Answer to Question #181066 in Sociology for Tung Nguyen

Question

Sufism

Watch the BBC documentary "The Retreat". Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=2kYyTOJ-mqI

Answer the following questions:

 1) What are the appealing elements of Sufism in the documentary?

2) What do some Muslims find objectionable about certain Sufi practices?

3) Why is Sufism so hard to define?

Answer 1

Answer to the question.

1.

-Sufism is characterized by ritual practices, doctrines, and institutions.

-Sufism is variously defined as islamic mysticism.

-Sufism followers try to get closer to God seeking spiritual learning known as Tariq.

-Sufism shuns materialism.

2.

-Muslims believe that only a fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam is valid.

-Muslim see Sufism as a threat and it's adherents as heretics or apostates.

-Muslims see Sufis Shrines as living Idols.

-Muslim see Sufism existence and their worship violates the main principle of Islam.

-Muslim view Sufis as heretical, terrorists network.

3.

-Because it's a practice that that emphasizes the inward search of God and shuns Materialism.

-The myths people have about Sufis are analogous to the myths people have about Muslims.

-Sufism is claimed to be Islam but it focuses on meditation, chanting sessions.