The Role of Sufism in Promotion of Peace and Eradication of Extremism

Hafiz M. Muneer Al-Azhari

Abstract

Abstract: Islam is the religion which civilizes the human being worldly as well as spiritually. Almighty Allah sent his Prophets (peace and blessings be upon Them) to address his creation. They preached their Ummahs (nations) according to the divine scriptures revealed on them by Almighty Allah. In these scriptures where Almighty Allah addressed the bodily needs of man he also provided the means for the purification of human soul. After the Prophets the great Saints and Sufis continued this cause. Islamic Sufism is known for its peaceful teachings. The Sufis are considered as ambassadors of peace, love, compassion, harmony, patience, tolerance, mercy and kindness. Their method of preaching Islam is so impressive that why it attracts a large number of human minds. They spread peace by their equally soft and gentle behaviors towards Muslims and Non-Muslims. They value humanity over everything, they develop a keen interest of learning and seeking knowledge, they introduce the culture of forgiveness and repentance for all, they teach their followers that if they want to seek the love of Almighty Allah they must have to love humanity, they discourage the evil ideas and acts of harming others and eradicate extremism via spiritual gatherings such as dhikr, duroos, majalis etc. This is how the Sufism plays a great role in bringing people of different walks of life even schools of thought close to each other. The way of Sufis is the best way by which we can develop inter-faith harmony and make this society a peace loving society.