What is Sufism by Martin Lings

What is Sufism?, first published in 1975, is a definitive and lyrically written introduction to the mystical dimension of Islam by the renowned scholar and practitioner Martin Lings (Abu Bakr Siraj ad-Din). Book Description In this work, Lings provides a “traditionalist” and “Perennialist” defense of Sufism, arguing that it is not a later historical addition to Islam, but its original, inward heart (lubb). He positions Sufism as the “spirit” that gives life to the “body” of Islamic Law (Shari’ah). The book is famous for its clarity and its ability to explain complex metaphysical doctrines—such as the “Oneness of Being”—using accessible metaphors and poetic language. Lings addresses the central question of the title by exploring the origin, the method, and the ultimate goal of the Sufi path, which is the direct, experiential knowledge (Ma’rifah) of the Divine. Key Points 1. Sufism as the “Heart” of Islam Lings argues that Sufism is the Esoteric dimension of Islam. He explains that while the Shari’ah provides the “circumference” (social and moral boundaries), Sufism is the “radius” that leads the seeker from the edge to the “Center,” which is God. 2. The Origin in the Prophet Muhammad A crucial point in the book is that Sufism began with the Prophet himself. Lings highlights the Prophet’s spiritual retreats in the Cave of Hira and the “Night Journey” (Mi’raj) as the archetypes for all Sufi practices. He insists that true Sufism must be rooted in the Quranic revelation and the Prophetic model. 3. The “Oneness of Being” (Wahdat al-Wujud) Lings provides a masterful explanation of this often-misunderstood doctrine. He clarifies that it is not pantheism, but the realization that nothing truly “is” except God. He uses the metaphor of the sun and its rays: the rays are “real” relative to us, but they have no independent existence outside of the sun. 4. The Method of Remembrance (Dhikr) The book emphasizes that Sufism is not just a “philosophy” but a practical method. The central tool is Dhikr—the invocation of the Divine Names. Lings explains how this practice is designed to “polish the mirror of the heart” until it can reflect the Light of the Spirit without distortion. 5. The Role of the Spiritual Guide (Sheikh) Lings describes the necessity of a Master who possesses a “chain of initiation” (Silsila) going back to the Prophet. He explains that the Sheikh is not a “god” but a “guide” who understands the “traps of the soul” and can lead the disciple through the stages of the path. 6. The “Universal Man” (al-Insan al-Kamil) Following the teachings of Ibn al-Arabi, Lings explores the concept of the Perfect Human. He explains that the human being is a “microcosm” of the entire universe. The goal of Sufism is to realize this state, where the individual ego (nafs) is “extinguished” (fana) so that the Divine Reality can “abide” (baqa) within them.