The Origins of Sufi Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Origins of Sufi Islam - Essay Example Asceticism and Remembrance to Allah "Dhikr" used to be the specific affection for Sufis in the initial phase of Sufism, and this was the initiation of innovated performs to support the spiritual exercises. However, during the primary stage earlier to the association with innovated customs and controlled commands, intellectuals alarmed general public about the intense nature of Sufism. 2This innovated development originated from Iraq (Basra) and the great religious scholars like Imam Malik, Imam Shafi and Ahmed bin Hanbal didn't gave positive remarks for it. They were of the opinion that such extreme rituals are impracticable. This was a beginning in the direction of extreme prayers, which may destined towards distortion, as it was not established on a valid set of guidelines provided by religion. Instead it was based on embellished sensation of human beings. This movement was actually a reaction of sanctimonious and practical Muslims in opposition to the worldly behavior of Muslims d uring 661-50 AD, the era of Ummayyads.3 It was during 5th and 6th century AH when this frenzied situation was subjugated by the Sufis and attracted people to proceed along their practices, claiming the control of "Walis" and "Sheikhs" and their doctrines as a resolve to that disorder. During the ruling period of Khalifa Mamoon an institution by the name of "Dar-ul-Hikma" was set up to provoke Greek, Roman and Muslim scholars to come together and share their point of views. This provision was an absolute focus in terms of combination linking mysticism of Islam with pagans for creating the type of Sufism presented by Ibn-e-Arabi.4 The Integration and Distortion When the attendants and descendants of them passed away, the field of Sufism left unattended and went against the doctrines of Islam. Opponents of Islam had gone entrenched into Muslim community and were already creating "Fitnahs" by means of multiplying fictitious Ahadith and other commands which afterward resulted into the creation of factions like "Mutazilah", and "Khawaarij". This was the period when Sufism flourished and acquired sustains from sovereigns of empires. These rulers actually diverged of Islamic teachings to such a degree that they started magical tricks as amusement in their courts, albeit those magical tricks are not allowed in Islam.5The essence of Shiites began to include in Sufism during this era, though modern Sufism traces its extraction back to Shiites genesis. It was era of Imam Ghazali, Jalal uddin Rumi and Mohiuddin Ibn-e-Arabi when philosophy and beliefs of Sufism prospered. During 3rd century they converted works of Greek thinking into Arabic which later proved to be ineradicable for Sufism, ensuing in Greek pantheism turn out to be a fundamental element of Sufism. During this period the orthodox practices of Oslam were almost overlooked and Sufism began to follow pagan activities like worship of the Saints, grasping venerance for the Walis and utilizing magical tricks. They forgot teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).If we deeply study the spiritual principles of different religions like Hinduism, Taoism and Christianity we can clearly observe