Sufism Is Sophism...

in the non-pejorative sense of the term. Sufism, typically identified as "Islamic mysticism," is better described as the wisdom tradition inspired by the narrated example of the life of the "seal of prophetic authenticity," i.e., Muhammad.

It is a telling sign and symptom of the persistent juvenility of American culture that so many "spiritual seekers" wish to enroll in the "graduate studies" of Islam (i.e., the wisdom tradition) without first undertaking a thorough tuition in the legal disciplines.

Likewise, it is a telling sign and symptom of the desiccated modernity of so many born and bred in Islamicate cultures who choose to forgo the tuition of the wisdom tradition and cling, thoughtlessly, to an arid legalism: one that does no justice at all to the historic partnership that Muslim jurisprudence forged with prophetic wisdom as the Umayyad era unfolded.

It is no doubt true that Sufism is a tree luxuriant of fruit, and that the Sophism which has hung from its boughs has not always proved fresh or ripe or even nourishing. Some who have tasted have been poisoned. But this is all the more reason why the Tree of Wisdom ought to be approached with caution, and the hand that reaches to pick its fruit first be disciplined by the ideal of a life lived in accordance with Prophetic example (i.e., Shari'ah).

Amateurs beware.

The Sophistic soul-craft that is Sufism is not to be read out of a book. It is a practice--a traditional craft--like weaving, that can only be learned in conversation with a certified practitioner. It requires a serious commitment of time, attention, and energy. It is an apprenticeship--nothing less.

Anyone who suggests otherwise is either misinformed or lying.