Tasavvuf

Tasavvuf, also known as Sufism, refers to the Islamic mystical tradition that seeks a direct, personal experience of God. It emerged in the early centuries of Islam and has played a significant role in the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual life of Muslim societies. The movement emphasizes inner purification (tazkiyah), remembrance of God (dhikr), and the cultivation of love and devotion as pathways to divine knowledge.

The roots of Tasavvuf can be traced to the early community of prophets and companions, who practiced asceticism and communal devotion. The tradition grew systematically after the 9th century, particularly in the Persian and Arabian regions, where scholars such as al-Ghazali and Rumi contributed theological and poetic frameworks that integrated Islamic law with mystical experience. By the 13th and 14th centuries, Kurdish and Turkic tribes in Anatolia and the Deccan established structured mystic orders (tariqas), each with its own lineage and spiritual exercises.

Major schools of Tasavvuf include the Naqshbandi, Mevlevi, Qadiri, and Chishti orders. Each order adopts specific methodologies, such as the Naqshbandi silent dhikr or the Mevlevi whirling dance (sema). Teologians have debated the compatibility of certain Sufi practices with mainstream Islamic jurisprudence, though overall the tradition has been largely accepted by scholars who view it as a spiritual complement to legal rulership.

Key figures are often revered as saints. Rumi (1207–1273) and Hafiz of Ganja are celebrated for their poetry that conveys mystical insights in accessible forms. In contemporary times, Tasavvuf continues to influence social movements, interfaith dialogue, and modern philosophy throughout the Muslim world and beyond.