Is Sufism a 'Gross Innovation? What is the Reality of Sufism?

In the name of Allah, the inspirer of truth. All praise is to Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate, and all blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, his family, companions, and those who follow them.

One of the clearest and most complete definitions of Sufism was given by the great North African sufi, Shaykh Ahmad Zarruq, who defined it as, “Sincerity in turning to Allah,” and explained that;

“The necessary condition of sincerity of approach is that it be what the Truth Most High accepts, and by the means He accepts. Now, something lacking its necessary condition cannot exist, “And He does not accept unbelief for His servants.” (Qur’an, 39: 7), so one must realize true faith (iman), “and if you show gratitude, He will accept it of you.” (Qur’an, 39: 7), which entails applying Islam. So there is no Sufism except through comprehension of Sacred Law, for the outward rules of Allah Most High are not known save through it, and there is no comprehension of Sacred Law without Sufism, for works are nothing without sincerity of approach, as expressed by the words of Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him):

“He who practices Sufism without learning Sacred Law corrupts his faith, while he who leans Sacred Law without practicing Sufism corrupts himself. Only he who combines the two proves true.” (Iqaz al-Himam fi Sharh al-Hikam, 5-6 from The Reliance of the Traveller, w9.3, 862)

Similarly, Shaykh Muftafa Naja explained that basis of the spiritual way is,

“Absolute uprightness (al-istiqma al-tamma), being with Allah, having presence of heart in one’s slavehood, and conforming to the Qur’an and Sunna in every breath, step, spiritual experience, and state. Its pillar is keeping the company of the people divine knowledge and Sacred Law, and making much remembrance, with presence of heart.” (Kitab Kashf al-Asrarli Tanwir al-Afkar, 41)

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.