Post 10 - Sufism

Sufi mystics and eastern mystics have a lot of similarities in both their philosophy and their practices. Both types of mystics are focused on spirituality and the inner self instead of the outside world. Sufis are particularly interested in their inner character in relation to God and Islam. Sufism also bears a resemblance to the ascetic lives of eastern mystics. Sufis eschew worldly things like wealth, prestige, finery to focus on the worship of Allah alone. Another practice of Sufism that is similar to eastern mystics is the use of teachers or Tariqas. Sufis believe it is imperative to learn Islamic Knowledge from teachers and not just the book alone.  Eastern mysticism relies on Gurus, or teachers, to show adherents the path to moksha. While Sufism doesn’t have the same value incentives as eastern mysticism, the focus on spirituality, the inner self, an ascetic life and the use of teachers bears a very strong semblance to eastern mysticism. It would appear on the outside that Sufis also seek an altered state of consciousness, much like an eastern mystic trance state, when the love of God is described as being inwardly drunk. I would attribute this drunkenness to being overfilled and overwhelmed into an altered state of consciousness.

After years of religious learning and experiences, Karen Armstrong was most drawn to Islam and Sufism for the plurality of the religion. Islam, and Sufism, recognizes the older prophets of history such as Abraham, Moses and even Jesus. Other religions that share a similar mythology are not looked down upon because it is believed that they are worshipping the same God. According to Karen Armstrong, Islam believes that all rightly guided religions come from the same god. Another thing I did not know about Islam is that Mohammad didn’t found a new religion; instead he was simply a prophet for the Arabic people because they were not yet part of the divine plan. This idea would mean that all Abrahamic religions are essentially one, despite the varied beliefs and practices and this is what truly draws Armstrong to Islam, she is looking for an accepting and pluralistic approach to god. It is hard for me to agree with Armstrong simply based off the history and current culture of Islam. To me, it does not seem to be a very accepting or pluralistic religion from what the media portrays and Islam does declare itself to be the only correct faith. To me, Hinduism is a more pluralistic religion than Islam. However, the current cultural and social attributes of Islam may not be the true Islam that was meant to be. I understand that while there are only 2 main branches of Islam, 3 if one counts Sufism, there are yet more sects and groups of Islam that teach different things. Sufism itself is more focused on the spiritual nature of Islam than on the worldly laws and rituals that most people are consumed with.