Islamic mysticism is the inward and sapiential dimension of Islam that aims to reach the Truth by purifying the human heart beyond the outward rulings of Islam. The foundation of this understanding rests on the life and moral example of the Prophet Muhammad and on the wisdom indicated in the saying, “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.” This saying expresses that the path of Sufism is not merely a theoretical teaching but a living tradition of wisdom transmitted from heart to heart. Indeed, Ali ibn Abi Talib, raised under the guidance and education of the Prophet, was among the first to believe in him and is regarded as the symbol of dervishhood; this relates not to blood lineage but to devotion and faith.
According to a narration, when the Prophet was asked, “What is your religion, O Muhammad?” he replied three times: “Morality, morality, morality!” This understanding clearly reveals the essence of Islamic mysticism: religion, in its essence, is beautiful morality. Therefore, in the Sufi tradition the fundamental principle is summarized in the expression “Adab, ya Hu.” Adab is the measure of a person’s relationship with his Lord, with human beings, and with the universe. The view that one who lacks adab cannot attain perfected religion emphasizes that this path is centered on morality.
Islamic mysticism is founded upon the principles of love, humility, remembrance (dhikr), and service. Worship is not merely form but a state of deep consciousness and sincerity. The great masters of Sufism emphasized that the essence of religion is compassion, adab, and the consciousness of unity; they taught that knowing oneself is a gate that opens to knowing the Lord. As Jalal al-Din Rumi expressed, “Either appear as you are, or be as you appear.
