이슬람의 신비적 측면 : 수피즘(SUFISM)의 현대적 이해

Abstract

Differentiating themselves from conventional religious norms, Sufism has sought direct, personal interactions with God through mystical and spiritual approaches rather than those of reason. In early Islamic history, advocates for abstinence searched for definite paths to salvation through prayer, meditation and the restriction of pleasure. Nevertheless, they concluded that abstinence alone could not remain as their sole pursuit in life. Instead, they realized that their restrictive practices had been channels for achieving a deeper purpose of knowing and adoring their God. By continuously cleansing the soul, mysticism and its various brotherhoods developed as a way of building upon this desire to grow closer to God until one attains permanent unity with Him, which is Sufism.<BR> Sufism grounded on the works of Rabia of Basra, who emphasized the importance of the love for God, Junaydal-Baghdadi, who set the foundations of the Sufi order, Bayazid al-Bistami, who became known as the "ecstatic" Sufi through his controversial claims, and al-Ghazali, who synthesized Sufi ideology with traditional Islamic theology played a pivotal role in expanding Islam across the globe with its appeals of tolerance and spirituality.<BR> One must recognize and acknowledge the perception of Sufism as the spiritual healer and oasis for Muslims, as well as for Westerners who have been dissatisfied with the formalized and secularized religions of contemporary European societies. Hence, contrary to the expectations of modern paradigms, methods for sharing the Gospel to Muslims and nonbelievers must be responsive to an age of prevailing interests in the supernatural and spiritual worlds.