What is Sufism? Uncover the Veil of the Divine Ones
This article will cover the stories of Rumi and Shams Tabrezi as they are the most known Sufis, their way of seeing things, and everything in between.
Read this with an open heart and mind
Start of the Journey
The word "Sufi" originates from Persian which means “the poor”. The word “Dervish” is also a similar word used by the Iranians for a similar meaning
This was the time when Muslims were thriving and making new theories through the knowledge of Islam. Though many Scholars had vast knowledge about Islam at that time something was lacking. These Scholars were called “Molvi” (singular). The true purpose of a Molvi was to educate young children about Islam, recite the Quran, and make them remember it. But there was something lacking. Love
1242. In the East, highly disciplined Mongol armies expanded under the military genius of Genghis Khan. Turkish tribes fought among themselves while the Byzantines lost their home, land, and everything. It was a time of utter chaos when every Christian tried to kill every Muslim and every Muslim went for every Christian. Among this bloodshed, A famous Molvi, known as Maulana Jalal ad-Din Rumi, with self-respect and fame, from east to west people would bow in respect for his knowledge. He was self-conscious and full of ego. But he was about to forget his very own self.
Shams ad-Din, the Whirling Dervish, was the teacher of the Rumi, who taught him the way of the Sufis and about the love of the Divine. Shams used to see Angels coming from the sky and talking to him. The Angels told him the unheard stories of mystics and Love. When Shams told his parents about the Angels they didn’t believe him. He thought everyone was like him but he was the one Nature sent so he could teach the love that Islam has to offer.
The Meeting
The last day of October 1244. Rumi was on his way back home from the Mosque where he often used to give lessons to the public about the Quran. He sat on his brown and shiny horse, the best of its kind, and was on his way back home. When a Dervish with no hair, no facial hair, not even eyebrows struck his eyes with Rumi. He was the Shams ad-din Tabrezi (Tabrez was a place back then. Tabrezi means from Tabrez).
The Dervish asked curiously “O my great scholar, the answer to every question, I came here today to ask you a question. May I ask?”. Rumi struck with resonating energy the Dervish replied “Yes, Go ahead.” The Dervish smiled and asked:
“which of the two is greater, do you think: the Prophet Muhammad or the Sufi Bistami?”
(context: Prophet Mohammad is known as the last true prophet of Islam. He completed the Quran and its teachings. He was the founder of Islam and no one is greater than him “I bear witness that there is no God but God Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”)
(While Sufi Bastami was the teacher of Shams)
The immature Maulana, furiously asked, “What kind of a question is that?”. “How can you compare our Beloved Prophet, may peace be upon him, the last in the line of prophets, with an infamous mystic?”
The Love
How we see God is a direct reflection of how we see ourselves; we don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are. If God brings to mind mostly fear and blame, it means there is too much fear and blames welled inside us. If we see God as full of Love and compassion, so are we
— Rule 1. Forty Rules of Love
Love is the Core Concept of Sufism
A common misconception about Sufi is that the love they talk about is of this world. We are wrong. The love we often experience as normal humans is full of impurities, lust, and unlimited conditions. However, a Sufi's love is with Allah. Because that love is not impure and is unconditional. When Sufis talk about love with their teacher they are indirectly saying this to their God while the teacher is like a bridge connecting humans to the Divine God
There are multiple mentions of the word “wine” alongside Sufis (As we all know alcohol is impermissible in Islam). Wine is related to Love. As wine takes the consciousness of the human brain, love does the same. By forgetting oneself, a Sufi can submit himself to Allah.
There is no limit in a Sufi to love his God, they love Him completely, forgetting one’s self, immersing themselves in Him. As nothing can stop them from loving and devoting themselves to Him. They go in deep concentration and do dhikr (chants in Islam to remember Allah) for days. Travel for different knowledge, Spend nights without eating or sleeping.
A life without love is a waste. ‘Should I look for spiritual love, or material, or physical love?’, don’t ask yourself this question. Discrimination leads to discrimination. Love doesn’t need any name, category or definition. Love is a world itself. Either you are in, at the center… either you are out, yearning.
Sema — The Whirling Dervish
You have often seen this dance where A Sufi, extending his arms in the air, becomes one with the universe and whirls. The sound of ney and rebab.
The honey-colored hat symbolized the tombstone, the long white skirt the shroud, and the black cloak the grave. They project the quote of Die Before You Die. To be reborn as a new person you must forget your past
The original dance involved 6 Dervish students followed by Rumi, all bowing and paying respects to the Sheikh — Shams ad-din Tabrezi
“The gnostic has escaped from the five senses And the six directions and makes you aware of what is beyond them.”
— Rumi before performing Sema
Giving their hands to God. the student dervish started to whirl. The skirts swing like a separate life of each one. Then all came and joined. Whirling till Nothing but Oneness remained. The right-hand palm up, receiving the love of the skies. With left hand palm down giving the love to people. A connection from God to His Humans.
The answer to Shams's Question? He later replied himself
“Prophet Muhammad said: I don't know Allah(God) whereas Sufi Bastami said: I know Him so much that I have hidden Allah(God) inside my clothes
You see love is an ocean and the heart is like a container — thirsty for love. Prophet Muhammad’s container was immensely vast. Even after tons of water it never quench his thirst. But Bastami’s container was like a cup. He only needed some of it to be filled by it.”
Was Bastami never loved Allah? was Muhammad not great?
What I missed (key points)
- Sufi love is not about the Allah (God). It never was. It's always about the people. Treating them right. Forgiving them. The Kindness to Humanity is the key.
- Sufism is for everyone and not just for Muslims
- Not everyone is a Sufi. They are born different. Yes, you can follow their teachings but you cannot be like them.
It would be a very long read if I included the poems and concepts. let me know what would you like to read next about Sufism
