is sufism accepted by the universal islam?
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Traditional Islamic schools of thought and Sufism\nIslam traditionally consists of a number of madhhabs (i.e of Sunni, Shi'a and of their subdivisions). Sufis do not define Sufism as a madhhab. What distinguishes a person as a Sufi is practicing Sufism, usually through association with a Sufi order. Belief in Sufism is not sufficient for being recognized as a Sufi. These facts lead to some ambiguity because Sufism has characteristics of a tradition and, for example, use of the term "Sufi Islam" is generally accepted.\n\nW. Chittick explains the position of Sufism and Sufis this way:\n\nIn short, Muslim scholars who focused their energies on understanding the normative guidelines for the body came to be known as jurists, and those who held that the most important task was to train the mind in achieving correct understanding came to be divided into three main schools of thought: theology, philosophy, and Sufism. This leaves us with the third domain of human existence, the spirit. Most Muslims who devoted their major efforts to developing the spiritual dimensions of the human person came to be known as Sufis \nThe relationship between traditional Islamic scholars and Sufism is complicated due to the variety of Sufi orders and their history.\n\nIn the history of Sufism, the founders and early scholars of the schools (madhhabs) had positive attitudes towards Sufism, for example Imam Hambal used to visit the Sufi master Bishr al Hafi frequently[10]. Later, there were some scholars who considered some aspects of Sufism rank heresy as well as those like Al-Ghazali who defended Sufis as true Muslims. In time, even the controversal words of Al-Hallaj came to be accepted by some scholars.\n\nToday, most Muslims hold Tasawwuf, in the sense of Sufi doctrines and philosophies, to be the science of the heart or gnosis (as distinct from other branches of Islamic knowledge which are exoteric in nature) and appreciate Sufis for their extensive contributions to Islamic arts and philosophy. Many Muslims who are not themselves Sufis are influenced by Sufi teachings.\n\nModern criticism of Sufism by Muslims has different aspects, the most important being criticizing the lifestyle of some Sufis like the wandering dervishes, and holding rigid beliefs in Sufi Shaykhs.\n\nSome Muslim movements (such as Salafism, alternatively called Wahabism, a fundamentalist Islamic movement) hold Sufism to be a form of reprehensible innovation influenced by unislamic sources [11], [12]. Although some Islamic scholars hold their view on the issue to be baseless and assert the position that Sufi spirituality is essentially Islamic, adherents of Sufism argue the necessity of mysticism in Islamic practice and a figurative interpretation of their religion. [13]\n\nAlthough Sufism as a whole is approved in Islamic thought, there is a tendency to distinguish between different Sufi thoughts and practices in terms of their conformity with Shari'a and hence the introduction of an Islamic or authentic form of Sufism by religious authorities.[14]\n\nFor example in Shi'a Islam, a form of Sufism held to be in conformity with Shari'a is called Irfan (lit. gnosis\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufi#Traditional_Islamic_schools_of_thought_and_Sufism
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yes,its ok, The Qura'an, its message is for whole of mankind, and there are numerous verses in the Qura'an which directly address the christians, so you are welcomed to discover it and may Allah guide you, aameen. And i invite you to Islaam. As for the purification rituals, i suggest that you get a copy of only the translation of the meaning of the Qura'an without arabic. you can read Qura'an online too- http://www.thenoblequran.com/sps/nbq/ , or if u want a small but one of the best explanations on quraan ,download it free here Download here ::  http://www.cbl.uh.edu/~najam/islam/tafsirkathir.exe  .if you need just the qura'an downloadable get it from here http://www.islamasoft.co.uk/products/nquran/thenoblequran.html , for other authentic resources on islaam refer to www.salaf.com & www.salaf.dk and  if you need further info please feel free to contact me, thank you, may Allah guide you and make it easy for you, aameen
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Its a very good Question. \nIslamic Religion means Peacful Religion. \nIt is the best Religion available to follow. \nThe basis for Islam is The Quran (the word of God), which is unchanged to this date. so if someone wants to follow the Words of God then  Islam is the only way.
