Introduction to Sufism

Sufism is the essence of Islam. It is the spirit of the religion and therefore spiritual by nature.

In following the Quran and Sunnah, Sufis follow a teacher who is authorised by his teacher to guide them to a strong faith in Allah and a solid connection to His Beloved (peace be upon him).

Sufism purifies an individual, guides them to a holistic understanding of Islam and transmits the haracteristics, qualities and virtues of an ideal Muslim.

Sufism is best understood through the Hadith of Jibril; the Hadith which summarises the entire religion.

“Take lessons from history for your future”

Sayiduna Ali

It was narrated on the authority of Sayiduna Umar

“While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah …(the concept of Suhba comes from here. The lives of the Sahaba revolved around the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). They sat and travelled with him and always strived to imitate him in word and deed in order to fulfil the Divine intent. Sufi orders are a formalisation of this. The seeker accompanies the master, imitating his way to achieve the closeness of Allah.), + there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close by the Prophet, rested his knee against his thighs, and said …(Adab. Despite travelling, the seeker came in purity, in white clothing, with neatly kept hair, sat in a respectful posture and asked. This teaches that Sufism begins at one’s youth. The seeker must be in a state of purity and conduct themselves respectfully before the master.), + “O Muhammad! …(This rare occasion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) being addressed directly by his blessed name shows that only he can ‘inform’ us of the Divine. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is the door to Allah and submission to him is the obedience of Allah.) +

"Inform me about Islam"

The Messenger of Allah said, “Islam is that you should testify… (Dhikr. This is the core of the Naqshbandi Silsila; both silent and audible individually and in a group. Sufis manifest the remembrance of Allah in all actions. Hadhrat Sufi Sahib (ra) led in many forms of Dhikr, the highest was the ‘Khafi’ or silent Dhikr. Hadhrat Sufi Sahib (ra) taught that one must inhale ‘Allah’ and exhale ‘Hu’ and in doing this one’s will lead to one’s heartbeat and breath always in remembrance of Allah.) + that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger …(The Shahada. The core of Islam, the beginning of Islam to acknowledge this fact and the ultimate purpose is the realisation of its realities), + that you should perform salah …(Prayer 5 times a day encourages Muslims to always communicate directly with Allah and in imitation of the Prophet (peace be upon him), + pay the Zakah …(2.5% of annual savings given to the needy with the intention to please Allah, ‘purify’ wealth and increase in its blessings. Giving in Allah’s way is a descriptor of a Sufi; Sufis are known for their immense generosity and care of Allah’s creation), + fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj …(For Sufis this is a rehearsal of Judgement day. As the pilgrims fulfil the rites of Hajj, they re-live key events in the of previous Prophets and end their journey at the Kaba and visiting the Prophet (peace be upon him) + to the House, if you are able to do so.”

The man said, “You have spoken truly.” …(This phrase is repeated in this hadith. It is a motivation, reminder, and the ultimate realisation of the seeker that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) speaks truthfully in guiding us to Allah) + We were astonished at his questioning him (the Messenger) and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say,

“Inform me about Iman.”

He answered, “It is that you believe in Allah …(Belief is the Tawheed (oneness of Allah) is the core of Islam and the purpose of life. Beliefs about Allah are expressed in Surah Ikhlas, “Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is the Absolute Eternal. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And there is none like unto Him.” Sufis are always mindful of Allah and His presence. and + His angels and His Books and His Messengers …(Allah communicates to Humans through His Angels, Books and Messengers. These are a constant source of guidance and reminder for Sufis who develop a personal connection with each of these.) + and in the Last Day …(The Day of Judgement. Muslims believe we shall be judged for our life. For Sufis, This is a reminder of the final destination, the union with Allah. It is also a balance of fear and hope. Fearing Allah’s displeasure and punishment while being hopeful of His pleasure and reward.), + and in Qadar … (The Holy Decree. That all good and bad is from Allah to test, increase and/or forgive us. This enhances the concept of Tawakal (trust and reliance in Allah), that everything is in Allah’s control and by His Will. And nothing can benefit or harm except by Allah’s Will.) , + both in its good and in its evil aspects.” He said, “You have spoken truly.”

Then he (the man) said,

“Inform me about Ihsaan.”

+ He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him, know that He sees you.” … +

He said, “Inform me about the Hour.” … + He (the Messenger of Allah) said, “About that, the one questioned knows no more than the questioner.” So, he said, “Well, inform me about the signs … + thereof.” He said, “They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings.” Thereupon the man went off. I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, “O Umar, do you know who that questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” … + He said, “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.”

Khidma projects of Ghamkol Sharif UK

Hadhrat Sufi Sahib’s (ra) entire life demonstrated the two things he always taught;

He initiated and oversaw many projects throughout his 52 years in the community. These Khidma projects of Ghamkol Sharif UK are established on the ethos of love, live and give.

LOVE: A firm faith with a selfless love, care and concern of Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him) and His creation.

LIVE: A life of complete submission to Allah which always strives to love and honour His Messenger (peace be upon him) and a learning and application of the blessed Shari’ah.

GIVE: This is a fundamental element of Tasawuf. To give as one received. To humble oneself and strive in the service of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). To indiscriminately work in fulfilling the needs of the creation.

Introduction to Sufism