SUCCINCT INTRODUCTION TO SUFISM
Sufism is a term that has been ascribed to the spiritual aspect of Islam.
That is, a sufi is a Spiritually-concious muslim who is always yearning and moving closer to Allah through all that is Obligatory upon muslims. And much more of the Voluntary ones.
One can be a sufi, without being awared of it.
Sufism/Tasawwuf is sometimes referred to as Purity. That is, the constant Purification of the soul from all Inequities and Egotistic tendencies.
That is, the Constant Purification of the soul by Dhikr (Rememberance and Mentioning) of God.
Engaging one's self in all the Obligatory acts of Ibadah, and increasing in the Voluntary acts of Ibaadah, e.g. Naafilats, Sadaqats and all forms of Goodness.
That's why so many scholars have likened Sufism to Ihsaan/Goodness/Excellence, which is the third level of our deen
The First Level is Islaam, uphloding the five pillars of Islaam
The second is Eemaan, Believing firmly in Allah, His Prophets, Angels, Divine books, Destiny and Judgement day
The third level is Ihsaan, according to the Prophet refers to ‘Worshipping God as if you’re seeing Him. And if you see Him not, believe that he sees you Always’.
"BELIEVE THAT HE SEES YOU ALWAYS"-------TAQWA(PIETY/FEAR OF GOD)
So, a TRUE/GENUINE SUFEE is not just a Muslim, but a Mu’min and also a Muhsin, i.e. a Taqiy(Pious/ person).
May Allah perfect His Mercies on us, and facilitate for us our affairs in the right way, Ameen
