This paper discuses JelaluddinRumi, one of the most well-known of Persian poets, who is largely credited with infusing Sufism with its highly intimate relationship with aesthetic traditions.
Abstract This paper explains that classically trained JelaluddinRumi, who was born in 1207 in the region that is now part of Afghanistan, lived most of his life in Turkey and the surrounding area. The author points out that Rumi created the Mevlevi Order of Dervishes or commonly called the Whirling Dervishes of Sufism. The paper relates that the Whirling Dervishes are most recognized for their unique dance movements, oblique body posturing, acute mental focus and their musical facility, which is said to combine to bring them closer in union to God. The author states that Rumi's poetry is regarded as the cultural epicenter of all thought, literature, dance and music in the world of Islamic aesthetics. The paper reports that the traditional approach to studying the impact of Rumi's poetry on Sufi music has been to examine the text from a critical theoretic perspective.
From the Paper "The natural academic tendency, regardless of academic specialty, is to examine the concepts contained within the lines of verse; to question 'what is the tree of wisdom' and to ask what or how one identifies one's internal "fairy." These are important metaphysical questions that can and should be asked of the text through critical analysis. However, therein rests the academic pitfall that most researchers and even casual observers typically get trapped in: the interpretation of the text which is made even more complex in translation."
Abstract This paper discusses Sufism as it relates to the Judeo-Christian faiths, the creator and personal experience. The author uses writing of Sufi Masters like Jalaluddin Rumi as a model for compassion.
From the Paper "How does one come to feel close to his or her Creator? In the Judeo-Christian tradition, one may recount stories about the past such as the Passover holiday story of Jews wandering in the dessert or the Easter holiday."
Abstract This paper describes the mystical approach to Islam known as Sufism and the role of the Dervish within this tradition. The unorthodox Sufi approach to Islam is first described. Then, the role of the Dervish is explained. The author further describes the essence of the Dervishes as using ritual and dance as a means of mystically and spiritually communing with the divine. A background of the Dervishes is presented, including a biography of its founder and a history of its first orders. The Dervishes' dances are also described. The author concludes that the rituals of the Dervishes form an essential part of the Islamic faith and add to the depth and richness of that religion.
From the Paper "The Sufi Order or version of Islam is the more unorthodox form of the religion in many respects. The Sufi Order ".....seeks ultimate religious experience through mystic trances or altered states often induced through twirling dances or "whirling dervish." (SUFISM & WHIRLING DERVISHES) This is an important aspect in terms of understanding the function and significance of the Dervishes in Islam."
Abstract This paper describes and compares Islam and Sufism. It begins by discussing the history and development of Sufism. It then describes the relationship between Islam and Sufism and compares how they are similar and how they differ. The paper also looks at the disagreements that arise among scholars, the faithful followers and others in their opinion of this relationship.
From the Paper "It is however understandable that Western influences may be the reason for the extreme and negative feelings of the orthodoxy against Sufism. Indeed, these influences detract from the original Islam to a point where Sufism becomes unrecognizable as originating from Islam. One can therefore understand that the orthodoxy would wish to preserve the purity of Islam by separating themselves completely from this form of Sufism."
"However, as Keller also points out, this tends towards a very narrow viewpoint, in which the orthodoxy does not allow for Sufism in any form. Keller affirms that such critics should instead adhere to what is good about Sufism, rather than discarding both the good and the bad by rejecting the direction of worship altogether."
Abstract This paper explains that understanding Al Rumi's poetry largely depends on a willingness to accept the complexity of the philosophical and spiritual ideas that they express and the manner in which they challenge the very notion of the self.
