![Did Tasawwuf Exist During the Time of Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]?](https://www.islamandsufism.org/storage/141862.jpg)
How Did Tasawwuf Begin?
A Muslim must recognize that Allah the Exalted is ever-present and ever-watchful. This awareness is a fundamental requirement of faith. Our Lord, the Most High, is closer to each of us than our jugular vein. As such, humans must also draw near to Allah, demonstrating closeness to Him through their actions and attitudes. It is vital not to fall into the traps of Shaytan or the whims of the nafs, which can lead one away from the religion and from Allah, the Exalted.
The noble religion of Islam commands not only the outward performance of acts of worship but also their heartfelt observance. This is why the previously mentioned hadith about ihsan is of great importance; it encapsulates the essence of tasawwuf. From the question “What is Islam?” emerged the sciences of hadith, tafsir, and fiqh. The question “What is iman?” gave rise to the sciences of aqidah and kalam. Finally, the question “What is ihsan?” brought forth tasawwuf. These can be categorized into three fundamental dimensions: iman (faith), ibadah (worship), and akhlaq (character).
The Foundation of Faith, Worship, and Character
Iman pertains to the principles of belief, which are studied by scholars of aqidah and kalam. Ibadah encompasses the acts of worship, explored and structured by scholars of fiqh. Akhlaq, however, deals with the refinement of one’s inner character. This involves purging the heart of evil traits and adorning it with virtues. Such inner discipline is best cultivated under the guidance of perfected individuals (kamileen), who are shaped by tasawwuf schools founded upon the Qur’an and Sunnah. In the aforementioned hadith, ihsan forms the bedrock of the spiritual cleansing and beautification that tasawwuf aims to achieve.
No Muslim can claim, “I believe and worship, but I do not need sincerity (ikhlas), divine love (mahabbah), or a pure heart. I have no need for self-discipline.” Such a mindset leaves one deficient in their religion and unable to earn the pleasure of Allah, the Most Glorious.
Tasawwuf: A Science of States
Tasawwuf is a science concerned with the states of the heart. The life lived by the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] and his companions was the embodiment of these human states. After the time of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam], the most virtuous Muslims were the companions of Allah’s Messenger. The truth of “Even if I do not see Allah, I know that He sees me” was perfectly realized in the lives of the companions (sahaba).
Those who saw the companions and embraced Islam are referred to as the tabi‘in. The generation that followed, who did not witness the companions but saw those who had, are known as the taba‘ al-tabi‘in. The pious and perfected individuals (salihin) of these generations are the ones who carried forward this legacy. However, as the human condition began to be neglected, the need for a structured system such as tasawwuf became more pronounced.
The Need for Tasawwuf
During those times, numerous sects and schools of thought emerged regarding the correct way to perform acts of worship. Many of these deviated from the truth, adopting beliefs and practices that were inconsistent with the Qur’an and Sunnah. For instance, the Rafidites harbored animosity toward the companions, while some Shia rejected the caliphate of Abu Bakr [radiyallahu anh] and other companions. In later periods, the Wahhabis, despite residing in the holiest lands of Makkah and Madinah, leveled baseless accusations against the followers of tasawwuf and perfected guides (mashayikh).
Nevertheless, in every era, just as there were scholars who adhered to the teachings of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamaah in matters of worship and doctrine, there were also individuals and movements that remained steadfast on the path of Allah and His Messenger, preserving the state of ihsan. These include various spiritual paths (turuq), which have always existed.
The True Adherents of Tasawwuf
The true people of tasawwuf have always distinguished themselves from innovations (bidah) introduced into the religion, safeguarding their hearts from heedlessness concerning Allah, the Most Glorious, and His Messenger [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]. They have preserved the noble character of Islam and upheld the ethics exemplified by the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] and his companions.
If someone were to ask, “Did tasawwuf exist during the time of the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]?” the answer would be: “The essence of tasawwuf was indeed present in their way of life.” Therefore, to enter tasawwuf is to adopt the character of the companions. The people of tasawwuf are those sincere Muslims striving to follow the path of the companions.
Allah, the Most High, declares:
“Say (O Prophet): ‘If you really love Allah, then follow me, and Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.’” (Ali Imran 31)
Here, following is not a mere act of compliance but signifies a heartfelt, sincere connection to the Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] through faith. This love is not superficial but reflects true devotion.
This devotion encompasses faith, acts of worship, and moral conduct. It requires complete submission in thought, word, and deed. When a Muslim aligns their beliefs and actions entirely with the Sunnah, they attain true obedience to Allah the Most Glorious.
Our beloved Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] taught his companions Islam in its entirety, encompassing iman , ibadah , and ihsan . Those who followed in his footsteps, such as Sayyid Abdul Qadir Jilani, Yunus Emre, Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi, Haji Bektash Veli, Shah Naqshband, Imam Rabbani, Mawlana Khalid al-Baghdadi, Ahmad al-Rifai [qaddasallahu asrarahum], and others, exemplified divine love and etiquette, serving as luminous examples for humanity.
