Sufism: The Path of the Heart
Sufism is the heart of Islam, emphasizing the inward journey of the soul toward divine love and truth. Rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad, Sufism transcends rituals and doctrines, focusing instead on personal experience, spiritual purification, and closeness to God (Allah).
Tasawuf (تصوف) is the Arabic term for Sufism
Sufism is the practice of purifying the heart, seeking divine closeness, and embodying love, humility, and selflessness. At its core, Tasawuf teaches that true knowledge of God (ma’rifa) comes through inner experience rather than just intellectual understanding. Sufis follow a path of spiritual discipline, including dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, and ethical self-purification, to transcend the ego (nafs) and attain divine love.
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Sufis believe that love is the most powerful force leading to divine union, and they strive to purify their hearts from ego and worldly attachments through prayer and meditation. Central to their practice is the continuous remembrance of God (dhikr), often expressed through chanting and devotion.
Many turn to Sufi wisdom for guidance in the modern world, seeking inner peace and divine love. Its universal message of tolerance, unity, and love continues to inspire people of all backgrounds. To deepen their spiritual journey, seekers typically follow a Sufi master who provides guidance, wisdom, and discipline along the path.
Tariqa is a spiritual path in Sufism that guides seekers toward closeness to Allah...
...Rooted in Islamic tradition, Tariqas emphasize inner purification, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Our teachers follow the Naqshbandiyya ‘Aliyya Tariqa, a noble and ancient Sufi order known for its deep spiritual wisdom, silent dhikr, and strong connection to the prophetic way.
The Qur'an Emphasizes Spiritual Purification (Tazkiyah)
Sufism aligns with the Quran’s call for self-purification, which is essential to attaining divine closeness:
“He has succeeded who purifies it (the soul), and he has failed who instills it with corruption.” (Quran 91:9-10)
Sufis take this command seriously, engaging in dhikr (remembrance of God), self-discipline, and reflection to purify their hearts from greed, arrogance, and selfish desires.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the ultimate example of Sufism. He frequently engaged in deep prayer, fasting, and solitude in the Cave of Hira before his Prophethood, seeking divine connection. His night prayers (Tahajjud) and emphasis on sincerity in worship reflect Sufi practices. He said:
“There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari, 52)
Sufism focuses on purifying this heart, which is the essence of Islam.
When Angel Jibreel asked the Prophet Muhammad about Ihsan, he responded:
“Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then know that He sees you.” (Sahih Muslim)
This is the very essence of Sufism—developing such deep awareness of God that one worships with sincerity, love, and devotion beyond just external rituals.
True Sufis uphold Sharia while focusing on its deeper meanings. The greatest Sufi masters, such as Abdul Qadir Gilani and Junayd al-Baghdadi, insisted that spiritual enlightenment must be accompanied by strict adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah. Any claim to Sufism that contradicts Islamic teachings is a misrepresentation, not true Tasawuf.