Sufism: The Way Of The Heart

“The Ways to God are as numerous as the breaths of humankind.” – Sufi Tradition

Sufism is known as the Way of the Heart, the Way of the Pure, the Mystical Path of Islam. By whatever name it is called, it is the path which takes the seeker to the Divine Presence. In essence, Sufism is a means and a way by which the seeker will move from the gravity of his or her lower self, to ascend, with the assistance of a mystical guide, and through the methods and practices defined by the Way he or she has chosen, to the state wherein the Vision of God is presented to her or him.

Each person is a unique representative of the Divine. The Sufis say, “If human beings knew their own inner secrets, never would they look elsewhere for seeking happiness, peace and inner light.” Therefore the essence of the Path is to find oneself. “Know thyself, know thy Lord!” is an imperative of the Sufi Way.

As beings endowed with the Divine Light, we are the custodians and maintainers of all that is of benefit for the personality of humankind, the protection of the planet, and for connecting with our inner childlike self. It is this spiritual connection that enables human beings to draw from the universal flow of energy which penetrates every interstice of this universe and to channel it towards healing and soothing the body and souls of our sisters and brothers on this little green planet.

The Mystical Path to the Divine Presence

Among human beings, there must always exist those, whom through Divine Grace, have received their Trusts from God in this worldly life. They move about in the world as if they were part of it, yet inside, their hearts and souls are in the Divine Presence. If they ask of God, their request is accepted, and if they look at humankind, it is always with the eye of mercy to those less fortunate than themselves. They are known as the Friends of God, the Saints, and Purified Masters, called Awliya in Sufism. It is Sufism which is related to them, and they are the product of Sufism.

The Brethren of the Way

On the Path to the Divine, one must, as a member of the family of humanity, be accompanied by one’s brethren of the Path. With them, as with all creatures of God, there is a special manner of conduct and a way with which one keeps their respect and their love.

Gatherings for the Remembrance of the Birthday of the Master of Sufis, the Noble Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Celebrating the advent of the Beloved of the Divine is a source of joy and celebration for human beings, who are always seeking a perfect, enlightened individual to show them the ways to God.

The Recollection of God (Dhikr Allah)

The recollection of the Divine is one of the illuminating ways to ascend towards the station of Unity and Perfection. Through the recollection of the Names and Attributes of the Divine, those attributes and characteristics will adorn the seeker, causing his or her essence to attain purity and her or his outward form to be adorned with Divine Radiance.