Itikaf City: Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri explains essence of Sufism

Professor Dr. Hussain Mahiuddin Qadri addressed an educational session on the topic of "History of Sufism and Teachings of Sufis" in the city of spiritual retreat (Itikaf City). He stated that those who practice Islamic teachings in their true essence are called Sufis. He said that Sufism is about purifying oneself from both external and internal impurities in the light of religious teachings.

Dr Hussaind said that just as during the blessed era of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), every companion was considered a Sufi as they were well-versed in Arabic, there was no need for a separate term for them. Similarly, during the time of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), every companion was a Sufi, so there was no need for a separate term for them. Those who question why the term "Sufism" is not mentioned in the Quran or Hadith misunderstand the essence of Sufism, as there are many aspects of religion that are not explicitly mentioned in these sources.

Prof Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri emphasized that Sufism and its teachings are consistent with the Quran and Hadith; what is beyond the Quran and Hadith cannot be Sufism, and what is Sufism cannot be beyond the Quran and Hadith. He said that just as not every professor is an expert in every subject, there are both unqualified individuals and true experts among Sufis.

The MQI President mentioned that just as it is not possible to reject the subject of science of a weak person by giving examples of false people, the science of Sufism cannot be rejected by mentioning the name of a weak person. Sufism refers to a set of continuous principles that rectify both outward and inward actions.

He said that in the early centuries, the term "Sufism" was not common, but everyone was a Sufi; today, the term "Sufism" is widely used, but not everyone is a Sufi. Sufis are those whose hearts are always present in the presence of Allah.

Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Professor Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has taught us Sufism in his 40 years of teachings that are directly derived from the Quran and Hadith.

“May Allah grant us the ability to understand the teachings and status of the Sufis, respect them, and learn our religion through their guidance and companionship,” he said.