Most religions have a doctrinal body based on a sacred book and, in parallel, on certain paths of knowledge, such as theology, mysticism , asceticism, among others. In Islam this general approach is followed, since on the one hand the Qur’an is found as a sacred text and, on the other hand, a current of spiritual interpretation, Sufism. This mystical movement presents difficulties in relation to its etymology, but most specialists affirm that this concept refers to the path destined to the purification of the spirit.
Origins and general principles
According to a legend in the Islamic tradition, the first Sufi was Ibrahim, because once when he was on a hunt he heard a voice telling him that his mission in the world was different: to start on the path of piety and asceticism.
This spiritual movement led to some brotherhoods called turuqs, which spread throughout the Muslim world. In these associations, meditation techniques were carried out so that practitioners could move away from the earthly world and approach the only reality , the knowledge of God. Sufism
Sufism has a pantheistic dimension of the universe , as it seeks the connection of the divine with the individual soul (the Arabic word tawhid is used to express this idea).
Sufi masters claim that their mission is to purify the heart, since the human spirit resides in this organ.
It is not a sect or a religion, but rather a vital approach and a path to perfection
Sufis call themselves “friends of God” and their goal in life is to achieve full connection with divinity . For this it is necessary to go through different spiritual processes throughout life. To start on this path, one must fulfill two basic requirements: have divine grace and be blessed by luck (this is not conventional luck, but baraka, a gift that can only be received from another Sufi master). Sufism
The masters of this spiritual current live in an austere way and without any kind of luxury. They are people recognized and admired for their great wisdom. One of the rituals they practice is sacred dances based on a spinning movement which seeks to reach a state of trance (these dances symbolize a union with the cosmos and with the divinity ).
Sufism teachings are usually conveyed through tales and stories with a unique character, Mullah Nasruddin. This character from popular tradition shows a series of teachings in simple language in order to provide new ways to understand the world and its mysteries. Sufism
