Sufism or Sufi Philosophy: An Islamic Spiritual Philosophy

There are multiple views regarding the origin of Sufism. Generally, it is said that the term ‘Sufi’ comes from ‘Suf’, which refers to wool or garments made of goat or sheep’s wool. Some say it originates from the word ‘Safi’, meaning purifier. Others believe the word 'Sufi' is derived from the Arabic word ‘Safa’, meaning purity. Essentially, Sufis dedicate themselves to cleansing the impurities of the heart.

Sufism (also called Sufi philosophy) is an Islamic spiritual philosophy. Its central theme is the soul. The essence of this philosophy is to establish a relationship with Allah through purification of the soul. The eternal human desire to know the Supreme Being, Allah, drives this effort. The spiritual effort to understand the relationship between the Creator and the creation through meditation and knowledge is called Sufi philosophy. According to Hazrat Imam Ghazali (RA), “Sufism is to purify the soul from all evil, to be constantly engaged in the worship of Allah, and to be fully immersed in Him.” Through spiritual purification, one can attain Fana Fillah (annihilation in Allah), and through that, Baqa Billah (eternal subsistence with Allah). Since Allah is formless, love for a formless power is the only way to attain Fana (annihilation). Through love, one dissolves their own existence and becomes one with Allah’s existence — a state Mansur Hallaj (RA) referred to as Fana Fillah.

Sufism is the ideology that does not support religious formalities but rather uses heartfelt realization as a measure. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (RA) described Sufism as "the realization of one's own ignorance." This ignorance refers to the vastness of the knowledge of Allah and the inability to fully comprehend Him. The path to knowing and understanding Allah is through devotion and love — and that love is what Sufism truly is. The practitioners of this love are called Sufi saints.

Some believe that Sufism originated through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. The reasoning is that before his Prophethood, he used to meditate in the cave of Hira, about 5 km from the Holy Kaaba. It was here that the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an, the word “Iqra”, was revealed. According to one view, Hazrat Hasan al-Basri (RA) is regarded as the first Sufi.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught his companions four sciences — Shariah, Tariqah, Haqiqah, and Ma'rifah. Through Muraqaba (meditation), the darkness of the heart is removed and the heart is enlightened. The practice of Muraqaba involves being absorbed in the remembrance of Allah after each prayer and during the last third of the night (a time of divine mercy), sincerely repenting for life’s mistakes and wrongdoings. Through prolonged practice, the inner eye opens — and with that eye, a believer experiences the ascension of prayer (mi'raj).

Muraqaba is a nafl (voluntary) act of worship — one of the best means to attain nearness to Allah. It was practiced by the Prophet’s companions before formal worship like prayer, fasting, Hajj, and Zakat were prescribed.

Another view is that the origin of the term ‘Sufi’ comes from the Ashab-e-Suffah (People of the Bench) — companions of the Prophet who lived in a shaded platform in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. The Prophet (PBUH) arranged a space for meditation and Muraqaba there. Those who came for Hajj or Umrah would recite the Qur’an, offer voluntary prayers, meditate, and recite Durood and Milad Sharif. These people lived a life of renunciation, wearing woolen cloaks and garments. They did not engage in trade or farming, nor did they live with their families. Regardless of whether they were from Mecca or Medina, those who were wholly devoted to Allah and His Messenger lived under this shelter. A few might gather wood, sell it, and provide bread for the rest — but all stayed under that shelter, in the servitude of the Prophet. Day and night, heat and storm, they endured it all for devotion. They had no extra clothing or belongings. Sometimes they would collapse from exhaustion, yet still, they would spend the night in prayer. The Prophet (PBUH), in his mercy, would not eat, sit, or rise without them. These Ashab-e-Suffah were so immersed in Qur’anic recitation and spiritual practice that many people were drawn to Islam by witnessing their piety and renunciation.

So, those who truly practiced this way are Sufis. In fact, anyone who fully follows Islamic teachings is, in essence, a Sufi.

When reading or hearing about Sufism, the first question that arises is: Who is a Sufi?

In short — anyone who believes in Sufism is a Sufi. But is mere belief enough to be a Sufi?

Certainly not. A true Sufi is one who not only believes in Sufism but also purifies their soul through spiritual practice and unites with the Supreme Beloved. According to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), a Sufi is someone who purifies the heart with the light of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and Ma'rifah (spiritual knowledge). Everything they do is solely for the pleasure of Allah. A true Sufi doesn’t even think about their own will — they only know that they want Allah and nothing else.