S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

A movement within Islam, Sufism is the mystical side of Islam. Perhaps this is one reason traditional Muslims have distanced themselves from Sufists. Sufism focuses on giving love and devotion to G...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

mark wilkinson retired school teacher and missionary

Sufism is a reminder that Islam, despite its claims, is a divided religion. While orthodox Islam regards Allah as an almost unknowable deity and emphasises an intellectual and legalistic approach to religion, Sufism attempts to address the heart-felt needs of Muslims. It developed within the first century of Islam and particularly from Muslim scholars of the 12th century. They reacted against a purely transcendent Allah and taught the oneness of God and man. It is a religion of the heart not only of the mind. Thus music (singing and drums), poetry, dance (the whirling dervishes are famous) are used to attain mystical experiences. 

Some Muslims are noted for their piety and have attained sainthood - and these (dead or living) are looked to for wisdom and miracles. Sufi spiritual guides are known as Pirs (Persian word) or Sheiks. These often have large followings of devotees and pilgrims. They can be wealthy and powerful because of the gifts they receive. They are very influential in the politics of some Muslim nations. A Government Minister may make important decisions only after consulting with his Pir. It could be that as many as 70% of Muslims are influenced in some way by Sufism. Shia Muslims tend to be less influenced by Sufism as they already value the intercession of saints and embrace some form of mysticism.

Christians can answer that we do not need mystical experiences nor the intercession of saints or the spiritual wisdom of mere mortal men, for God has already visited us through the Lord Jesus Christ. He said that he is the only way to the Living God, whom he called the Father (John 14:6). He also promised that he would send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God Himself, to everyone who trusts in Him (John 14:17). Christianity is not about trying to follow a religious code of laws and rituals, and striving to reach up to God. A Christian is one who has a relationship with the Living God having been cleansed of all unrighteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ we are reconciled with our Maker (Romans 5:6-11) and by faith in him we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

The Bible warns us that there are false spirits who have gone out into the world to deceive. We must discern which spirit is from God and which ones are from the evil one. The genuineness of anyone who claims to know the way to God is to check their life and teaching against the Word of God, the Bible (1 John 4:1-6).

October 15 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report