Religions of Mid East
Wednesday, 12/4
Sufism and Islam

Extra Credit Activity was announced: Mon Dec,9 @2-3:50 or 6-7:50
or
watch video on reserve in library and write paragraph in response.

Sufism: smallest sect of Islam; emphasis on oneness with God
suf=wool(wore wool to be ascetic)
ascetic=deny bodily wants and needs for spiritual purpose.
know as Fakirs("poor ones")
monastic Group-live in religious communities(men and women separate)prayer and meditation
emphasis on seeing Gods face in religious visions
practice love and compassion(other Islamic traditions don't obey as much)
Started when they originally refused to follow"outward" rules and rituals of the Shari'ah;this got them in trouble;persecuted
(trying to be one with God also got them in trouble)
persecuted until middle ages
Al-Ghazali was the Suffi reformer;made it respectable and less extreme;preached that following the Shari'ah was also important.
taught both inner and outer obedience;they were celibate.
The Mawaliya-"Whirling Dervishes"(sect of Sufi brotherhood)got name from twirling ritual dancing.(founded by Rumi the Sufi poet)

Afterlife-Islamic picture similar to christianity but more physicalistic
Paradise-trees, flowing streams, bird songs, served by beautiful virgins, feasting, soft couches and pillows
Hell-eat from Zakkoum tree(demon heads),drink boiling water, burned by flame.