tasavvurni

Tasavvuf, often translated as Islamic mysticism or Sufism, is a spiritual dimension of Islam that focuses on direct, personal experience of God. It is not a separate religion but rather a path within Islam that emphasizes inner purification, love, and devotion to achieve closeness to the divine. Practitioners of tasavvuf are known as Sufis.

The core of tasavvuf lies in the concept of ihsan, often translated as "excellence" or "perfection of worship," which is described in hadith as worshipping God as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, know that He sees you. Sufis seek to cultivate this awareness through various practices.

These practices can include dhikr, the remembrance of God, often through chanting His names or phrases from the Quran. Meditation, contemplation, and asceticism are also common methods used to detach from worldly distractions and focus on the spiritual. Sufi masters, known as shaykhs or pirs, guide their disciples on this path, transmitting spiritual knowledge and helping them navigate the inner journey.

While the exact origins are debated, tasavvuf developed organically within Islamic civilization. Over centuries, it has manifested in diverse forms and traditions across the Muslim world, often expressed through poetry, music, and art. Key figures in the history of tasavvuf include Rumi, Ibn Arabi, and Al-Ghazali, whose works continue to inspire and inform Sufi thought and practice.