​Sufism is a spiritual practice of purifying the lower self from the corrupting influences of the world and connecting with the infinite God. It is believed that such a connection, known as 'fana', can only be made at the end stages of spiritual development, when the seeker loses all sense of self and experiences a deep awareness of God's presence.

If you are curious about Sufism and would like to explore it further, then continue reading…

In the west, when we think of Sufism, we typically think of the Whirling Dervishes. Though there is much more to the Sufi practice than dancing meditatively in a joyful trance! 

A Sufi can be described as a mystic who worships Allah. This is a highly regarded avocation. It is said that the Sufi religion has its roots in ancient India and is a manifestation of the ancient wisdom of the prophet Muhammad. There are also various branches of Sufism, including those that teach meditation, healing, and spiritual awakening. 

​Among the main characteristics of a Sufi is its emphasis on contemplation. While some choose to live withdrawn from society, many seek to satisfy their spiritual journey through altruism and social justice. They avoid violence and claim to be responsible citizens. This means they reject a purely materialistic lifestyle. A Sufi (practitioner of Sufism) believes in service to humanity and seeks to transform society. 

Sufism often involves a more rigorous and spiritual approach to the classical texts. This way is largely suitable for those seeking to study ancient texts and interpret their wisdom thru deep contemplation and long mediation. Because of this, Sufism can seem challenging for people who are not familiar with the Islamic culture and tradition. 

Although there are many forms of Sufism, there are some key similarities. This includes the fact that a Sufi has a history that spans centuries. In addition, the practice is a practical pursuit of mysticism. This openness to a variety of practices and beliefs has drawn many people into its fold. What makes Sufism different from other religions? In particular, it is a form of Islam that is disassociated from fundamentalism or fanaticism.

The Arabic word 'Tasawwuf', which means being or becoming a Sufi, is typically translated as Sufism. Western authors often refer to Sufism as Islamic mysticism.

Both proponents and critics of Sufism have used the Arabic term 'Sufi' in Islamic literature. Classical Sufi texts that stressed certain teachings, practices and teachings of the Quran (practices and teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad) gave definitions for Tasawwuf which described spiritual and ethical goals and served as tools to help them achieve their spiritual goals.

All Muslims believe that they are on the path to meet with Allah, and that after their death and the last judement, they will be able to meet God in Paradise. However, Sufis believe it is possible to get closer to God and more fully experience the divine presence in this world itself. All Sufis seek to please God by restoring the primordial state called, 'Fitra', within themselves.

Opposition to Sufi teachers and orders from more literalist and legalist strains of Islam has existed in various forms throughout Islamic history.

While Sufi orders were historically important for the expansion of Islam, they are also important today. Sufi orders were among the few indigenous social organizations that were tolerated during colonial rule in sub-Saharan Africa. This allowed them to play a critical role in developing the faith and the expansion of Islam in the region. The enduring influence of Sufism in the modern era cannot be overstated.

Abu-Muhammad Muslih al-Din al-Din Bin Abdallah Shirazi is better known by his pen-name Sa'di (also written as Saadi or Sadi). He was one of the most important Persian poets during the medieval period. Not only is he well-known in Persian-speaking nations, but he has often been quoted by many western sources.

Sadi was a deep observer of the absurdity and futility of human existence. Saadi is also known as a panegyrist as well as lyricist. He was the author of many odes that portray human experience and some odes, such as the lament about the fall of Baghdad following the Mongol invasion of 1258. Ghazaliyat ("Lyrics") contains his lyrics, while Qasaid ("Odes") has his odes. His works in Arabic are also well-known.

Bustan ("The Orchard") was completed in 1257, and Gulistan ("The Rose Garden") was completed in 1258. Bustan is entirely written in verse. It contains stories that illustrate the virtues of Islam (justice and liberality, modesty and contentment), as well as reflections about the behavior of dervishes, and their ecstatic ways. Gulistan is mostly in prose, and includes stories and personal anecdotes. There are a number of poems, advice and funny reflections in the text. His writings are of high quality and his moral and social thoughts are well-known.

The Persian poet Sadi, best known for his poetic collections the Bustan and Gulistan, also wrote this work, the Pand Namah, or Scrolls of Wisdom. This is a small collection of twenty-four poems on moral themes.

Sadi was born in Shiraz, Iran to a family of religious scholars. Later he left Shiraz to enroll in a prestigious university in Baghdad, where he studied Islamic sciences, law, governance, history, Persian literature, and Islamic theology.

After the Mongol invasions of Baghdad, he was forced to live in isolated areas and met many caravans fearing for their lives on once-lively silk trade routes. Sadi lived in reclusive refugee camps where he met thugs and bandits, Imams (priests), men who formerly owned great wealth or commanded large armies, intellectuals as well as ordinary people.

