Islam Final - Sufism & Mysticism

Mysticism

Mystics desire closeness to God. Annihilation of the self. What comes in between me and God?

A spectrum that ranges from the mild end (sober theism), to the extreme end (pantheism)

Sober Theism

The mild end of mysticism. Purification of the self in order to become the perfect servant to God.

Distinction between creator and created.

Ecstatic Mysticism

Temporary state of intense unity with God. So much isolation of the self that only God remains.

Still, there remains a distinction between creator and created.

Pantheism

Ibn Arabi - Wahdat Al-Wajuud.

No distinction between creator and created.

EVERYTHING is God

Sufism vs. Mysticism

Sufism is ultimately about purifying the self to have a closer relationship with God.

Sufism develops internal ways to practice Islam that go beyond praying, fasting, etc which are external forms of warship.

Sufism embraces mystical elements like an experiential connection to God, but it is still grounded in the Qu'ran, Hadith, and Sharia.

While some Sufis are mystics, not all Sufi orders are mystical.

Rabi'a Al-Adawiyya & Asceticism

Foundational figure in Sufism. Spearheaded ASCETICISM - a lifestyle void of material pleasures to achieve spiritual growth to be closer to God.

Al-Junayd

Influential Sufi Mystic. "Master of the Sufis". Emphasized a more sober approach to mysticism that sought to balance spiritual ecstasy and adherence to Islamic Law (Sharia)

Al-Muhasibi

A sufi scholar who focused on ideas of introspection in order to purify the soul and remove the "self" bias.

Laid the groundwork for Sufi practices that focus on spiritual discipline and self-reflection.