Haqiqah, Aboslute Truth". 2013-03-13. ^ John Baldock, The Essence of Suffism (March 2005). Haqiqah. ISBN 9781848584075. ^ The Concept of Marifat. 2015-03-11. ISBN 9789699795183. ^ M.Fethullah Gulen, Key Concepts in the Practice of Suffism (2014-04-19). Ihsan. ISBN 9781597846448. ^ William C.Chittick, Sufism:A Beginner’s Guide (October 2007). ihsan. ISBN 9781780740522. Further reading[edit] Frager, Robert, Essential Sufism Frager, Robert (1999). Heart, Self and Soul. Quest Books. pp. 54–88. ISBN 0-8356-0778-X. An imprint of the Theosophical Publishing House. Shah, Idries (2001). The Sufis. London, UK: Octagon Press. pp. 394–395. ISBN 0-86304-020-9. Schimmel, Annemarie (2013). Mystical Dimension of Islam. Noura Books. ISBN 978-979-433-797-4. Rahimi, Sadeq (2007). Intimate Exteriority: Sufi Space as Sanctuary for Injured Subjectivities in Turkey., Journal of Religion and Health, Vol. 46, No. 3, September 2007; pp. 409–422 Chopra, R.M., "SUFISM" (Origin, Growth, Eclipse, Resurgence), 2016, Anuradha Prakashan, New Delhi. ISBN 978-93-85083-52-5. Haque, Amber (2004), "Psychology from Islamic Perspective: Contributions of Early Muslim Scholars and Challenges to Contemporary Muslim Psychologists", Journal of Religion and Health, 43 (4): 357–377, doi:10.1007/s10943-004-4302-z, S2CID 38740431 Historical dictionary of Sufism By John Renard Sadia Dehlvi (December 2013). Sufism: Heart of Islam. HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 978-93-5029-448-2. v t e Philosophy Branches Traditional Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Ethics Aesthetics Philosophy of... 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