What Are the Fundamental Teachings of Sufism?
What are the fundamental teachings of Sufism? Discuss the main stages of the Sufi path and its final goal
Any discussion of the Sufi way, its methods and goals (and indeed those of any mystical tradition) will inevitably come up against certain difficulties, and these should be addressed immediately. Perhaps the most problematic issue we face is raised by the intrinsic ineffability of mystical experience, whether a moment of divine revelation or the lifelong quest for understanding. QUOTE. Because of this, important ideas and doctrines are often expressed through the medium/a of metaphor and symbolism, and this is particularly true in the context of the poetic sensibility of early Arabic culture.
The exoteric, outward aspect of most religions is a complex combination of various doctrines and practices, which may take years to gain an understanding of, and Islam is no exception. Sufism however, representing the esoteric face of Islam, requires a dedication and commitment which may see the student devote his life to learning its ways. Entire volumes have been devoted to the sufi path and its goal without even approaching a conclusive description of the subject, and an essay of this length can only hope to scratch the surface. With this brief discussion I hope to outline TITLE, yet it would be hopeless to attempt this without acknowledging that ??.
((((not just long but also impossible to arrange/structure....not intended to be written about!)))
A notable feature of Sufi training is the importance of the initiate (murid) belonging to an order, and being under the instruction of a master or spiritual director known as a sheikh. Before setting out along the Sufi path one must find a guide whose every instruction must be followed. It is considered dangerous to attempt Sufi practices without the initiation and guidance of such a guide, and it is said of one who does so that "his guide is Satan" (nic.32). For this reason, "the selection and following
Any discussion of the Sufi way, its methods and goals (and indeed those of any mystical tradition) will inevitably come up against certain difficulties, and these should be addressed immediately. Perhaps the most problematic issue we face is raised by the intrinsic ineffability of mystical experience, whether a moment of divine revelation or the lifelong quest for understanding. QUOTE. Because of this, important ideas and doctrines are often expressed through the medium/a of metaphor and symbolism, and this is particularly true in the context of the poetic sensibility of early Arabic culture.
The exoteric, outward aspect of most religions is a complex combination of various doctrines and practices, which may take years to gain an understanding of, and Islam is no exception. Sufism however, representing the esoteric face of Islam, requires a dedication and commitment which may see the student devote his life to learning its ways. Entire volumes have been devoted to the sufi path and its goal without even approaching a conclusive description of the subject, and an essay of this length can only hope to scratch the surface. With this brief discussion I hope to outline TITLE, yet it would be hopeless to attempt this without acknowledging that ??.
((((not just long but also impossible to arrange/structure....not intended to be written about!)))
A notable feature of Sufi training is the importance of the initiate (murid) belonging to an order, and being under the instruction of a master or spiritual director known as a sheikh. Before setting out along the Sufi path one must find a guide whose every instruction must be followed. It is considered dangerous to attempt Sufi practices without the initiation and guidance of such a guide, and it is said of one who does so that "his guide is Satan" (nic.32). For this reason, "the selection and following