Resources
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There are many different types of Sufism but basic Sufi principles are as follows:
The Oneness of God (Tawḥīd): Sufis emphasize the oneness of God and the interconnectedness of all existence. This belief is rooted in the idea that everything originates from and returns to the Divine.
Divine Love: Central to Sufi practice is the concept of Divine Love, where God is seen as the ultimate Beloved. Sufis strive to experience and embody this love in their lives.
Inner Development of the Soul (Tazkiya): Sufism places great importance on purifying the self from worldly distractions and vices. This involves developing virtues such as humility, patience, and sincerity, and seeking to overcome the ego (nafs).
Adab (Good Manners): Sufism emphasizes developing beautiful character and manners. Behaving and treating others with dignity and respect is essential to the Sufi way.
Spiritual Journeying: The Sufi path is considered a spiritual journey towards God. This journey involves stages of spiritual development and enlightenment, often but not always guided by a Sufi teacher or guide called a Shaykh or Shaykha.
Remembrance of God (Dhikr): Dhikr, or the remembrance of God, is a core practice in Sufism. It involves reciting prayers, phrases, or names of God to maintain constant awareness of the Divine presence.
Direct Experience of God in This Life: Faith is not a matter of mere verbal affirmation of a list of points of belief. Sufis seek direct, personal experience of God through spiritual practices in this life which give the seeker a sense of increasing certainty of faith. This can include ecstatic states, visions, and deep contemplative experiences.
The Quran: The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Sufi Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel. It is written in classical Arabic and is divided into 114 chapters, known as surahs, which vary in length. Each surah is made up of verses called ayas, which literally means "signs". Sufis see the cosmos also as a second Quran or revelation, which should be read through a Quranic lens to understand the messages of the Creator being manifested in creation. Our spiritual experiences in the world in turn grant us a deeper, more personal understanding of the Quran. Sufi Muslims consider the Quran to be a timeless and universal message, addressing the needs of all humanity.
The Quran covers various aspects of life, including theology, morality, guidance for personal conduct, and legal principles. It serves as a spiritual guide for Sufi Muslims, providing teachings on worship, ethics, and the proper way to live a life pleasing to God. It is recited and memorized by Muslims around the world, and its recitation is a significant aspect of Islamic worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): Sufi Muslims hold Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the highest regard, viewing him as the ultimate spiritual guide and exemplar of divine virtues. He is the perfect embodiment of divine love, compassion, and mercy. Sufi practices often include emulating his character and following his teachings to cultivate a closer relationship with God. In Sufi thought, the Prophet is often viewed as an intermediary who guides believers on their spiritual journey. We believe that through following the Prophet's example and teachings, we can achieve spiritual realization and a deeper connection with God.
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Online Translations
The Message of the Quran Excellent Translation by a Western scholar: https://muhammadasad.com/1/1
Websites with multiple translations:
A scholarly translation with extensive commentary. Edited by a Sufi master.
Beautiful translation by a Sufi master with parallel Arabic text, without commentary.
The Qur'an: Oxford World's Classics M. A. S. Abdel Haleem translation
A beautiful and affordable literary translation, English only.
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Being Muslim: A Practical Guide
by Asad Tarsin
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