Sufism is a Phenomenon of Islamic Culture: Genesis, Spiritual Foundations and Historical Development

Abstract

This article examines the origins and ideological foundations of Sufism in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, as well as its socio-cultural role. The paper explores the history of madhhabs, the influence of Sufism on the spread of Islam in the region, and the genesis and spread of Sufism as an Islamic cultural phenomenon. The authors analyze concepts of Sufism that have become widespread in Russian and foreign literature. According to the authors, Sufism is a revival of the norms of behavior and the mystical traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. The main elements of the Sufi worldview are explored: love of Allah, mystical knowledge, spiritual development, the practice of iqra, and the categories of khal, maqam, and fana. The relationship between the sheikh and the murid is examined, as well as the role of Sufi mentors in shaping the moral and religious values of society. The article also examines the influence of Sufism on public consciousness, its interaction with regional traditions, and the transformation of the image of Sufis among the public. The authors conclude that Sufism became an important factor in the spiritual consolidation of society and contributed to the dissemination of Islamic values through the ideas of love, service, moral purification, and inner perfection.