SUFISM: ITS MEANING, HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, RELIGIOUSFOUNDATIONS, AND LITERARY TRADITION

Abstract

Sufism is a spiritual, ethical, and intellectual tradition concerned with the purification of the self, refinement of character, divine love, and the attainment of closeness to God. This paper examines the meaning, origin, historical development, and distinctive features of Sufism in different religious and cultural traditions. It discusses various explanations regarding the etymology of the terms “Sufi” and “Sufism” and explains their association with wool, wisdom, inner purification, and spiritual discipline. The study presents Sufism as an inward journey in which the individual seeks harmony between the external and internal aspects of life through self-purification, worship, moral conduct, patience, love, and service to humanity. It also explains the relationship between Shariah and Tariqah, showing that outward religious practice and inward spiritual development are interconnected rather than separate. The paper traces mystical tendencies in Greek, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, while emphasizing that Islamic Sufism is fundamentally connected with the Qur’an, Sunnah, the concept of Ihsan, and the spiritual practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Companions. It further reviews the development of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent, the role of major Sufi orders, including the Chishti, Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Suhrawardi orders, and the contribution of Sufi saints to religious teaching and social harmony. Particular attention is given to the role of literature and poetry in preserving and spreading Sufi thought. The paper concludes that Sufism is a universal spiritual tendency based on love, moral purification, self-discipline, knowledge of God, and service to humanity