Talk:Mevlevi
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Islamic Mysticism
Introduction Ever religious belief has its mystical side to it. For the Islamic faith, that mystical side is Sufism. The word Sufi is derived from the Arabic work soof, meaning wool. This is because of the Sufi habit of wearing woolen coats, a designation of their initiation into the Sufi order. The early Sufi orders considered the wearing of this coat as an imitation of Isa bin Maryam (Jesus). Sufi’s, see themselves to be on a spiritual journey towards God (tariqah). Though Sufi’s are Muslims, they have a different perspective to the closeness of God then that of regular Muslim. Muslims believe that they are on a pathway to God and will become close to God in paradise after the death and final Judgment, Sufi’s believe that one can come just as close to God during life. Sufism is defined as a noble behavior, abandoning oneself to God, and being in constant union. From these definitions it becomes apparent that Sufism is a way of life rather then just a religious sect of Islam.
Relationship with God To a Sufi, the point of life is to attain closeness to God. Sufi’s believe that the mere observance of religious law (shari’ah) is the minimum, outer limits, which can be done to experience God. They believe that all Muslims should be encouraged to desire inner, personal experience of the divine (use of meditation, and other means). However, when trying to experience an inner relationship with God one must first overcome their Naf (human ego that causes struggle). To do so certain things must be done: · Control oneself from acting out one’s anger or gratifying addictions · Negate the sense that one cannot escape one’s depression · Give up imagining that God is absent · One must unconditionally embrace the presence of God (taslim) The struggle with ones Naf has been called al-jihad al-akbar (or the greater struggle). The only way to truly experience an inner relationship with God, as a Sufi, is to overcome ones Naf. However, if the Naf cannot be overcome then we may be overwhelmed by the need to gratify desires such as anger, lust, and many addictions that afflict us. When the Naf has been overcome one may have an experience in which they become drawn to the presence of God, known as jadhbah (attraction).
Rituals One of the Sufi rituals, most likely the most important, is that of dance (e.g. dance of peace). Groups of Sufi’s have committed themselves to dance as a form of worship. This group is known as the “Whirling Dervishes”. The Dervishes, mainly found in Turkey, belong to The Mevlevi Order, which was founded by Jalâluddîn Rumi 7 centuries ago.
Sufi Ideas: · Early Sufi’s emphasized the awesome fear of God and ascetic self denial · Centrality of love of God (mahabbah) · Allegorical and symbolic interpretation of the Qur’an · Absorb mystical elements from other cultures and religions
