Sufi Devotion in Islamic Religion - Essay Example

?Sufi Devotion Sufi devotion is arguably one of the most important elements of Islamic religion especially for those who seek perfection in worship and prayer. Sufi devotion, in simple terms, refers to the inner purification of self as one seeks to have a personal encounter with divine. Sufis practicing sufi devotion often congregate around a holy place often referred to as zawiyahs or tekke with a spiritual master leading in the devotion. However, since there are different Islamic orientations, sufi devotion takes different orders depending on the Islamic orientation. Therefore, Sufi orders otherwise known as turuql could either be Sunni Shii, or a combination of both doctrines. However, it is interesting to know that most of the turuql originate from Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Very interesting though, is the fact that sufis strongly believe in the ideologies of peace, pacifism, and tolerance. Nevertheless, although sufi devotion is appreciated by many tenets of muslims, Wahhabi and Salafist Muslims have a strong opposition to sufi devotion. Learning and understanding sufi devotion has indeed enlightened me on this unique way of Islamic worship. I certainly support this kind of devotion since it encourages the followers to purify their hearts as they do so. However, I find it very interesting that sufi devotion is somewhat similar to Christian worship especially when Christian go for fasting and prayer. However, what I fail to perceive is the reason why Wahhabi and Salafist Muslims have a strong opposition to sufi devotion considering the way sufi devotion seems good and interesting. I also think that sufi devotion was the ultimate God’s idea of having an intimate relationship with his people. Looking at Buddhism, Buddha’s appreciate the need for meditation as a way of connecting with divine power. Therefore, sufi devotion is a form of worship done in different ways in different religions but having different names. Modernity Undeniably, the term modernity has different dimensions of definition depending on what is being studied. However, modernity simply means the paradigm shift from feudalism to secularized world. Modernity is often seen through different lens such as capitalism, industrialization, technological advancement, religious ideologies among others. Modernity can also refer to as the element of enlightenment. Modernity within the Islamic context arguably began in Turkey where tremendous change of religious, cultural, scientific, as well as legal ideologies surfaced. Interestingly, the adoption of modernity was not a uniform phenomenon. Indeed, there existed different groups of people that did not embrace modernity. This explains why we still have conservatism in all religions. For instance, Islam is arguably divided into different significant groups. However, conservatism is still appreciated in many Islamic tenets. Nevertheless, those who appreciate modernism have very often maintained that the spirit of reason in the original message of Islam be incorporated in modern lifestyle. Although I am not old enough to have seen the change from the traditional aspect to modernity, I can still perceive the idea through the reading. I strongly feel that modernity has changed many aspects of life including religious thoughts and ideologies. However, I think God, in his mighty power, had foreseen the modern lifestyle and had therefore made religion compatible with modernity. Therefore, as we seek to embrace modernity in all other aspects, I believe that modernity should also be embraced within the religious context. However, the arguments presented by those who do not support modernity in religion are also important in making sure that modernists do not go beyond what is expected of them. Reading about modernity and conservatism in the same reading is indeed a worthwhile endeavor. Muhammad Muhammad is believed to be the spiritual leader of the Islamic religion. Muhammad born in approximately 570 CE was a religious leader but more notably, he was also a religious and political leader as well. According to Muslims, he was the last prophet sent to mankind by God. Others refer to Muhammad as the founding father of Islam. His life also referred to as sira and traditions otherwise called sunna are regarded by Muslims as tenets of sharia. However, the traditional context in which Muhammad operated has changed significantly causing ideological rifts within the conservatists and modernists. Indeed there exists an Islamic reformation or reinterpretation or ijtihad of Islam that seeks to have a modernist expression of Muhammad’s teachings and beliefs. Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, and Sayyid Ahmad Khan are some of the most notable Islamic personalities who have championed for Muhammad’s teachings interpretation within the modern context. I find it interesting the way prophet Muhammad organized the whole idea of islam. Although Muhammad existed in times when modernity was hard to perceive, his teachings still find relevance. However, the interpretation of Muhammad’s teaching in the modern setting still makes meaning. Indeed many Islamic scholars have supported the ideologies of Muhammad as far as modernity is concerned. I tend to agree with these scholars since humanity cannot be tied to religious traditions even as we continue progressing in different perspectives. Whereas many Islamic leaders support Muhammad’s teachings in modern context, those who support his traditional aspect should also be considered. This is because they put a virtual check to make sure that modernity does not sweep away Muhammad’s teachings with time. I am however worried that the future will prove very difficult for Muhammad’s teachings to have impact since modernity will have eroded many aspects of his teachings. The Quran and Modernity Considering Quran is the Islamic holy book, careful and unbiased interpretation of Quran is very important. However, the issue of modernism seems to bring rift among different Islamic scholars. Whereas some scholars prefer maintaining the traditional Quran interpretation, modernist scholars prefer the modern interpretation. What seems to be the cause of disagreement on Quran interpretation in modern context is the issue of freedom of conscience, individualism, democracy, gender roles science, and personal dignity. Indeed most of the differences that exist among different Islamic tenets stem to some extent stem from interpretation of Quran. However, although most modernists accepts Qur'an and Sunna, they uphold modern interpretation referred to as ta'weel. More notably, they believe that 'aql or intelligence is actually more significant than the prophetic way of the Quran, naql. However, conservatists argue that the modern interpretation is not consistent since it depends on human understanding and not the original Quranic concept. I think a balanced approach to Quran and modernity should be embraced. Considering we have moved so much ahead with time since Quran was written, careful modern interpretation should be encouraged. I think that holding on to traditions is very important, however, modern interpretation of those Quran traditions should be encouraged so that people do not lose track of the original teachings. More importantly, I have realized that the two main religions, Islam and Christianity are facing similar challenges with modernism. With the fast growing technology especially internet, extreme care must be taken in modern Quran interpretation. Although many Muslims still attend the sharia classes at early age, I think Quran should be taught in all levels of learning so that as Muslims embrace modernity, they will still have the Quran knowledge in their daily endeavors. Read More