Sufi: Difference between revisions

Sufism is a mystic tradition of Islam based on the pursuit of spiritual truth as it is gradually revealed to the heart and mind of the Sufi (one who practices Sufism).

It might also be referred to as Islamic mysticism. While other branches of Islam generally focus on exoteric aspects of religion, Sufism is mainly focused on the direct perception of Truth or God through mystic practices based on divine love. Sufism embodies a number of cultures, philosophies, central teachings and bodies of esoteric knowledge.

Sufis are active in a diverse range of brotherhoods and sisterhoods, with a wide diversity of thought. Sufi orders ("tariqas") can be Shi'a Islam, Sunni Islam or both.

Often the Sufis and the Shia are attacked by the Selafist or more radical sects of Sunni Islam. Recently young Somali fighters were filmed destroying shrines of any other Religion, including Popular Pilgrimage sites in the portions of Somalia that they have overtaken. Like the Taliban who are educated by Mullahs who preach violence throughout Pakistan and Afganistan they seek to destroy any record, houses and relics of any other religion. Women become nothing more than chattel and are denied any education.

see Wikipedia for more on Sufism.

Sufi Shrines Destroyed

Somali Jihadidts of Al Shebab destroying relics, graves of Sufis and other Religions (Photo: Al Jazeera)

Al Jazeera NEWS AFRICA: Somali fighters destroying shrines (December 2008)

Somali fighters used hammers to destroy the graves of clerics and other prominent people in Kismayo Al-Shabab, an armed group fighting transitional government and Ethiopian forces in Somalia, is desecrating religious shrines in the south of the country, Al Jazeera has learned.

The ancient graves of clerics and other prominent people are among holy sites being targeted by the armed group in the port city of Kismayo.

Al-Shabab took control of Somalia's third-largest city about four months ago and quickly announced it would not tolerate anything it deemed un-Islamic.

In near past, Talibans in Pakistan attacked on several shrines of Sufi saints. Most famous of them is of Rehman Baba, a 17th century Sufi poet revered in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.