A profound veil of mysticism and devotion envelops the intricate landscape of Islamic spirituality. In that realm, Sufism emerges as one of the most mystical dimensions of Islam. A quest towards divine enlightenment, it represents a sacred pathway of inner transformation and spiritual connection. As Ramadan draws to a close and Muslims around the world gather to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the celebration of breaking the fast, we reflect on Sufism and its rich history.
This joyous occasion that is Eid marks the culmination of a month-long journey of spiritual growth and renewal. It serves as an affirmation of faith, unity and community, strengthening the bonds that unite believers across the globe. For Sufis, Eid also represents a time of spiritual elevation and enlightenment, a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and the blessings received during Ramadan.
Ramadan embodies a period of abstinence, prayer and reflection, during which Muslims observe fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink and other physical activities. This fast serves as a spiritual detoxification, as cleansing the body and reducing food intake are meant to keep both body and mind alert and more receptive to the benefits of spiritual practice. Through self-discipline and devotion, believers seek to purify their hearts and minds, drawing closer to the essence of their faith.
The origins of Sufism trace back to the early epochs of Islam, where mystics and ascetics sought to transcend the illusions of the material world and commune with the transcendent essence of existence. Inspired by the profound teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), they embarked on a profound journey of spiritual awakening, guided by the principles of love and surrender. Throughout time, Sufism flourished into a diverse spectrum of mystical practices, rituals and insights, embracing various cultures and traditions while remaining steadfast to its core principles of devotion and transcendence.
At the essence of Sufi philosophy lies the fervent pursuit of divine union, a journey of the soul towards the ‘Beloved’, expressed through music, poetry and ceremonial observances. From the captivating whirls of the Dervishes to the profound verses of luminaries like Rumi and Hafez, Sufism offers seekers various paths to commune with the divine, each beckoning them closer to the inner sanctum of truth and enlightenment.
The whirling dervish: A dance of devotion
A circle of devotees, dressed in billowing white robes, their movements graceful and fluid as they spin in ecstatic reverence. That is the first image that comes to mind when thinking of the Whirling Dervish, a sacred dance part of the Mevlevi Order from the 13th -century. Dervishes revere the Islamic scholar, mystic and Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi, who influenced Muslim writing and culture to a great extent.
Born out of a longing for divine union, the whirling dance symbolises the soul’s journey towards enlightenment, a mystical pilgrimage guided by the rhythm of the heart. The spiritual significance of the Whirling Dervish is deeply intertwined with the essence of Ramadan, as both give utmost importance to surrender.
As Fadi Rifaai, vocalist for Tabla, tells us, “The Sufi path is one of love, and love can only cultivate in total surrender.” The teachings of Sufi mystics such as Al-Hallaj, Ibn al-Farid, and Abu-al-Hasan resonate through the rhythmic cadence of the dervishes’ movement, echoing the surrender of the self to the divine will. In the stillness of the night, the whirling dance becomes a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion. The ritual ends with a prayer of thanks and a blessing for humanity, emulating many of the rites of Eid.
Sufi music: A symphony of surrender
For Rifaai, the essence of Sufi mysticism finds resonance in the soul-stirring melodies of his music. “Artists, myself included, often try to control every aspect of their music, to perfect every note and polish every beat. Although logic creates correct music, it can never produce an authentic sound,” he muses. “Sufi teachings are about the leap of trust, the complete absence of the mind, and that divine -untethered connection to the heart, from which authentic, heartfelt, genuine music is made.”
Through the intricate interplay of notes and rhythms, he seeks to awaken the dormant seeds of love and longing that reside within the human heart, creating continuous melodies of sound that resonate with the soul’s deepest yearnings. As believers embark on their fasting journey during Ramadan, they enter a state of meditative reflection—a deeply intense one for Sufis—guided by the spiritual energy that permeates the sacred month. “In Ramadan, fasting believers are physically balanced,” observes Rifaai, “which transforms the body from an obstacle to a possibility.” In the silence of self-restraint, they discover the profound truth that lies beyond the realm of material existence, a truth that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
The melody of Ramadan: Poetry, music and spirituality
A part of Ramadan and Eid celebrations, poetry and music emerge as potent expressions of spiritual devotion. Rifaai quotes Sadhguru’s book Inner Engineering, where he explains, “Where there is vibration, there is bound to be sound.” Through the haunting melodies of Sufi poetry, believers find solace and inspiration, their hearts stirred by the timeless wisdom that flows through the verses. The transformative power of sound and rhythm embarks them on a journey of self-discovery, drawing paintings of their own spirituality with each melodic refrain.
Through the dance of the Whirling Dervishes, the soul finds its rhythm, its purpose, and its ultimate destiny. In the melodies of music and poetry, believers -discover the language of the heart, the voice of the divine and the eternal song of creation.
As the moon rises over the horizon, casting its gentle glow upon Earth, concluding Ramadan and launching Eid celebrations, seekers, gathering in prayer and contemplation, find inspiration and strength in their endeavours towards divine enlightenment.
