What is Sufism?

WHAT IS SUFISM? WHAT PAKISTANI MUSLIMS THINK?

Many Pakistani Muslims think Sufism is about wearing long hats and twirling around in groups. Then there is the universal concept also being floated in the world that Sufism is about music and dancing and love-poetry. These are misguided concepts.

The fact is that Sufism is about trying to follow the true message of ALLAH and His Prophet (pbuh) which means Shariat. The word "Sufism" in fact is neither mentioned in Qur'an or Ahadith. It evolved much later after the visaal (demise) of the Prophet (pbuh). The Sahaba (ra) who gave up their most loved belongings in the way of ALLAH were true Sufis. Wearing long hats and twirling will not bring one closer to God. It is only love for ALLAH and His Prophet (pbuh) along with Zikr and fulfilling Shariah obligations which will do so. A fine example is that of Sufi Barkat Ali (ra), a Pakistani, who lived in a very simple way and used to heavily indulge himself in reciting Darood Shareef every day. May ALLAH guide all of us - Aameen.

- S Roman Ahsan.