It was probably such experiences of meeting men from various walks of life... who had it all and then lost it all... of men who were once powerful but now fearful for their survival and so on, that had a deep profound impact on his creative-works.

Sadi distinguished between the spiritual and the practical or mundane aspects of life. Sadi's creations are not just artistically flavorful but are also inspirational in their own way. They show us glimpses into a person who has observed the inner workings of the universe in his own heart and as such seems to be reminiscent of another wonderful Persian poet- Rumi.

Together with Rumi and Hafez, Sadi is considered one of the three greatest ghazal (long love poems)-writers of Persian poetry.

Here we present three of his poems from the famous collection- Scroll of Wisdom. Hopefully they will inspire you to mull and contemplate on the depth and profoundness of Sadi's words and thru them get a glimpse into the divine- which is ultimately the power that propels every true artistic creation!

Categories:
Ancient Wisdom   and    Mystic Islam ​

Keywords and Tags:
#saadi #sadi #PersianPoet #sufism #sufi #mysticislam #Rumi #dervish #whirlingdervish #Islamicmysticism #mystics #islamicasceticism #asceticislam #ScrollofWisdom​

Rumi Words of Wisdom
​101 Quotations Curated and Compiled To Instantly Expand Your Mind And Exhilarate Your Senses​​

This book is a curated and compiled collection of 101 of Rumi's most profound quotations. Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi was a 13th. century Persian poet, theologian and a Sufi mystic. The influence of Rumi’s work transcends borders, religions and beliefs!

Each of the following quotation is not merely a statement, but ‘jewels of wisdom’. They convey Rumi’s understanding of the innate workings of life, nature and our very existence.

​Rumi’s words have the profound ability to expand our mind and senses, so we can gain insightful understanding of our true essential nature of existence; our conscious reality and beyond.

We hope that you will utilize this book to not only to catch a glimpse into Rumi's mind, but also as a tool to gain new insights and expand your own consciousness.

​#sufism #sufi #mysticislam #Rumi #dervish #whirlingdervish #Islamicmysticism #mystics #islamicasceticism #asceticislam #rumipoetry

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi was a 13th. century Persian poet, theologian and a Sufi mystic. Rumi's works are written mostly in Persian, though occasionally he also used Turkish, Arabic, and Greek words.

​Rumi was originally from the Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan. When the Mongols invaded Central Asia, Rumi along with his family and a group of disciples, set out westwards.

It is believed that during his migration to Persia (modern day Iran), Rumi encountered one of the most famous and mystic Persian poets, Attar, who recognized Rumi's spiritual eminence.

​It is then that Attar gave the young Rumi his Asrārnāma, a book about the entanglement of the soul in the material world. This meeting had a deep impact on the eighteen-year-old Rumi and later became the inspiration for his works.
 
A few years later, when Rumi met the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi; it completely transformed his life. From an accomplished teacher and jurist, Rumi became an ascetic.

​In fact, I have curated some of Rumi’s most cherished quotations in my book-
Rumi Words of Wisdom: 101 Quotations Curated and Compiled To Instantly Expand Your Mind And Exhilarate Your Senses

This book is available in digital and print editions. So, be sure to check it out on Amazon…

​#sufism #sufi #mysticislam #Rumi #dervish #whirlingdervish #Islamicmysticism #mystics #islamicasceticism #asceticislam #rumipoetry

Sufism is considered as the mystic form of Islam which considers “the inner dimension” as a way of understanding, obtaining and ultimately merging with the Divine!

​The Arabic word “Tasawwuf” which can literally be translated as ‘being or becoming a Sufi’, is generally translated as Sufism. Sufism is commonly defined by Western authors as Islamic mysticism.

Historically, Sufis have belonged to different ‘orders’- which are basically congregations that were formed around different Grand Master- who are called as Wali. Wali trace their lineage in a direct chain of successive teachers all the way to the original Islamic prophet Muhammad.

​Sufis have been characterized by their asceticism, especially by their attachment to dhikr, the practice of remembrance of God, often performed after prayers.

Sufi orders have declined quite a bit in the modern era. There have been many criticisms of certain aspects of Sufism by modern thinkers as well as conservative Salafists. Despite this, Sufism continues to play an important role in the mystic world of Islam. 

Sufism has and continues to influence several thinkers and spiritual seekers in the east and the west.  

Rumi is probably one of the most well-known Sufi Poets! His poetry as well as his aphorisms and quotes have been translated in many languages and cherished by people all over the world.

In fact, I have curated some of Rumi’s most cherished quotations in my book-
Rumi Words of Wisdom: 101 Quotations Curated and Compiled To Instantly Expand Your Mind And Exhilarate Your Senses

This book is available in digital and print editions. So, be sure to check it out on Amazon…

​#sufism #sufi #mysticislam #Rumi #dervish #whirlingdervish #Islamicmysticism #mystics #islamicasceticism #asceticislam #rumipoetry