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Most certainly... consider some of the following:\n\nOttoman Empire:\n"In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottoman Empire was among the world's most powerful political entities... On several occasions, the Ottoman army invaded central Europe, laying siege to Vienna in 1529 and again in 1683 in an attempt to conquer the Habsburg domain, and was finally repulsed only by great coalitions of European powers at sea and on land... \n\nOttomans: Adoption of Islam:\nBefore adopting Islam—a process that was greatly facilitated by the Abbasid victory at the 751 CE Battle of Talas, which ensured Abbasid influence in Central Asia—the Turkic peoples practised a variety of shamanism. After this battle, many of the various Turkic tribes—including the Oghuz Turks, who were the ancestors of both the Seljuks and the Ottomans—gradually converted to Islam, and brought the religion with them to Anatolia beginning in the 11th century CE...\n\nOttomans: Diversity\n...One of the successes of the Ottoman Empire was the unity that it brought about among its highly varied population. While the main reason was the military might and heavyhandedness in newly invaded territories, one other indirect source of this unity was allowed for by the laws of Islam, which stated that Muslims, Christians, and Jews—who constituted the vast majority of the Ottoman population—were all related in that they were "People of the Book" (Arabic: اهل الكتاب; ahl al-Kitâb). \n\nOttomans: Slavery\nOttomans were coming from a nomadic nation, in which slavery was very distant to the social structure. Also, from the Islamic perspective, the Kuran specifically states "everyone is same", although the practice showed differences based on cultures, which Islam and Slavery covers these perspectives, specifically Ottoman application on their domain was not approved. However, the ottomans policies were based on millet perspective which each millet had the right to govern their own domain. Trafficking in slaves is expressly forbidden by the Ottoman application of sharia, or Islamic law. For example, by the terms of the sharia, any slaves who were taken could not be kept in the status of slaves if they converted to Islam. It was, in fact, considered an insult to term an Ottoman man as a slave-master, and there were incidents in which Ottomans responded unsympathetically to any who even mentioned the idea of slavery to them.\n-------------------------------------\n-------------------------------------\n\nOther views on "Muslim Imperialism":\n\n"No single definition prevails, but here is a good one: Jihadism engages in or supports the use of force to expand the rule of Islamic law. In other words, it is violent Islamic imperialism. It stands, as one scholar put it 90 years ago, for "the extension by force of arms of the authority of the Muslim state."\n-Jonathan Rauch (www.reason.com)\n\n\nExcerpts from Islamic Imperialism: A History, by Efraim Karsh:\n\n"The birth of Islam," writes Karsh, "was inextricably linked with the creation of a world empire, and its universalism was inherently imperialist." Karsh cites, for example, the Prophet's farewell address to his followers: "I was ordered to fight all men until they say, 'There is no god but Allah.' " Muhammad, Karsh writes, spent his last decade fighting to unify Arabia under his reign; within a decade of his death, Islamic conquest had already built an Arab-Muslim empire, "one of the most remarkable examples of empire-building in world history."\n\n---------------------------\n\nMuslim Invasion of India (18th & 19th Century):\n\n"The Muslim chieftains were inviting other Islamic imperialists from across the border to come and rescue the earlier Islamic imperialists out of the morass...\n\n...On the eve of the Islamic invasion, India was witnessing a number of Hindu princes fighting among themselves for supremac
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sufi muslims live their life like a prayer - everything they do they consider to be prayer like (such cooking dinner is a prayer)\n\nWhirling Dirvish is also in a way a prayer.... they spin with one hand facing earth one hand facing heaven
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The 1st verse you mentioned : 3.85 , Yes if some one don't take Islam as a religion it wont be accepted from him&#92;her in the Doom Day , and Wont be accepted by God. \nTRY TO READ EXPLANATIONS BEFORE MISUNDERSTANDING VERSES \nAnd For Muslim in the life time WE Must Accept ALl Religions according to : \n109:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful \n\n[109:1] Say, "O you disbelievers. \n\n[109:2] "I do not worship what you worship. \n\n[109:3] "Nor do you worship what I worship. \n\n[109:4] "Nor will I ever worship what you worship. \n\n[109:5] "Nor will you ever worship what I worship. \n\n[109:6] "To you is your religion, and to me is my religion." \n\n2nd verse you mentioned , Fight ONLY who Fights us , NOT Who are dealing in tolerant way , according to : 60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. \n\n[60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. \n\nAnd Paying "Giziah" or a some of money is only for those from other religions who lives in a Muslim country and Don't participate in defending the country, Now a days it's not taken from other religions as the army of the country consists of all religions. \n\n3rd verse you mentioned , If you try to know who are addressed with the verse you would have understood ! , this verse was addressed to hypocritical people who lived in prophet Mohamed time,and making fake things about Muslims and have a great evil in their heart against the others. \n\n4th verse you mentioned: The link is fake ! and so i cant even understand the verse as u take the part which u want and leave the rest ! \n At Last , Better to Read the Explanation of the Quran and also Try to know who are addressed by the verses .
