How does Sufism differ from other visions of Islam? What factors led to the development of Sufism?

angie: How does Sufism differ from other visions of Islam? What factors led to the development of Sufism?
What were some of the developmental states and stages of Sufism? Why might some Muslims be attracted to this vision of Islam? And what debates surround Sufism?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Lilmissykato DOF
From what I’ve read about it sufis are like catholic muslims. According to a book I read they believe in a version of saints and ask for their saints to pray to Allah with them- just like catholics do.

Also they pray in an unislamic manner… why people like it, i dunno. why does anyone like any religion over an other?

Answer by Nizami
Islamic sources only one: Al Qur’an (words of Allah), and Hadeeth (Muhammad’s sayings).

Sufism sources: 2 above but with addition the dreams of sufists and also tales about sufists which sometimes contradict with Al Qur’an and Hadeeth, yet the sufists follow the dreams and the tales.

Sometimes the sufists exaggerate things such as wearing dirty fur as symbol of simplicity or eating in his friends’ houses and do not working at all.

The big this is the Wihdatul Wujud where (some) sufist believe they could be one/unite with Allah. In Islam, this is a big astray.

Answer by Hussein
Sufism is the inner or spiritual dimension of Islam. Most Sufi orders accept the traditional sources of Islamic teaching (the Quran and the Ahadeeeth – the sayings of the Prophet) as central to their faith, but also emphasize a direct, personal link to God. One way of looking at it is as a path towards getting to know God through a journey – via various sprayers, meditations and teachings – and coming to a realization (like the Zen experience in a way) as opposed to accepting everything on faith, without that direct affirmation. Neither way is per se better than the other – just different.

Sufism is practiced by Sunnis and Shi’ites alike and transcends the theopractic (as opposed to practically non-existent theological) differences between the two branches. They are very different and in opposition to the ultra-conservative Wahabi version of Islam which is dogmatic. Sufism emphasizes love of God, and God’s love. Another way of thinking of it – from a Christian perspective – is a focus on the message of Jesus and his teachings as opposed to either the harsher Old Testament laws, or the latter dogma of the Catholic or other established Churches during medieval times.