A clear exploration of authentic Sufism in Islam—its meanings, spiritual foundations, hadith references, and the distinction between true Sufism and pseudo mysticism.
Authentic vs. Pseudo Sufism
There are two types of Sufism: authentic and pseudo (theosophical) Sufism. Authentic Sufism is a direct product of Islam alone and must be understood primarily against the backdrop of the Islamic message—its teachings, principles, and spiritual framework.
This is why equating Sufism with mysticism is fundamentally incorrect. Mysticism is rooted in traditions foreign to Islam—especially Christian spirituality—while Sufism is an Islamic discipline. Calling Sufism “Islamic mysticism” does injustice to both Islam and Sufism.
Therefore, in English, it should be referred to simply as Sufism (from Tasawwuf), and its followers as Sufis (Sufiyyah).
The Essence of Authentic Sufism
Authentic Sufism centers on:
• sincerity in faith and worship
• deepening knowledge of Allah through personal spiritual experience
• purification of the lower self
• rigid introspection and spiritual struggle
• purity of intentions and actions
• trust in God
• approaching Allah through love, devotion, and voluntary ascetic practices
Sufism emphasizes both obligatory and voluntary acts of worship as pathways to divine closeness.
Two Foundational Hadiths on the Sufi Path
- Hadith of Divine Love and Nearness
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah declared:
“I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. The most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me are the obligatory deeds; then he continues drawing nearer through nawafil until I love him… When I love him, I become his hearing, sight, hand, and leg… If he asks Me, I give him; if he seeks refuge in Me, I grant it…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
- Hadith of Expectation and Remembrance
Also narrated by Abu Hurayrah:
“Allah said: ‘I am as My slave thinks of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me… If he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Understanding “Union” in Sufism
The “union” implied here is a union of will, purpose, and alignment, not a physical or divine merging. Nothing in Islam allows anthropomorphism or divinization of the human being.
This is the only union Islam recognizes—and it is the foundation of authentic Sufism.
Sufism as the Quintessence of Islam
Authentic Sufism is the highest refinement of orthodox Islam.
It represents:
• practicing Islam in its most excellent form
• reaching the final phase of spiritual development
• deepening the inner dimensions of worship
• harmonizing inner sincerity with outward submission
No spiritual elevation is valid unless based on sound doctrine (Aqidah) and adherence to Shari’ah.
For many scholars, Sufism is the interiorization of Islam.
Sufism and Islamic Orthodoxy: No Room for Conflict
Key Sufi authorities insisted that any tension between Sufism and Shari’ah is unacceptable.
Statements from Sufi Masters
• Ahmad al-Rifa’i (d. 578 AH):
“Every Sufi order that contradicts the Shari’ah is heresy.”
• Abu Yazid al-Bistami (d. 261 AH):
Miracles mean nothing if the person’s relationship to Shari’ah is corrupted.
Statements from Mainstream Scholars
• Layth b. Sa’d (d. 175 AH):
Even if someone walks on water or flies in the air, his case must be measured against Qur’an and Sunnah.
Thus, both Sufi and orthodox scholars agreed:
True spirituality never contradicts Shari’ah.
Sufism and the Journey from Islam → Iman → Ihsan
The Prophet (pbuh) described spiritual progression through three stations:
1. Islam – outward submission
2. Iman – inner faith
3. Ihsan – worshipping Allah as though you see Him
Sufism seeks to realize ihsan, making the unseen as though seen.
Shahrastani explains in Kitab al-Milal wa al-Nihal that spiritual perfection is reached when:
• outward submission (Islam)
• inner belief (Iman)
• spiritual vision (Ihsan)
unite in harmony.
For scholars like Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Ihsan—the beauty of the soul—is the ultimate goal of Sufism.
Prof. Dr. Spahic Omer
Prof. Dr. Spahic Omer Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
International Islamic University Malaysia Email: spahico@yahoo.com
