What is Sufism?
What is Sufism?
Sufism is the spiritual dimension of the Islamic tradition as outlined in the Hadith of Gabriel (see below). While Islam represents orthopraxy, and Iman represents orthodoxy, Ihsan represents gnosis that results from both sound belief and conduct.
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A special feature of the Islamic tradition is its plurality within both its orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
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There are over 80 schools of law, two schools of theology and hundreds if not thousands of Sufi Orders.
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There is a popular saying that the number of paths is like the number of people
The Hadith of Jibrīl (Gabriel)
Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him.
He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: “O Muhammed, tell me about Islam”.
The Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.”
He said: “You have spoken rightly”, and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about iman.” He said: “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”.
He said: ” Then tell me about ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”.
He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.”
He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsmen competing in constructing lofty buildings.”
Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time.
Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best”. He said: “He was Jibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion.”
It was related by Muslim
Source: An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith – An Anthology of the Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Translated by E. Ibrahim and D. Johnson-Davies (1976)
Four critical aspects of our tradition outlined by the Prophet ﷺ in this Hadith
Orthopraxy
The ‘islam’ in Gabriel’s question
Spiritual Excellence
The ‘ihsān’ in Gabriel’s question
Orthodoxy
The ‘iman’ in Gabriel’s question
Eschatology
The ‘signs of the Final Hour’
in Gabriel’s question
These four aspects collectively make up the tradition of Islam. Each represents a critical aspect of how faith is expressed, embodied, and practiced.
For more on a background of Sufism, you can watch this 7 part series on our YouTube channel