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What Does Islam Say About "Forcing People in Religion?"\n\nA basic and fundamental truth established by the sacred texts of Islam (Quran and Hadeeth) is that: - "No one can be compelled to accept Islam!"\n\nIt is the duty of the Muslims to establish proof of validity of Islam to the people in order for the truth to be distinct from falsehood. Once that is done, whoever wishes to accept Islam may do so and whoever wishes to continue upon their belief may do so. No one is to be threatened or harmed in any way should they chose not to accept Islam.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nNote: It is not only forbidden to compel someone to accept Islam - it is impossible to do so.\n\nPlease consider the meaning of the word"Islam" before continuing to read: \n['Islam'; Ar. from the root 'slm' (silm), to be in peaceful submission; to surrender; to obey; peace; "Islam" lit. 'The active willful surrender, submission, obedience, in purity to the will of another (Allah) in complete peace.']\n\nThe understanding from the meaning of the word "Islam" itself makes it clear that there is no way that you could possibly force someone to do something that requires them to do it of their own free will and accord. If someone were "forced to enter Islam" then it would not be "Islam" anyway, as a condition of "Islam" is that it is by free choice in peace. Forcing people into Islam is totally illogical and certainly not acceptable in concept nor practice.\n\nMore about the word "Islam" [click]\n[Y. Estes]\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nIt is the duty and obligation of the Muslims to establish the truth and proofs of Islam and then allow others the freedom of choice to accept or reject the proofs.\n\nThere are two principle sources of proof for the Muslim. They are:\n\nThe Quran - considered by Muslims to be the absolute Speech or Recitation of Allah, the Almighty. ('Quran' Ar. from the root; qr'a: to recite; Quran; lit. "That which is recited"). More about Quran . . . [click]\n\nThe Hadeeth - teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him. (hadeeth - Ar. meaning, stories or narrations. The hadeeths have been collected, authenticated [in collections by Bukhari and Muslim called 'sahih', categorized, preserved and memorized for over 1,400 years; all in the original language [Arabic]). More about Hadeeth . . . [click]\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nAmong the many decisive pieces of evidence in Islam to prove that "There is no compulsion in Islam" are the following: \nAllah says in His Quran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 256]\n\nAllah also says in Quran: “If it had been your Lord’s will, all of the people on Earth would have believed. Would you then compel the people so to have them believe?” [Surah Yunus: 99]\n\nAnd Allah says: “So if they dispute with you, say ‘I have submitted my whole self to Allah, and so have those who follow me.’ And say to the People of the Scripture and to the unlearned: ‘Do you also submit yourselves?’ If they do, then they are on right guidance. But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message. And in Allah’s sight are all of His servants.” [Surah Al `Imran: 20]\n\nAllah The Almighty has also said: “The Messenger’s duty is but to proclaim the Message.” [Surah Al-Maidah: 99]\n\nIt is important to note that these last two verses were revealed in Madinah. This is significant, since it shows that the ruling they gave was not just contingent on the Muslims being in
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Yes, God says in the Quran that He has perfected the religion.\n\nIslam is all anyone needs, for the rest of the existence of humanity.  So far, history has proven its accuracy.  No new major world religion (comparable to Islam, Christianity, or Judaism, etc.) has come up since Islam.\n\nGod did not abandon humanity, but rather gave his mercy to us by giving us a perfect religion.  The message of Islam is enough.
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Sunni_, Ahlu's-Sunnah, 'one of the Path', a traditionalist. The\n    Sunnis accept the first four Caliphs, Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Usman,\n    'Ali, as the rightful successors of Muhammad, and follow the six\n    authentic books of the traditions. The Shi'ahs, 'followers' of\n    'Ali, maintain that he was the first legitimate Imam or Caliph,\n    i.e. successor of the Prophet.\n\n\nThe five spread fingers are regarded as emblematical of the Prophet,\n    Fatimah, 'Ali, Hasan, and Husain. \nThe Sunnis prefer three\n    fingers, signifying the first three Caliphs. \nIn its ultimate origin,\n    the spread hand is a charm against demons and evil spirits.\n\nThe spread hand designates the Sheah sect. There are times when\n    holding up the spread hand declares the Sheah, whilst the Soonie is distinguished by his holding up three fingers only. In villages, the  spread hand is marked on the walls where Sheahs reside during Mahurrum.The Shi'ahs only wipe or rub the feet, instead of washing them, as\n    do the Sunnis. In the standing posture (_qiyam_) in prayer, the\n    Sunnis place the right hand over the left below the navel; the\n    Shi'ahs keep their hands hanging on both sides of the body.
