THE
ELEMENTS
OF SUFISM
(Excerpts Only)
By:
Shaykh
Fadhlalla Haeri
Chapter
1
Definitions
of Sufism
The
term Sufism, which has become over the ages very popularly used, and
often with a wide range of meanings, originates from three Arabic
letters sa, wa and fa. There have been many opinions on the reason
for its origin from sa wa fa. According to some the word is derived
from safa which means purity. According to another opinion it is
derived from the Arabic verb safwe which means those who are
selected. This meaning is quoted frequently in Sufi literature. Some
think that the word is derived from the word saf which means line or
row, implying those early Muslims who stood in the first row in
prayer or supplication or holy war. Yet others believe that it is
derived from suffa which was a low verandah made of clay and
slightly elevated off the ground outside the Prophet Muhammad's
mosque in Medina, where the poor and good-hearted people who
followed him often sat. Some assume that the origin of the word
Sufism is from suf which means wool, which implies that the people
who were interested in inner knowledges cared less about about their
outer appearances and often took to wearing one simple garment all
the year round which was made of wool.
Whatever its origin, the term Sufism has come to mean those who are
interested in inner knowledge, those who are interested in finding a
way or practice towards inner awakening and enlightenment.
It is important to note that this term was hardly ever used in the
first two centuries of Islam. Many critics of the Sufis, or the
enemies, remind us that this term was never heard of during the
lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, or of the people who came after
him, or of the people who came after them.
However, during the second and third centuries following the advent
of Islam in 622 some people began to call themselves Sufis, or to
use other similar terms related to Sufism which meant that they were
following the path of self-purification, the purification of the
'heart', and the improvement of the quality of their character and
behavior in order to reach the station of those who worship God as
if they see Him, knowing that although they do not see Him, He sees
them. This is what the term Sufism came to mean throughout the ages
within the Islamic context.
...
Sufism is a science by means of which you learn how to behave in
order to be in the presence of the ever-present Lord through
purifying your inner being and sweetening it with good actions. The
path of Sufism begins as a science, its middle is actions and its
end is divine gifts.
Shaykh as-Suyuti said, 'The Sufi is the one who persists in
purity with God, and good character with creation.'
From many of the recorded sayings and writings on Sufism such as
these, it can be concluded that the basis of Sufism is the
purification of the 'heart' and safeguarding it from any affliction,
and that its end product is the correct and harmonious relationship
between man and his Creator. ...
...
It is erroneous to imagine that a Sufi can end up with the fruits of
Sufism, which are inner light, certainty and knowledge of Allah,
without having maintained an outer protective shell which is based
upon adherence to the requirements of the outer laws. This correct
outer behavior -- physical behavior -- is based on making
supplications and doing the prayers and all the other ritual acts of
worship established by the Prophet Muhammad in order to achieve
watchfulness of the 'heart', with its accompanying moods and states.
Then one can progress on the purification ladder from one's base
intentions towards higher aspirations, from the awareness of greed
and pride towards humility and noble contentment. This inner work
needs to be continued in a well-contained and maintained outer
situation.
