AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF TARIQA AND SPIRITUAL SUFISM ON SOCIETY

Abstract

A diverse array of religious practices was introduced to the community, giving rise to a multitude of Islamic spiritual practices and mysticism, including sufism and order-related branches referred to as tariqa. This subject generates confusion among members of the community concerning the authenticity of the teachings. The aim of this research is to analyse the constituent elements that comprise the tenets of sufism and tariqa in order to clarify the societal implications of these observances. The qualitative methodology utilised in this study consists of focus group discussions. The participants were selected through a process involving esteemed committees of scholars from diverse fields within Islamic Studies. The primary method of data acquisition utilised in this study was semi-structured interviews. The panellists were given the opportunity to respond to any inquiries that arose in relation to this research. The results indicate that the presence of various religious orders, or Tariqa, in Malaysia is a substantial contributor to community confusion concerning sufism and tariqa as a whole. Sufism and Tariqa are similarly established to ensure that their respective structures are passed down from generation to generation, thus protecting their respective functions. Tariqa and sufism agendas continue to be permitted under specific recent policies. However, this study suggests that both governmental and non-governmental organisations ought to develop an awareness campaign concerning the concept of Sharia-compliant spiritual practices. Sharia compliance refers to the observance of Islamic regulations and laws.