From the Paper "Jalal El Din Al Rumi, a thirteenth century Moslem Sufi poet, is currently the most popularly read poet in the West. Norman M. Brown, the leader of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, has an interesting theory regarding Al Rumi's popularity. As he argues, most people, whether conscious of it or not, have spiritual needs and desires. The rational outlook of twentieth century Western civilization suppresses these types of needs and desires, does not give them the opportunity to express or fulfill themselves and, as a result, many people become spiritually frustrated (Brown). The minority who are conscious of their spiritual frustration turn to various religions in search of some type of fulfillment. However, few, if any, of these religions provide such fulfillment. The exception to this, according to Norman M. Brown is Sufi "mystical" Islam which appears to address both human spiritual needs and emotions on one hand, and the human respect for rationality and intellect, on the other (Brown). As Brown argues, Sufi thought, combining between philosophy and spirituality, and concisely expressed in the poetry of Al Rumi, satisfy the inborn human spiritual and intellectual desires and, in this, lies the popularity of the Sufist poet in the West."
Abstract The paper discusses the biography of Ibn Al-Rumi, his formal education and achievements. The paper discusses his poetry which was of a high standard, his study of mysticism and philosophies and notes further that he will always be revered for his standardization of Islamic thoughts.
From the Paper "In this scenario, Ibn al-Rumi, obviously a firm believer in man's evolution drew from a variety of subjects and derived his numerous examples from every-day life. In so doing, Ibn al-Rumi went about factoring these examples upon the unique bond connecting God/Allah to man in one aspect, as well as the related factor comprised of the spiritual quality existing in man's evolvement and interim of coexistence with his fellowman in his mortal passage to the final destination of the beyond."
Abstract This paper looks at the central concept of Islamic cosmology and then goes on to explain Sufism and why it should be viewed as a spiritual dimension of Islam. Furthermore, based on the research cited, the paper concludes that the emergence of Sufism is a natural development within the religion and a necessary revelation of Islamic faith.
From the Paper "Nasr states categorically that Sufism is a part of the Islamic tradition that extends the spiritual and the ' esoteric' dimensions of the faith. "The truth and reality of the inner teachings of Islam became crystallized mostly in Sufism. Sufism therefore embodies more than any other facet of Islam the various aspects of Islamic spirituality". (Nasr, 1987. p 3) As such, Islamic Sufism also extends and adds to the understanding of the essential cosmological elements that characterize Islam. Sufism is related to these cosmological aspects as an extension and a deepening of the spirituality of Islam."
Abstract This paper studies the religious, political and epistemological factors underlying the development of Islamic mysticism, or Sufism. The paper compares and contrasts traditional Sunnism with Sufism, and asks how they each relate to the Kalam, or the divine word. The author also looks at the teachings of Al-Ghazali, a Sunni philosopher and Sufi mystic. The paper concludes by exploring the virtual demise of Sufism and questioning whether there is still a place for mysticism today in an increasingly orthodox Islam.
What are the Main Tenets of Each
Metaphysics and Physics and Muslim Philosophy
A Comparison of Sunni and Sufi Beliefs and Practices
Why Did Muslim Philosophy Ultimately Fade into the Background of Islamic Thought and Practice, and Did It Have Any Permanent Effect on the Development of Sufism?
Can Sufism be Reconciled with Orthodox Sunni Theology and Law?
From the Paper "The whole of Muslim life turned around the Qur'an. Revealed to Muhammad by God between 610 and 632 from an eternal codex (the Preserved Tablet), according to Muslim doctrine, the Qur'an embodies the full range of principles and precepts by which the believer should order his life. The Qur'an is supplemented, however, by a mass of utterances attributed to Muhammad and constituting, together with circumstantial reports of the actions and decisions of the Prophet, the general body of Muhammadan Traditions, properly designated in Muslim usage as the Prophetic "Way" (al-Sunnah)."
Tags: Sunni, Shiite, Suffi, Muslim, Islam, mysticism, Muhammed, Mohammed
This well-researched paper provides a comprehensive overview of early Islamic mysticism as well as a detailed analysis of its continued impact on today's Muslim society.
