The Impact Of Sufism On Muslims’ Beliefs And Practices: A Study Case On Nigerian Sufi Muslims

Abstract

Today in the 21st century, whether in a Friday sermon, YouTube lectures, scholarly gatherings or on a meticulously designed website, Muslims are often bewildered by the sharp contrast of opposing views that exist on the subject of Sufism. The question whether Sufism should be considered within the framework of orthodox Islamic beliefs still lingers and remains unresolvedphenomenological. Sufism has been accused of assimilating some elements of foreign beliefs and philosophies into its belief system. This had made some scholars on one hand, condemned Sufism unequivocally, problematized all its beliefs and practices as being unorthodoxy and potential to disbelief. On the other hand, some scholars believe Sufi beliefs and practices are based on the interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah and these scholars have no reservation whatsoever those Sufi adherents are upon guidance. This spectrum of opinion on Sufism exists in almost every Muslim society including Nigeria. How have Sufi beliefs and practices developed over the course of its history? Did Sufi beliefs and practices truly stem from foreign traditions or based on the teachings in the Quran and Sunnah? What are the effects of Sufism on Nigerian Muslims? This research scrutinizes the evolution of Sufism, examines the development of its doctrines and reviews major events and Muslim figures that contributed to the development of Sufism; their upbringing, education, works and teachings. Finally, the research analyses the doctrines of Sufi order in Nigeria in light of Sharia. This research is a qualitative study in its nature and itis basically onlibrary research work. It is conducted through analytical and comparative methodology. Data were gathered mainly through secondary sources. Primary sources were also considered through interview and direct observation method in order to have some first-hand experience and information. Findings show that though Sufi doctrines have related principles in the Quran and Sunnah, however, their details were inspired by foreign traditions. The syncretic nature of Sufism had caused Nigerian Sufi orders to further adopt and assimilate the cultural and social practices of their own societies into their belief system. It is the conclusion of this thesis that though most Sufi beliefs and practices might have some related principles upon which they are based in Islam, however, Nigerian Sufi orders have assimilated some outrageous cultural and social beliefs and practices more than what can be theologically tolerated. Therefore, most beliefs and practices of the contemporary Sufi orders in Nigeria are tantamount to disbelief.