During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there was a group known as the Ahlus Shuffah. These were guests of Islam who had no family, wealth, or anyone to turn to, and they resided in the back porch of the Mosque. In the study of Sufism, the Ahlus Shuffah are considered the forerunners of Sufism. The term "tasawuf" is often derived from this word "shuffah." Several sources mention that the Ahlus Shuffah were the early generation of Sufis.
The Ahlus Shuffah were companions who migrated with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Medina, leaving their wealth in Mecca. In Medina, they lived as poor people, staying beside the Prophet’s Mosque and sleeping on benches with shuffah (saddle cloths) as pillows. Despite having nothing, they were kind-hearted and noble, not prioritizing worldly matters. They spent most of their time in the mosque, engaging in worship and learning with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Ahlus Shuffah were companions who migrated to Medina, most of whom were from the poor or impoverished. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Medina and built the Prophet’s Mosque, he also constructed a lodging area called suffah. This space, connected to the Prophet’s Mosque, was used by the Ahlus Shuffah. At that time, the Prophet’s Mosque served as a center for scholarly study with many followers, mainly from the Ahlus Shuffah. It can be said that this suffah became the forerunner of dormitories for students of knowledge. According to Ibn Taimiyah, the number of students in As-Suffah reached up to 400, though Ibn Qatadah argued the number was around 900. These Ahlus Shuffah would later spread Islam, and their missionary work was undoubtedly characterized by their Sufi habits.
Not only did they participate in spreading Islam with a Sufi perspective, but the followers of Sufism, who were close to the mosque, also influenced the mosque with their presence. They essentially enlivened the mosque with their typical Sufi activities. Sufism, or tasawuf, is the mystical aspect of Islam that emphasizes achieving closeness to Allah through spiritual practices such as dhikr, meditation, and complete devotion to God. Mosques play a crucial role in the development of Sufism, particularly through activities that encourage spiritual introspection and the study of tasawuf.
From this perspective, mosques have always been open to all Muslims and serve as inclusive public spaces. This aligns with Habermas’s concept of public space, which must be accessible to everyone without discrimination. Activities such as halaqah ilmu (study circles) and majlis dhikr (gatherings for the remembrance of God) reflect free and rational discourse. Discussions in this context are not only limited to religious teachings but also cover social and moral issues relevant to daily life, supporting the formation of a critical and rational public opinion. Essentially, mosques can be utilized for various purposes, including the development of Sufism.
Some common Sufi activities often conducted in mosques include:
1. Majlis Dhikr: Gatherings designed to remember Allah through collective recitation of dhikr. This practice is central in tasawuf to achieve purity of heart.
2. Halaqah Ilmu: Discussions and learning sessions on tasawuf led by a teacher or mursyid, providing deep understanding of Islamic spirituality.
3. I’tikaf: The practice of secluding oneself in the mosque to draw closer to Allah, typically during Ramadan. I'tikaf serves as an important means for spiritual development for Sufi followers.
4. Sufi Lectures and Sermons: Spiritual enlightenment delivered by Sufis to deepen the understanding of God and spiritual attainment as per Sufi principles.
Several renowned Sufi figures who often utilized mosques to teach their students in Sufism include:
- Hasan al-Basri (642–728): A famous scholar and Sufi known for his teachings on simplicity and devotion to Allah, often giving lectures at the Basrah Mosque.
- Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058–1111): A prominent theologian and philosopher who actively taught in mosques, with his works like "Ihya Ulum al-Din" still used as teaching materials in various mosques.
- Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273): A great poet and Sufi who held gatherings in mosques to spread teachings of love and closeness to God through his poetry.
Moreover, the influence of Sufism is evident not only in the religious life of Muslims but also in the arts and architecture, including mosque buildings. Sufism emphasizes simplicity, spiritual beauty, and deep symbolism, all of which are reflected in mosque architecture. Some architectural elements influenced by Sufism include:
1. Mihrab: The prayer niche facing Mecca, often adorned with beautiful calligraphy and ornaments. In Sufism, the mihrab symbolizes the direct connection between the individual and Allah.
2. Dome: The mosque’s dome, or kubbe, symbolizes the universe. In Sufi tradition, it represents the heavens and God’s creation, reminding worshippers of Allah’s greatness.
3. Minbar: The pulpit where the imam delivers sermons, seen in Sufism as a symbol of the spiritual ladder towards enlightenment and closeness to Allah.
4. Calligraphy and Geometry**: Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns are crucial in mosque decoration, reflecting the Sufi metaphysical principles of perfection and eternity.
5. Gardens and Fountains: Many mosques feature gardens and fountains symbolizing paradise in Islam, reminding believers of the beauty and tranquility of the spiritual journey towards Allah.
In the modern context, the influence of Sufism on mosques remains relevant for several reasons:
1. Spiritual Community: Mosques provide a place for the Muslim community to gather, worship, and learn together, strengthening social and spiritual bonds that cannot be entirely replaced by digital media.
2. Character Building: Spiritual education in mosques helps shape the character and morals of Muslims, with teachings on tasawuf contributing to the development of individuals with high integrity and morality.
3. Responding to Modern Challenges: Mosques play a role in addressing modern challenges like materialism, hedonism, and identity crises. Through Sufi teachings, mosques help Muslims find meaning and inner peace in an increasingly complex world.
4. Accessibility and Social Inclusion: Mosques function as centers of social inclusion, where people from various backgrounds can interact and learn together, essential for building social cohesion and addressing fragmentation in modern society.***
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