Religion and Mysticism Two of the World\'s

Religion and Mysticism

Two of the world's major religions, Islam and Christianity seem to be very different belief systems. When comprising a mental picture of a practitioner of one and then the other, they seem to have very different characteristics. However, when examined more closely, it becomes evident that the two religions are based on some of the same principles of kindness towards others, inherent goodness, and most specifically some sort of supernatural or spectacular being that is stronger than anything on earth. Sufism is the branch of Islam which is most comparable with Christian Mysticism, both of which look to some sort of spiritual power that has more strength than mere mortals.

Sufism stems from the Islamic religion. Muhammad is considered the prophet of both sects and this is why the two are so often linked, however Sufism teaches that the spirituality can be combined with any religion. "No one faith or belief is questioned; each can follow his own church, religion, or creed" (Sufism-What). One of the tenets of Sufism is that God is supreme above all things and that humans are created to serve him. No one can be above God. Sufis practice zikr, or meditation, chanting, and movement are repeated until the person becomes full of God's presence (Sufism-What). For Christians, God is above all humans as well. The two religions do not differ so much on principle as in personification. Whereas Muslims believe Muhammad to have been the great prophet, Christians believe this role as filled by Jesus Christ. In order to proclaim their view as above that of other groups, Christians have elevated their prophet to the position of their God and supreme ruler. Christian Mysticism focuses on the "spirituality of the direct experience of God" (Zuck). According to those who practice this branch of Christianity, the point of faith is not the doctrine of the religious text, nor following everything the local priest might say to the letter. Rather, it is about understanding the unique relationship between individual and God and finding your best way to forge a one-on-one relationship with that Supreme Being.

For followers of mysticism from both religions, they have faced some rejection and subjection by the practitioners of the non-mystic forms. Christians often rebuff those who believe in Christian mysticism. However, there are so many sects and denominations of Christianity, that the inclusion of mysticism in some branches is less likely to cause friction that in the Islamic religion. Those who practice Sufism face an even more dire reaction from Muslims. Part of this schism comes from the fact that Islam is a very strict religion and those who practice it are supposed to adhere to the rigid demands of the religion. The Sufi sought a more personal relationship with their God and so sought some ways beyond that which were dictated or approved of by the Islamic religion (Sufism). An "area of weakness in Islam, which helped lead to the problem of Sufism, is found in the teachings of Muhammad. Here, the vagueness of character caused by the doctrine of the indescribability of Allah allowed for the influence and development of pantheistic and monistic ideas, in essence creating a contradictory belief system" (Sufism). Sufis question why they are incapable of making a connection with God, even to the point where they are unable to get concrete answers to their questions. To practice Sufism was then inherently linked to a questioning of the dogmas of Islam, particularly in the deism of Muhammad.