The Beauty of Sufism- Written March 10

 The Beauty of Sufism

1/5 Reflections on Outside Reading

Was assigned a Sufism reading in my Religions of the West class.

Resources for reading: ANJUM, T. (2006). Sufism in History and its Relationship with Power. Islamic Studies, 45(2), 221–268. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20839016


Sufism is a mystical and spiritual aspect of Islam that seeks divine truth and enlightenment. Rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, diving into the realms of the soul for a deeper connection with God through love, devotion, and selflessness. One of the most important aspects of Sufism is its poetry, which allows them to express spiritual truths and insights. Well-known Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Attar have gifted the world with poems that speak of love, unity, and inner peace. Through poetry, Sufi mystics share tolerance, compassion, and the universal nature of divine love, that transcends boundaries.


Sufism is also known for its music that touches the hearts and souls of listeners. Sufi music is often made with instruments creating a sense of spiritual essence and transcendence. The rhythmic melodies and soulful chants of Sufi music lead listeners on a journey of inner reflection and connection with the divine. Centered around the principle of service to others and acts of kindness. Sufis believe in the importance of selflessness, humility, and charity as pathways to spiritual growth and enlightenment. By serving humanity with love and compassion, Sufis embody the teachings of their faith and cultivate a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all beings. The beauty of Sufism can be found in its approach to spirituality, encompassing poetry, music, and acts of service. Through the exploration of these diverse expressions, individuals are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, inner awakening, and the pursuit of divine truth.


Questions after the assignment:
  • How does someone convert to Sufism?
  • Why is Sufism not a widely known religion?
  • What other religions have similar beliefs?
  • What has influenced Sufism to change and adapt the way it has?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lillian Young: Narcissus and Beauty

 The myth of Narcissus invites us to contemplate the deeper connection between external beauty and the inner self. In our society, where physical appearance often takes center stage, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of balance and self-awareness. Beauty, when appreciated in moderation, can be a source of confidence and positive self-esteem. However, when taken to extremes, it can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and a detachment from reality. The myth prompts us to reconsider the definition of beauty itself. Bueaty is multifacited, with countless variables. The story of Narcissus encourages us to delve beyond the surface and appreciate the profound beauty that originates from the depth of our character.
Read more

Art and Ritual- Reading Reflection

 I decided to use this material for my final paper as I find this particular reading incredibly interesting. Both Ancient Greece and ancient human behavior fascinate me and I believe that Jane Allen Harrison does a fantastic job at lacing together history with philosophy. What is interesting about viewing art with participation as ritual, is that it can be utilized in different ways. First and foremost, the author's main argument is that the Dionysiac rituals that involved choir and playwriting eventually turned into the plays, dramas, and television that we see today. Over time, the ancient ritual became modern art. We can also look at her argument from a modern standpoint, where activities like tourism and the greater phenomenon of globalization can lead people from one country or ethnicity to experience the rituals of another. To the tourist or the foreigner, it is a piece of art, while to the native is it a ritual.  I do disagree with the author on a few points. Jane Allen...
Read more

Sara Rice: guest lecture reflection- beauty in life

  After this guest lecture, I really reflected on this person’s point of view in life. I have always thought that it is so unique how people can go through really terrible things in life, but still have a positive outlook on life. Although this example is much less extreme, I thought about all the beautiful things I have also taken for granted during my life. It reminded me of the saying “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”. I think in a lot of ways people continuously search for the next best thing without appreciating the current beauty. I know in my life I’ve done the same thing where I’ve been more interested in taking a picture of something beautiful rather than really taking it in and being present with the moment. However, other times in my life when I’ve been able to truly take in a moment for what it is, I have a better memory of it even without taking a picture of it. I took this lecture in a different way than what it was probably intended for, but I have b...
Read more