1.9.4 - Deviation of Some Sufis

In general, the history of Sufism can be divided into two main phases. In the first phase, in the era of the Prophet peace be upon him, and his Companions and Followers, Islamic mysticism existed without taking any specific name or structure, but it was an integral part of Islam, which formalized good ethics, asceticism and worshiping Allah in an organized rules and perfected system, known as the Shariah. In the second phase, however, when some strange ideas started to diffuse into Islam from the adherents of other religions and philosophies, Sufism then began to take a systematic form that sometimes deviated away from the spirit of Islam and its clear teachings.

However, it must be emphasized that the deviation did not occur only in Sufism, but in the behavior of some Muslims whether they may belong to Sufism or not, and therefore this deviation does not affect the firm rules of Sufism, and does not undermine the clear rules of Islam. It is not wise to judge on the doctrine, as a whole, from the behavior of some of its followers, without examining its bases and foundations. After careful investigation and after checking the compatibility with the authenticated Islamic Shariah, we can then confirm the degree of the legitimacy of Sufism, and if we find any partial disagreements, we can then amend and correct the behavior and adjust it with this straight Way of Islam. In the end, there is no difference or contradiction between Islam and Sufism, but the latter includes some more strict methods that should be followed by those who want to devote themselves to Allah and seek his proximity.