What is Sufism?
When asked about Sufism, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Qassab–the master of Junayd–said, “Sufism consists of noble behavior (akhlaq karima) that is made manifest at a noble time on the part of a noble person in the presence of a noble people.” When he was asked about Sufism, Junayd said, “Sufism is that you should be with God–without any attachment.” With regard to Sufism, Ruwaym ibn Ahmad said, “Sufism consists of abandoning oneself to God in accordance with what God wills.” On one occasion when he was asked about Sufism, Samnun said, “Sufism is that you should not possess anything nor should anything possess you.” Concerning Sufism, Abu Muhammad al-Jariri said, “Sufism consists of entering every exalted quality (khulq) and leaving behind every despicable quality.” When he was asked about Sufism, ‘Amr ibn ‘Uthman al-Makki said, “Sufism is that at each moment the servant should be in accord with what is most appropriate (awla) at that moment.” Regarding Sufism, ‘Ali ibn ‘Abd al-Rahim al-Qann
“When I come to Love, I am ashamed of all that I have ever said about Love.” — Rumi The substance and meaning of Sufism The substance of Sufism is the Truth and the meaning of Sufism is the selfless experiencing and actualization of the Truth. The practice of Sufism The practice of Sufism is the intention to go towards the Truth, by means of love and devotion. This is called the tariqat, the spiritual path or way towards God. The definition of the Sufi The sufi is one who is a lover of Truth, who by means of love and devotion moves towards the Truth, towards the perfection which all are truly seeking. As necessitated by love’s jealousy, the sufi is taken away from all except the Truth.
