For the muslims and mystics among us?

Question

Is it possible to be sufi if you do not follow the rules laid down by The Qur'an?

I guess what I am asking is, i there a difference between sufism and Sufism (other that the capitalization).
I feel that the lower case is simpley a form of mysticism, a mysticism that searches for the kernal of truth in all faith-traditions.
I also understand that Sufis is considered a sect of Islam (though its folowers say that sufism has existed since the beginning).

can someone tell me if there is a difference?

In an attempt to expand, By tradition I am Buddhist, but the dogma of the faith is somerthing I cannot accept. I see the tradition as having a kernal of truth. On hte same token, the writings of Rumi and Ibn al-Arabi have a special place in my heart as do some of the more esoteric passages in Christianity and Judaism.

I live in an area with a large Seneca North American Aboriginie tribe nearby. I also see some truth in their beliefs.

I guess I am just seeing the dogma surrounding religion to be one of the barriers that prevents us from REALLY lerning the truth.

Does that help clear things a bit?

Answer 1

A most remarkable question!!!!!!!
A Sufi I am....................
It would take a rather long discourse to answer this question in its entirety.
A Sufi if a person that applies him or herself to follow a path
that has existed from the dawn of Adam. Words are incapable of describing Sufism. It is a way of life that cannot
be placed in a particular religion. It is the development of the
heart. There are many stations along this path and all of the various religions play an intricate part in the development of ones faith in God. There are four basic religions known to mankind and splinter groups off of all of them. Sufism is the culmination of them all. This is the faith that allows man to finally surrender to God, and understand the beautiful qualities of God, and devote ones life to help his fellow man.
This faith is not for the foolhardy, for its demands are great, and yet the rewards are also great. A Persian Poet, Rumi said it all, "If someone asks you what work there is to do, light the candle in their hand."
There are mystical experiences along every-ones journey, make sure the eye is open so you don't miss them!
Peace be with you my brother.........

Answer 2

As I understand it, and I could be wrong, Sufi are Muslims that practice a mystical type of Islam which has some influences of Hinduism within it. I don't think that most Muslims think much of them. I use to have a lot of respect for them because they are mystics. But then I read that a Sufi master said that some people should be killed, so he didn't sound much different than the rest of them. I no longer have an open mind about this. However, if there be any true mystics left in that religion, they would be people of peace.

If you are asking if you can just be a mystic and not have a religion, that is not a good idea. Each religion has certain safeguards for the ones who are mystics. Especially if you have a natural predisposition to mysticism, it is important to be deeply rooted in one religion. It is very dangerious to go it on your own. The forces of evil can lead you astray. Pick a religion that is tolerant of all. Good luck.

PS. Mystics are not usually fundmentalist in whatever religion that they are. They are more open minded. But one should still have a base religion to operate from. I too see truth in many places as you do. I find that learning what other religions teach helps me to be a better Christian and to better understand the teachings of Jesus.

Answer 3

I don`t know for sure, but I`ll try ....
I`m not sure if all sufis are muslims. But I do know that some muslims resort to sufism.
Sifism comes from the word tasawwuf....... which means something like cleansing the soul. Many sufis go deeper into the realms of spiritual life, and give up all the world and woridly things...... they don`t marry, don`t have kids, and live in jungles away from wordly relationships etc
Tasawwuuf is a certain part of islamic faith but in a particular way and to a certain limit. Islam condemns the act of leaving up the world and worldly things, it encourages people to live in the wordl and deal with people and keep up the tasawwuuf procedure going on in the heart.
Sufism is not a formal sect of islam taht was approved by prophet Muhammad..... but becos alot of muslims did turn to sufism....... they are there... they identify themselves with islam and sufism at the same time.

Answer 4

Sufism is Islamic tradition with Hindu Philosophies

Answer 5

Only if you want to be called a Goofy Sufi :)
As far as I know generally you have to have Sufiism passed down to you from a paternal generation, though probably varies by region. Why don't you just study and appreciate what Sufiism teaches without having to become one?

Answer 6

the different significant contemporary faith (and that i comprehend human beings will ultimate suited me if i'm incorrect) has long considering left the doctrine of attempting to stress, via violent potential, the assumption of their faith on others. sure, sure, i comprehend that Christians did it for 1000 years, yet that technique is long off form, and Christianity replaced into used as a veil for gaining political and economic means. It wasn't an rather tenant of the religion. the certainty of the situation is that no different faith; Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Wicca, Neo-pagan, or the different nevertheless preaches the now notorious "spreading the religion via the sword." Why would desire to we be terrified of virtually one thousand million human beings whose faith's founder counseled them to kill all nonbelievers? Hmmm, i ask your self.

Answer 7

Know about Sathya Sai Baba?
All questions Answered I dare say

Answer 8

I am not clear on what your are saying exactly but the from what i understand of your question i would say there is no difference. Though it may be harder for me to say as i am a sunni muslim