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I have said this now for years, and I say it because I believe it to be true. (Note here: This is in no way meant to put down any one or any faith. Its just an opinion, based on a variety of reasons that I won't go into here. Going into my reasons here now would take to much time and detail.) From a monotheistic standpoint, given the Abrahamic tradition, Islam is the only truly viable religion in the world today. And that is my main thought concerning Islam. ~ Peace & Blessings ~
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Peace on you...Allah does not force anyone to submit to Him. He has layed out a clear path and then made it known to them the two ways (Heaven or Hell). The person is always free to make his or her own choice. There is not complusion in the way of "Islam." Whoever choses to worship Allah without partners and is devoted to Him and is obeying His commands as much as possible, has grasped the firm handhold that will never break. Whoever denies God and choses some other way to worship or not to believe at all, for them there is an eternal punishment that is most horrible (Hell).\n\nAll religions originated with Allah and then people began to add or take away from the teachings so as to take control over each other. Man made religions are an abomination before the Lord and will never be accepted. He will only accept true submission, obedience and in purity and peace to His commandments.May Allah bless us.
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No it's not, I'm a muslim and this is allowed. Islam is a very very very good Faith.
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The ruling system that emanates from Islam is neither theocratic nor republic. It's unique; Islam is not being implemented in it's totality anywhere in the world. The misconception is that countries such as Saudia Arabia and Iran can be considered Islamic states, however, that is not the case. Furthermore, the Islamic state permits it's citizens to practice other religions, in contrast, to what was just conveyed earlier by the other person. If your intention is to attain a better grasp of the ruling system under Islam then I recommend the book that I inputed under the heading "Source(s)" in the bottom. I hope I was to some avail in respect to your inquiry.
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Of course, whoever is open minded is tolerant. Mostly all religions encourage tolerance towards those who are not theirs, but few people actually practice it. \n\nThe problem is that the idea that they have that those people will perish and are sinful creates a barrier. They tend to look at disbelievers and other religious people as inferior as they won't be saved. \n \nMany atheists do not respect and tolerate theists. They too take believers for inferior beings. \n\nPeople who are more into mysticism are more tolerant. Note that mostly all religions have a meditation/mysticism part, like in islam there is sufism. Hinduism have many mystics n meditations, buddhism is all about it. \n\nI find these type of people more tolerant. But of course there exists exceptions like myself, i'm agnostic but I do not look down at people.
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congratulations for following the right path....allah bless u\nthe one upon me who told u that this exist in Islam? we never bow except for allah most gracious most merciful
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The first guy thought links would be more appropriate because he doesn't know and probably just did a quick google search to find some appropriate links. Take this from an Arabic and Islamic studies major:\n\nBriefly stated, Islamic philosophy is the belief structure found in the expressed (written) faith. These come from two main sources 1. the Qur'an (also spelled Quran, Koran, Qoran) and 2. the Hadith reports- words and actions of the prophet Muhammad which collectively comprise the Sunna- the life of Muhammad. \n\nIslamic theology is the interaction of the Islamic expressed (written) faith with society. This is how humanity understands, codifies, and upholds Islamic law. Islamic law is based in shariah (literature from the two sources of written faith) and fiqh (literature from interpretation of God and Muhammad's intended message) applied to areas of polemic analysis not directly addressed in the expressed sources. \n\n3. Islamic mysticism is how actions beyond human understanding is rooted in Islam such as miracles, etc. This is the focus of Sufism, the Islamic sect. devoted to revealing the truth of God (as it is known in Islam) through explaining and revealing natural phenomenon and self-denial of worldly possessions or materialism.  I hops this helps
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Peace on you...Allah does not force anyone to submit to Him. He has layed out a clear path and then made it known to them the two ways (Heaven or Hell). The person is always free to make his or her own choice. There is not complusion in the way of "Islam." Whoever choses to worship Allah without partners and is devoted to Him and is obeying His commands as much as possible, has grasped the firm handhold that will never break. Whoever denies God and choses some other way to worship or not to believe at all, for them there is an eternal punishment that is most horrible (Hell).\n\nAll religions originated with Allah and then people began to add or take away from the teachings so as to take control over each other. Man made religions are an abomination before the Lord and will never be accepted. He will only accept true submission, obedience and in purity and peace to His commandments.