Abstract The writer of this in-depth paper examines the culture of Islam and Islamic mysticism, which has been shaped by centuries of religious strife and controversy over the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. This paper proves through extensive research that Islamic mysticism has represented a conscious attempt to transcend the dogmatic facade of legal Islam by seeking to expand and maneuver in the relationship between God and man and by incorporating spiritual elements into Islam. This well-researched paper defines and explains the significance of Sufism in Islamic mysticism. Sufism, which is detailed at length in this paper, teaches that God can only be truly experienced by those who wait upon his call with a loving heart. Some of the works that were devoted to Sufism prove that it was actually not in conflict with the Islamic religious sciences, but rather served to complement and perfect them. This paper cites numerous experts on Islam, such as Cheslyn Jones, Geoffrey Wainwright and Edward Yarnold who contend that the spirituality of classical Islam is clearly found in Sufism. This paper also examines why a large number of Sufis around the world still continue to seek deeper spiritual experiences through the tenets first set down by Mohammed.
Table of Contents:
Review and Analysis
Background and Overview
Sources of Knowledge of Early Islamic Mysticism
Early Islam and Mysticism
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The nature of the soul in this pre-physical state is a fundamental tenet of al-Junayd's early works. Prior to entering the body, the soul had already established a covenant with God; at this point, when God asked the true believer, "Am I your Lord?," the soul naturally answered, "Yes." As a direct result of this covenant, there was a mystical union established between the soul and God. It is this reestablishment of the mystical union, then, that is the primary goal of Islamic mysticism. According to Von Dehsen, "Al-Junayd classified adherents of tawhid into three categories, representing degrees of truth and knowledge. First, there are ordinary Muslims, who affirm God's oneness by reciting the traditional confession, 'There is no god, but Allah.' Next, there are theologians who apply reason to faith. Finally, there are Sufis who not only intellectually affirm God's oneness, but also experience it through mystical union." Al-Junayd sought to break down the barriers that separated mainstream Muslims from the Sufis, who often abandoned tradition and law in favor of their private experiences."
Tags: religion, theology, muslim, islam, sufism, history
A critical discussion of Michael Sell's work, "The Mystical Languages of Unsaying" in relation to the works of mystic writers, Jalaluddin Rumi and Marguerite Porete.
Abstract This paper discusses the 'aporia of transcendence' which is a dialectical catechism or 'speaking away' that is used in philosophy. The paper speaks of the 'aporia of transcendence' as it relates to the works of Rumi and Porete. The paper reviews the work on this topic written by Michael Sells. It provides much research on Michael Sells and two other mystic writers, Jalaluddin Rumi and Marguerite Porete.
From the Paper "'Mystical experience' has long been portrayed as a remote awareness that can be explained and contrasted amongst other types of experience. But, this assessment has been met with substantial criticism in the past two decades. Such methodology evolved over time as a result of an assiduous decline of faith in humanity to impart paradigms by which people could attain secure identities. If society neglects to present convincing authority in regards to questions of Being, individuals often recoil to the internal sanctum of thoughts and feelings. In the alluring, vivacious, and sinister recesses of private musings, existence is validated and given merit. The clandestine struggle of a Mystic does not lend itself to understanding or provide insight into the intricate scaffolding of inspired philosophy. As Michael Sells comments, Mystic writers like Jalaluddin Rumi and Marguerite Porete did not aim to illustrate a specific type of experience. They hoped to generate an appreciation of the framework in which things take place at all and the human relationship to this fixed totality. "
Abstract Examines the religion as a mystical outgrowth of Islam. Beliefs of Sufism. Discussion of Islam, historically and currently. Relationship of Islam and modernity. Historical overview of Sufism; major influences and growth. Principles of Sufism. Its influence on other religions. Christianity and Evalgelical sects. Judaism. Eastern religion. Influence of Sufism today.
From the Paper "SUFISM: THE MYSTICAL OUTGROWTH OF ISLAM
Introduction
"Few would dispute that we live in an age marked as few others have been, by a prevailing spiritual confusion and ambiguity" (Stoddart, 1985, p. 11). We see a reversion to everything from yoga to spiritual "fortune tellers" advertising on TV, to the resurgence of Evangelicals in America who prefer the substance and truth of the Bible to any sort of mystical belief. Sufism is not a sometime "gimmick", a religion-of-the-week oddity. It is the mystical outgrowth of Islam. There are various ways in which one may approach the study of Islamic mysticism…there is what may be termed the universalist approach, which regards Islam and Sufism as a ..."
