Seek Paradise Within the Heart - A Sufi View on Life

"We think of ourselves as individuals and the changing events of our world as being separate from each other and god, but in reality these are all an aspect of perfect unity" (Leaman) The reality that is spoken of is only evident to few; including the traditional, as well as modern day Sufi. It takes years of practice, study and devotion to get to this point in life, a point where you look at the world around you as a whole, not only aware and concerned with your self.

Within time on the Sufi path, the soul truly reflects what was breathed into us from God. Sufism is a spiritual journey towards God, which creates, a complete way of life, that originated from the time of Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him) Islamic principles, beliefs and teachings, as well as specific practices and rituals.

Sufism is "a life lived to the rhythm of prayers, invocations, and commemorative sessions," (Guppy 296) empowered by the basic tenants of Islam, found in the Quran, and the Sunnah of all God's Prophets. Its teachings are, to have faith and belief in the oneness of God, his system, his law for humanity. It is all One, and was sent to a multiplicity of people, at different times, by countless messengers, and prophets, and in numerous languages. Nevertheless, it was sent with the very same intent and message. Sincerely, submit your-self to his will, and his will only. One should seek God through God, not through oneself. (Silvers 69)

Sufism is not a new mystical trend affiliated with some ancient Chinese secret, Yoga, or extreme Islamic group. Sufism originated in Prophet Muhammad's (The messenger of God) (salallahu alahi wasalaam) time. It was not until some time after the prophet's death that an actual name was given to this lifestyle, but looking back it was definitely reflected in the Prophets Sunnah. (Way or Tradition)

A Sufi is one whose life is simplistic, and natural, balanced and moderate without excess. The Sufis ultimate goal of nearness to Allah (the one God) (subhanah wa tallah) increases his humility, and does away with self-centeredness. It increases his love for Allah, (The one God) (subhanah wa tallah) increases his awareness of him and closeness to him. It increases his desire of knowledge of him, with the ultimate longing to be at union with him.

"There is no One Sufi system, but rather various "Sufism's" that differ from each other over space and time."(Reynolds 198) There are no distinct lines to draw between a Muslim and a Sufi Muslim, traditional and contemporary, eastern or western. However, one may notice some similarities within a Sufis and Muslims Practices and Rituals."(Reynolds 198) Because a Sufi is usually (but not always) Muslim, the practices and rituals have derived from the Quran.

The difference, which may not always be apparent, is the sincerity, the devotion, and consistency that they are performed. A Muslim may perform his practices and rituals out of obedience to Allah, (The One God) (subhanah wa tallah) and they become exactly that a ritual. Often performed with out the concentration, sincerity, and glorification compared to when performed by a Sufi. The practices, preferred to the term rituals, are completed with a clear mind, and with intentions of purification of the soul. These invocations, Dua's (supplications), recitations, and glorifications are performed individually or in a group. Often scheduled and created into an evening of community festivities.

There are so many ways that Sufis keep God apart of their daily lives, this includes basic Fard (obligatory) salah (prayer) Sunnah (traditional, or voluntary) prayers, and Dua's (personal supplications). Constant prayer during the day keeps you on the straight path. These practices keep you from forbidden acts, as well as purify the soul; keeping you in remembrance of Gods greatness, and the blessings he has given. Purification of the soul increases the intuitive knowledge, knowledge from the heart, rather than the mind. Heightening of the senses creates awareness, which is often unbearable. It frequently leads one to tears of joy, and repentance. It gives one the craving to do more, and to learn more. This type of success is what the Sufi achieves during their journey of closeness to Allah. (The one God) (Subhanah wa tallah)

The practices of Dhikr, both widely known among Muslims and Sufi's is consistently performed throughout the day, either by use of prayer beads, ones fingers, or pebbles on the ground near by. One uses these tools to count their invocations. These are continuous repetition of the names of God found in the Quran such as, rubil alamin (the lord of the worlds) al Rahman (the most gracious) and al Rahiim (the most merciful). (Jolin 34) It is also at this time, that many Sufi's meditate, and take their mind to a place to acknowledge God, and concentrate on the attributes of God, that they are reciting.

Purification of the soul is also accomplished by, abstinence from food, negativity, and worldly desires. Solitude in spiritual retreat form 24hours, three days even for as long as forty days. One of my favorite is sama(enhanced awareness through spiritual music) Closing your eyes, feeling the rhythm, and the presence of the God in the room with you has been achieved through this type of glorification, and I personally am a witness to that.

Every daily activity, be it eating, sleeping, or working cannot be separated from others. They are only valuable when they come to form a holy and right life. (Reynolds 198) If done without recollect on Allah (subhanah wa tallah) and his ability to give these gifts to you they are pointless. The Sufis path is journey that takes time and dedication, which leads to a greater love for God. A pathway walked by many in the past, present and years to come Inshallah (God willing) Amiin. Works Cited

Guppy, Shusha. "Sufism" World & I; Jul2003, Vol. 18 Issue 7, p296, 8p, 3bw

MasterFILE Premier American Intercontinental University, Cybrary.

January, 26, 2005

Jolin, Paula "The Call to Worship" Calliope; Dec2003, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p34, 4p, 4c

MasterFILE Premier American Intercontinental University, Cybrary.

January, 27, 2005

Leaman, Oliver "Key Concepts in Eastern Philosophy"

London and New York: Routledge, 1999.

CECybrary. American Intercontinental University, Cybrary.

January, 26, 2005

Reynolds, Gabriel Said "The Sufi Approach to Food": A Case Study of Adab. Muslim World; Spring2000, Vol. 90 Issue 1/2, p198, 20p

MasterFILE Premier American Intercontinental University, Cybrary.

January, 26, 2005

Silvers-Alario, Laury. "The Teaching Relationship in Early Sufism": A Reassessment of Fritz Meier's Definition of the shaykh al-tarbiya and the shaykh al-ta'lim. Muslim World, Jan2003, Vol. 93 Issue 1, p69, 29p; (AN 9453749) Academic Search Premier American Intercontinental University, Cybrary. January, 26, 2005