sufisation

Sufisation is a term used to describe the process of becoming Sufi or adopting Sufi practices and beliefs. It generally refers to the spiritual journey and transformation an individual undertakes to embrace the mystical dimensions of Islam. This process involves shedding egoistic desires and cultivating inner purification, often referred to as tazkiyah al-nafs. The ultimate goal is to attain a deeper understanding of God and achieve spiritual proximity to the Divine.

Sufisation is not a formal conversion in the traditional sense but rather a path of personal spiritual development. It involves a commitment to a spiritual guide or Shaykh who can mentor the disciple through various stages of the spiritual journey. Key practices often include remembrance of God (dhikr), meditation, contemplation, and adherence to ethical principles. While rooted in Islamic tradition, the emphasis is on direct spiritual experience and the cultivation of inner states such as love, humility, and detachment. The term can also be used more broadly to describe the influence or spread of Sufi ideas and practices within a community or culture. It signifies a movement towards a more inward, experiential, and devotional aspect of faith.