What is Sufism?
Sufism (tasawwuf) is the form which mysticism has taken in Islam. The term Sufism embraces the philosophy and practices in Islam which aim at direct communion between God and man.
The Derivation of Sufi
Scholars differ as to the meaning and derivation of this word which is used for those who opt for this spiritual path. Some of them associate it with the Arabic word ‘safa’ meaning purity. Others are of the view that it may refer to the Ashabus Safa, or the people of the bench. When the Prophet migrated to Madinah, with his companions, the majority of them managed to earn their livelihood by engaging in trade or taking up some employment. Some of them worked in orchards, while others engaged in trade as they used to do in Makkah. But there were a sizeable number of people who could not engage themselves in any such activity. They did not even have their own roof to take shelter under. These people used to stay in the verandah or porch of the Prophet’s mosque. Here they spent their time in worship, in listening to the Prophet’s words and memorizing them. Similarly, they memorized the verses of the Quran as they were being revealed from time to time. Having all the time at their disposal, they managed to preserve in their memory, both the Quran and the Hadith.
Abu Hurayrah, being one of them, had memorized the greatest number of traditions. Having no worldly activities to engage their attention they lived a very simple life.
They often gathered sticks for a living and satisfied their hunger by eating the dates which had fallen from the palm trees.
The Prophet looked after them and asked his companions to help them. Since the porch of the mosque had become virtually their home, they came to be called Ashaabus Safa.
However, the majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the word sufi comes from the word ‘Suf’ or wool.
This is because most of the early ascetics wore undyed woolen garments of a coarse quality. This coarse cloth symbolized their voluntary poverty and renunciation of the world and all its pleasures.
