What Is Sufism?

Definition of Sufism is, paradoxically, easy and hard to understand at the same time. One of the most important aspects of Sufi character is being pure at heart and straightforward in mind and action. For those who already have this outlook in life, Sufism is something readily apprehensible. On the other hand, the ones whose thoughts are more rampant than their feelings, may find almost every definition unintelligible, or even meaningless.

However, defining Sufism academically, which obviously robs it of its naive charm and somewhat divine authenticity, is not impossible at all. The definition I have found helpful in this regard is this:

Sufism, or Islamic Mysticism, is a subjective attitude of life which puts more emphasis on the chastisement and purification of the inner self, or the Soul, than the doctrinated religious practises and rituals, whatsoever.

This definition may also help us in figuring out the meaning of sufi. The sufi is a man or woman who believes in the Final Testament brought by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him), the Messenger of Islam, and tries to adopt his or her life to the Islamic commandments from within rather than from without.

The Newest and the Oldest Proof of God

We generally believe in evolution. We generally believe in improvability of our beliefs. Man evolved. Man evolved in the world, in the universe. The world, the universe we know, is void of principle if we look at them through the eye of an animal. A mouse is just a mouse to a cat. An entity. Another mouse is another mouse to it; another entity. Particularity! Every mouse is a particular one. No generalisation! No idea! No name! The cat is just following the dictates of instinct!

Particularity! It is a particular world we are supposed to have evolved in; no generalisation, no principle, no idea, no concept, no name present in the sense a mouse, or a cat, or the world is present. No materialisation of ideas! No embodiment of concepts!

How did Man come to generalise? How did he generalise the generalisation? How did he find the principle of the principle? How the hell did he transcend the tangible to catch at the intangible? Did somebody from the forth dimension teach him?

Does the below excerpt from Qur'an answer the question satisfactorily?

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."

And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."

They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge we have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom."

He said: "O Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them their names, God said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?"

THE HEIFER (#2)
(Verses 30-33)
Qur'an

9/11 in Qur'an

In chapter 9 of Qur'an, in verse 110, which happens to be in the 11th division, Allah says:

"The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. And God is All-Knowing, Wise."

Some say that number of words in this chapter is exactly 2001.  The importance of number 110 is evident as everyone knows that World Trade Center had 110 storeys.

To get a fuller sense of what Koran wants to say, I think it necessary to view this verse in context. So, here it is...

009.106 There are (yet) others, held in suspense for the command of God, whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and God is All-Knowing, Wise.

009.107 And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity - to disunite the Believers - and in preparation for one who warred against God and His Apostle aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; But God doth declare that they are certainly liars.

009.108 Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and God loveth those who make themselves pure.

009.109 Which then is best? - he that layeth his foundation on piety to God and His good pleasure? - or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? and it doth crumble to pieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And God guideth not people that do wrong.

009.110 The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. And God is All-Knowing, Wise.

009.111 God hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than God? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.

009.112 Those that turn (to God) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of God,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by God;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.