The Islamic Faith Sufism Essay - 1350 Words

Islam, as a religion, is divided into two different sects, Sunni and Shii. These divisions have their own separate values and rituals that create an unconquerable schism between them. The gap, however, is somewhat bridged by a twist on the Islamic faith known as Sufism. The mystic ways of the Sufi society make it very appealing to both Sunnis and Shiites, not to mention the newcomers to the Islamic faith. Sufism uses the quality of unification and the quality of appeal to make it one of the strongest aspects of Islam. Sufism was founded on the belief that Muslims could obtain a one-on-one; relationship with God through mystical practices. Mysticism is defined as a particular method of approach to Reality making use of intuitive and†¦show more content†¦The Master proceeds to stand in the midst of this chanting, and he is followed by the circle of devotees around him. The entire group then begins to chant very loudly while they jump, clap, sway, or bounce. At the end of this two-hour session, the Master gives some verbal command, which causes the devotees to stop their chanting while the choir drops to a very low tone, and the ceremony comes to an end. The Sufis believe that this type of worship will bring them to ecstasy, thereby shortening the distance between God and themselves. Sufis also believe that the ecstasy for which they strive can only be reached by a Pure Love; for the Beloved; or God. Sufis believe that their God is omniscient and omnipotent. They hold faith in his ability to give and take away. Their God has the undeniable ability to do anything and everything that he wills. Their strength comes from the Beloved, and they strive solely for the right to be one with the Beloved. The end of the Path come when the mystic soul is rapt up into union with the Divine and the soul becomes one with God; in much the same manner as the drop subsists when it is merged in the oceanamp;#8230;for the part has returned to become one with the Whole.; The Sufis have one particular story, which shows this deep infatuation with the Beloved. The story speaks of a man who is asked where he is going, where he comes from, what he desires, etc. His replies always contain the word Beloved (i.e. From theShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Sufi Philosophy in Islamic Faith1274 Words   |  6 PagesThe Sufi faith has had a long and rich history in the overall Islamic faith. Sufism has many distinguishing differences in its practices and beliefs from that of the other Islamic sects that we know of today. One thing I personally found interesting is how this particular sect of Islam isn’t as popularly spoken of like the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam. 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