Sufism was founded on the belief that Muslims could obtain a "one-on-one" relationship with God through mystical practices. Mysticism is defined as "a particular method of approach to Reality making use of intuitive and emotional spiritual faculties which are generally dormant and latent unless called into play through training under guidance." Since mysticism is connected with many other religions also, the Sufis had to be extremely careful to be under "guidance" at all times. They prefer the word guidance to the word teaching because they believe that the sought-after relationship with God can be reached only through personal experience.

The original Sufis, though they seem far from the orthodox views, m

Upon the completion of this final level of religion, the Sufi is allowed to give one of the most powerful recitations in Sufism. It goes as follows:

The Sufi religion is one of many diversities. It obviously strays from the roots of orthodox Islam, but at the same time, it holds very close ties to the original plans laid out by the prophet Mohammed. Its appeal lies in the fact that it is somewhat universal through its mysticism, but it is very strict on the rules of Islam. It opens doors to Sunnis, Shiites, and outsiders. It allows for near equality for Islamic women, and it leaves the attainment of a devout relationship with God to all humans. The practically worldwide bonds that Sufism creates allow it to be on the strongest aspects of the Islamic faith today and in days past.

The Sufis have one particular story, which shows this deep infatuation with the Beloved. The story speaks of a man who is asked where he is going, where he comes from, what he desires, etc. His replies always contain the word Beloved (i.e. "From the Beloved" and "Near to the Beloved"). This shows the extreme desire for this Sufi to be with the beloved, but it is all brought to a climax when the inquisitor asks, "How long will you say 'the Beloved, the Beloved'" and the devotee replies, "Until I see the Face of the Beloved." This man is typical of Sufi Muslims. His wants, needs, and desires all center on the act of becoming one with Beloved.

Another appeal of Sufi belief is that it opens itself to another, previously unmentioned aspect of Islamic life. Sufism, unlike traditional Islam, opens its doors to women as active participants in the religious activities. The women are allowed to play roles in the choirs of the religious ceremonies as well as participate directly as a devotee to the faith. Until this point, Sunni and Shi'i women were allowed only to play very small roles, if any at all, in society as a whole. The Sufis, on the other hand, were more than happy to allow women to carry on the most important duties of the faith, which had previou

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