A Comparison Between The Beliefs of The Soofees By Shaikh Sa’d al-Shathree the Pillars of Emaan, or faith in Islam, is the basis of a Muslim’s belief system. Among them are the beliefs in Allah, angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and Qadar, or Divine Preordainment. As time passed and Islam lasted for centuries, different interpretations emerged and became unique and distinct. Included among those are the Soofees, commonly known as Sufis, and Ahl Sunnah, or Sunni Muslims. This comparison highlights how each group approaches these pillars and what unique aspects of faith each emphasizes.
The Concept of Emaan in Islam: A Brief Overview
In Islam, Emaan is far more than merely belief, as it transcends into a faith, assurance, and trust in Allah. In the Ahl Sunnah, Emaan has a very rich root implanted into the Quran and the Sunnah-thus serving as the direction and outline of life itself. The Soofee’s is based on much the same, but implores to this as a mystical with the experiences of belief often bringing to an individual spiritual journey to their core.
The concept about Emaan lays down a foundation from which one can realize the differences between the Ahl Sunnah and the Soofees. Practically, the former observes all aspects of life under the teaching of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), while the latter implements a mystic concept about getting close to Allah.
Now moving on to explain the pillars of Emaan gives a deeper sense of differences between them
Pillar 1: Faith in Allah-The Divine Reality and His Characteristics
Ahleh Sunnah Position on Tawhid (Unity of God)
The concept of Tawhid is a very important component of Ahl Sunnah. It is categorized into three: Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah, the doctrine of Lordship; Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah, the doctrine of worship; and Tawhid al-Asma wa-Sifaat, the Names and Attributes. Each of these accentuates the Godhead’s absolute sovereignty and characteristic uniqueness.
Belief in God from the Sufi Perspective
Believed in Tawheed. However, they used emotional attachment to Allah to depict the bond. In using Dhikr and complete devotion, they aimed to have a personal contact with Allah. They could attain Him in the heart as He can be realized here. Most Sufis only come to comprehend what Allah is by direct, inner spiritual experiences through internal quests.
Pillar 2: Belief in Angels – The Messengers of Allah’s Commands
How Ahl Sunnah Views Angels
Ahl Sunnah confirms the literal interpretation of angels according to the Qur’an. Angels are thought of as a product, which serves Allah and complies with his will and command without acting out of personal desire. The perception also maintains a very rigid traditional interpretation of the concept of angels, strictly through texts.
Sufi Interpretation of Angelic Beings
Sometimes, angels in the Sufi mind are assigned symbolic roles and are thought to be manifestations of Allah’s attributes. The majority of the Sufi scholars believe that angels are the created beings of Allah. However, a few consider the meeting with angels to be a spiritual phenomenon in the life of a believer, which guides him on his way. This mystical interpretation adds another dimension to the concept of angels within Islam.
Pillar 3: Belief in Divine Books – Revelation as a Source of Guidance
The Ahl Sunnah Approach to Divine Books
It must be strictly accepted that all such divine books believe on the Qur’an as an authentic and final revelation as believed by Ahl Sunnah. It supplants previous scriptures like the Torah and the Gospel, honored but believed to have had their integrity compromised by interference of human hands. Thus, the method of the Ahl Sunnah dictates one should not stray or divert from the tenets of the Qur’an; rather, it is an authoritative guidance to all actions and principles of belief.
Sufi Revere the Quran
Sufis also regard the Qur’an highly but interpret its message in a mystical sense. They look for hidden meanings in verses, trying to discover personal spiritual interpretations. Sufi scholars sometimes interpret the Qur’an allegorically, considering it a book of metaphysical knowledge and the soul’s journey to Allah.
Pillar 4: Belief in Prophets – Role Models of Faith and Morality
Ahl Sunnah’s View of Prophets
Ah, Sunnah declares that all prophets were messengers of Allah. That being so, everything has to be taken as an example from the prophets. Above all the prophets, Muhammad is believed to be the last prophet of God. That being so, it automatically means that anything and everything will emulate the life of Prophet Muhammad and his sunnah.
The Sufi Connection with the Prophetic Legacy
They differ in their reverence. To them, Mawlid shows the birth of the prophet and devotionary poems or verses while others even that some Sufis look at the contact, possibly through a dream or a vision to the one concerned. For this consideration, it forms an almost a personal close contact to the prophets’ legacy.
The Day of Reckoning Fifth Pillar: Belief in Day of Resurrection – Responsibility and Hereafter Life
Ahlasanah’s belief in life after death
The Day of Reckoning was a genuine happening in the world, Ahlasanah believed. It is a Day of moral retribution more than any thing else. One’s acts done on earth would decide one’s destiny for all eternity. Heaven and Hell were indeed two tangible entities, which an individual, depending upon the deeds of the Concentration by Sufi on journey to Allah
Sufis embrace the very same doctrine but emphasizes far greater spiritual purification to set them up for paradise. Most Sufis hold the belief that life itself is a journey back toward Allah, while the climax is to be close or near to Allah. Therefore, this mindset makes an individual concentrate on inner reformation for his entire lifespan before he can face God.
Pillar 6: Belief in Qadar – Divine Decree and Free Will
Ahle Sunnah’s Emphasis on Qadar
Qadar belief for the Ahle Sunnah means that Allah is all-aware of and in control of everything. Though the human beings have free will, everything is a result of Allah’s will. This results in the Muslim putting his trust in Allah’s wisdom during difficult times.
Sufi Emphasis on God’s Will
While accepting Qadar, Sufis defined it in the sphere of a deeper and personal surrender to Allah’s will. It is central to Sufi teachings that all-in-all trust in Allah’s plan leads to peace and inner tranquility. For Sufis, belief in Qadar is closely connected with the idea of “fana,” or self-annihilation, in which the will of a person is totally in accordance with Allah.
Differences and similarities: Sufism and Ahl Sunnah are complementary forces.
It should be noted here that despite this difference concerning one aspect of the subject while keeping Ahl Sunnah on one side and Sufism on the other. Similarly, both believe in that oneness of Allah alone and the Quran is valid that Allah has revealed through prophet Muhammad (peace be on them). However, the difference found lies mainly on the Sufis who give importance to such elements of personal, real experience with traditional practices along with the Ahl Sunnah, which put stress on being strictly textual and literally religious.
Conclusion: The Diversity of Beliefs in Islam
That, in a nutshell is why Soofees and Ahl Sunnah gives peculiar understanding to Emaan pillars, with some aspects being approachable to mortals. The former exhorts traditional adherence of its verses and sunnah. The later gives mystical taste which encourages individualism or closeness to Allah. Both then, lead their ultimate goal that serves as a means of coming near to Allah.
Diversity in interpretation within this journey of faith speaks well of the thought richness of Islam. Faithful people should understand the two, getting inspiration from both the strict adherence of Ahl Sunnah and the heart of devotion that Sufism has toward deepening a connection with Allah.
Read more: A Commentary on Al Waraqat of Imamul Haramain al-Juwaini Ash-Shafi
