Discovering Sufism

Within Islam, Sufism names a path of inward attention and the work of tending the heart. Its sources include the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example and the writings of spiritual masters. Over time, different schools, orders and literary traditions developed; no single practice stands for them all. This page is a place to begin. It explains what people mean by Sufism, traces some of its history and keeps the subject within its religious setting, rather than turning it into a meditation technique stripped of context.

Start with the principles of Sufism. The Sufi Path introduces key ideas, while the section on sources leads to Qur’anic texts and commentaries. You can come to the tradition through its ideas, its writings or accounts of lived experience. Begin with the question that brought you here.

The archive also includes personal accounts, book reviews and historical articles. Some readers will be meeting Sufism for the first time; others may be looking for a definition or a reading on a particular theme. Follow the links that suit your interest. They lead to fuller discussions without assuming prior knowledge of the vocabulary.

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All32The principles of Sufism7Sources15The spiritual experience5Suggested reading5

32 texts

The principles of Sufism

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Invocation: dhikr and wird on the Sufi pathSpiritual workSufism and IslamThe spiritual guide on the Sufi pathThe state of discipleshipThe Sufi pathThe Sufi path, an esoteric path?… 1 moreThe principles of Sufism

Sources

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Introduction to the study of the Qur'an (1)Introduction to the study of the Qur'an (2): the dimensions of a verseOn the necessity of a master, according to Ibn KhaldunSurah al-Fatiha, explainedSurah al-Qadr commented by Ibn 'AjibaSurah Ya-Sin according to Ibn 'Ajiba (1): the fetters of the soulSurah Ya-Sin according to Ibn 'Ajiba (2): the night, the day, the sun and the moonSurah Ya-Sin according to Ibn 'Ajiba (3): the vessel of the Law on the ocean of RealitySurah Ya-Sin according to Ibn 'Ajiba (4): "Peace! A word from a merciful Lord"The Dala'il al-Khayrat (Guide of Blessings): 1. The prophetic lightThe Dala'il al-Khayrat (Guide of Blessings): 2. Prophetic intercessionThe Dala'il al-Khayrat (Guide of Blessings): 3. The Muhammadan RealityThe Dala'il al-Khayrat (Guide of Blessings): 4. A cyclical initiatic journeyThe Prayer upon the Prophet of 'Abd as-Salam ibn MashishThe structure of the Qur'an… 9 moreSources

The spiritual experience

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Bringing the spirit back to its origin, by Faouzi SkaliFrom doctrine to experienceSufism is a tasteThe awakening of the heart (1/2): an interview with Faouzi SkaliThe awakening of the heart (2/2): an interview with Faouzi Skali

Suggested reading

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'Le souvenir de l'être profond' by Faouzi Skali: a review'The Conference of the Birds' by Attar: a review"Au seuil de l'aube, un cheminement soufi": a review"Initiation au soufisme" by Éric Geoffroy: a review"Lettre ouverte à ceux qui critiquent le soufisme": a review