Sufism
- pure original form of Islam
- mystical side of Islam
- the inner dimension of Islam
- apart from the one God, nothing else exists
origins
- developed in rich world near Middle East
- descendants of Muhammad
- father of Sufism: Ali ibn Abi Talib (cousin-in-law of Muhammad)
Influences
- Alexandria of Egypt
- Byzantine world
- Romas
- Buddhism & Hinduism philosophy
- Class philosophy (Aristotle, Plato)
compare to Islam
- Preach Koran but choose Heremetic way
- More strict than Islam
- believe it is possible to draw closer to God in this life (not just in afterlife)
- adds more value to spirituality void created in Islam
- developed from the weaknesses from Islam
Main qualities of a Sufi
- coherence
- perseverance
- respect
- universal empathy
- individual balance
- patience
- renouncing
- sincerity
- acceptance
- conscious humbleness
Core beliefs
-purify self to be closer to God
-understand the concept of God’s oneness
-study and learn
prefer others to himself
-dont delay in ecstatic attitude
-travel a lot
-dont accumulate material goods
importance of knowledge, music, dance, spirituality and universal love
music and dance is very important because it is a way to connect with God on a deeper level. It’s considered a way of worship. Must have knowledge and love of the universe to understand the world. Must be selfless and have a strong spiritual life to be closer to God
7 cyclic lessons
sound, light, number, letter, word, symbol, rhythm
sound
sound of God in silence, prayer and nature
light
light from God
number
1= God, 2= Adam & Eve, 7 = sins, 12 apostles
letter
language created for nomads
word
word of God to Moses
symbol
symbols of religion (climb mountain to be close to God)
rhythm
music and dance are ways of worship and make one closer to God
