What is sufism and what is its position in Islam if any ? Isn't Islam only the belief in and practice of the Holy Quraan and the hadith ?

Islam promotes Tazkiyah - the cleaning or purification of the heart of all forms of spiritual filth that may impede ones spiritual progress and closer proximity to Allah. Now, some people realize that achieving this goal - i.e. spiritual purification - can only be gained by staying aloof from society and adhering to other stringent regulations. Such people are generally referred to as Sufis. The branch they are involved with is referred to Sufism.

As far as Sufism is concerned, it is a branch of Islam that deals in spiritual elevation and this is also a primary objective of Islam. In short, Sufism is a branch of Deen (Islam). However, over the years, a number of un-Islamic practices have seeped into this branch. Hence, the un-Islamic practices of some of these 'Sufis' cannot be condoned.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai