"Coarse wool," named for the simple garments worn by
the mystics as a sign of their rejection of materialism.
Based on Mystical elements found in the Qur'an
Including Muhammad's own closeness to God, his journey to Heaven, etc.
Sufism Originated as a reaction to certain features of Orthodox Islam
Such as...
...Orthodox Legalism
Because the Sufis regarded the mere observance of religious law as a matter of outer conformity, they encouraged a desire for inner, personal experience of the Divine, through meditation (dhikr: remembrance) and other means.
"Tariqa" the inner way of meditation, contrasted with "Shari'ah" the outer path.
Observance of "outer" Muslim law is only a first step, helping to sever the attachment to earthly things.
This leads to a negation of the self and a passing away ("fana") into God.
Some Sufis were inspired to open violation of the law, in order to indicate that they had transcended it.
...Worldliness of the Umayyad and Abbaasid Caliphates.
Encouraged the rejection of wealth and class distinctions.
Based themselves on the simpler lives led by Muhammad and the first Caliphs
Model of poor wandering Dervishes, Faqirs.
...Intellectualism of Theologians
Proclaimed the importance of intuitive mystical experience of God (Ma'rifa).
Perception that mystical experience is indescribable by human language leads to use of paradoxes and riddles, dancing, etc.
Evolution of Sufi Ideas
Early Sufis emphasized the awesome fear of God and ascetic self denial.
Centrality of love of God (mahabbah) introduced by Rabi`a (8th century).
Allegorical and symbolic interpretation of the Qur'an.
Often absorbed mystical elements from other cultures and religions.
Sufis often found themselves in conflict with the orthodox leadership.
Tendency to erase separation between the mystic and God, leads to blasphemous
conclusions.
Examples:
Abu Yazid (d. 875): "Glory to Me! How great is My Majesty!"
Mansur al-Hallaj: "I am the Truth!" (executed in 922).
Al-Ghazzali (1058-1111):
Formulated a more moderate, orthodox brand of mysticism based on theological foundation.
Supported orthodox observance of law, but gave it deeper interpretation.
Turned Sufism into a more popular movement, representing a broader range of social classes.
Whirling Dervishes in Turkey
Development of different mystical brotherhoods (tariqas).
Structure developed by Al-Ghazali.
Shaykh--Spiritual master, led each brotherhood. Each Shaykh had a distinctive path (tariqa).
Faqirs--Disciples, lived with Shaykh and practiced the path communally.
Mystical practices included:
chanting of divine phrases
breath control
communal recitations
ecstatic dancing
Prominent Sufi Brotherhoods included:
Mawlawiya ("Whirling Dervishes"):
Founded by poet Jalal al-Din al-Rumi (Afghanistan, Anatolia; d. 1273), noted for distinctive ecstatic dances
Ibn 'Arabi (Spain, 1165-1240):
Focused on themes of unity of being, and love.
Taught that all creation emanated from God's mind.