Abstract This begins by defining Sufism as the mystical sect of Islam. It then shows how love is an important aspect of mysticism and explains how Sufism uses love to strengthen one's relationship with God. The paper also looks at how the Sufi tradition combines its understanding of love to help the teacher-student relationship develop into the Sufi way.
From the Paper "The teacher uses unconventional methods to help the student on his path of love towards God. Musa Kasin said "Many teachers talk about teachings. The best teachers study their pupils as well. Most important, teachers should be studied" (137). This idea of studying teachers as well as students demonstrates the idea of mutual respect. The teacher learns from the students and the students learn from the teacher. Sheikh Muzaffer said, ?It is easy to be a sheikh and difficult to be a dervish.?"
Abstract This paper discusses the 'spark' of Sufism, defined by the Qur'an as that which God placed into man or breathed into man. According to the paper, Sufism is the part of man that desires to return and unite with the Universal Spirit. The paper reports that the origin of the name Sufi is the Arabic word "suf" which means wool, or the Persian word "saf", which means pure.
Outline:
Introduction
Mystical Experience Defined
The Debate Surrounding the Sufi Experience
Neurotheology - Biotheology
The Two Views Debated
Science Provides the Proof
Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Syed includes studies that have located the regions of the brain that are stimulated during certain experience. For instance, the middle temporal lobe has been proven to the "linked to emotional aspects of religious experience, such as joy and awe." (Syed, 2006) The lower temporal lobe is stimulated during the "viewing of sacred images such as candles or crosses..." (Ibid) The "juncture of three lobes" or the Broca's region is stimulated when the individual is stimulated through a "response to language". Finally, when the individual enters a state of deep spirituality or mystical experience the region of the brain that finally "quiets down" and signifies that the person has entered the place where they may "feel at one with the universe" is the region of the brain which is called the "parietal lobes". (Syed, 2006)"
Abstract This paper examines "The Book of Jonah" and "The Conference of the Birds", literary works that highlight the beliefs of two prominent religions in the world: Christianity and Islam. The role that travel plays in each of these stories is discussed, as well as the effect these journeys have on the characters.
From the Paper ""Jonah" is the 14th book of the Prophet's Book (Bible). This book focuses on "returning religious" people, and an emphasis on the goodness and mercifulness of God. The story starts when Jonah was asked by God to travel to Nineveh to influence the people to change their sinful ways and actions. By doing so, they will be able to redeem themselves of the punishment that is in store for sinners. Jonah, instead of complying to God's wishes, fled away to Jafa's harbor, and boarded on a boat. Jonah's travel on the sea became dangerous; he thought that the storm was a punishment from God because of his disobedience. Although Jonah was saved from the disaster, another misfortune befell on him: a large fish swallowed him. He stayed inside the fish's body for 3 nights and 3 days. When he can no longer bear hiss suffering, Jonah finally asked for God's mercy. Miraculously, after Jonah's repent, he was thrown out of the fish's body into the land."
Origins, major ideas & importance of ascetic & mystical Islamic religion in society & politics of turbulent era in Western Asia from the 12th century to the 17th century.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 1996, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This research paper evaluates the importance of Sufism in the religion, society and politics of Islamic western Asia during the 12th through the 17th centuries. Sufism represented the tradition of Islamic asceticism and mysticism, the spiritual and intellectual foundations of which first developed in the 7th century and were firmly laid in the later years of the Abbasid caliphate (750-1258). During the period of political disunity which followed the disintegration of the great Arab empire, the Sufi brotherhoods played a significant role in the Islamicization of that empire and its conquerors and successors. Through its teachings and practices, Sufism became an important catalyst for the extension of Islam at all levels, especially in the conversion of infidels and the establishment of Muslim culture at..."
