It is stated in the book *Elements of Strength in Islam* by Sayyid Sabiq: “Sufism is one of the Islamic sciences, and in its true nature, it is the spirit of Islam.” What is the validity of this statement?

Abu Ishaq: There is a question.The questioner : He says: I read in the book by Sayyid Sabiq that “Sufism is one of the Islamic sciences, and in its true nature, it is the spirit of Islam.” To what extent is this statement correct?

The Shaykh : This statement is the opinion and viewpoint of Shaykh Sayyid Sabiq. We do not consider it correct, neither near nor far. If what is meant by Sufism is the aspects now called spiritual matters, purifying the hearts, excellence in conduct, and the like, then this is part of Islam, from the Book of Allah and the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah. However, Sufism has adopted many concepts. What does it mean to interpret a side of Islam through Sufism? This Sufism contains matters that contradict the Shari'ah. When those who belong to Sufism are confronted with these matters, they say: No, we do not want that; we mean elevation in morals, purification of the spirit, and so on. In reality, this is intended by the group known as the Muslim Brotherhood to avoid confronting society with what would repel them. There is no way for anyone to call to the truth without this, because if there were a person who could avoid clashing with all people, it would have been the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). How is that possible? One of His names is al-Fariq (the Distinguisher), who distinguishes between truth and falsehood, between the one in the right and the one in the wrong, between the disbelieving father and the Muslim son, and so on. This is the reality that some people ignore, overlook, or do not know, and the sweetest of it is bitter. Peace be upon you.

The questioner : We reserve the

The Shaykh : rights of others.