Difference between Sufi faith and the Baha'i faith

[Postmaster]

I was wondering if a Baha'i could point out the differences between the Sufi faith and the Baha'i faith.

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings, Peter! :-)

<I was wondering if a Baha'i could point out the differences between the Sufi and the Baha'i Faiths.

Well, the first and foremost difference is that Sufis are Muslim and part of Islam, and hence follow the Qur'an; whereas Baha'is, while they recognize and respect both Islam and the Qur'an, are members of an independant faith, the Baha'i Faith, and follow the Baha'i scriptures.

The administration and many other social laws differ between Islam and Baha'i.

Sufis are often considered to be mystics. Some Baha'is are as well, but this isn't such a clear-cut tendency with us, and the Baha'i Faith has both mystical and other aspeces.

I hope this helps!

Best regards, :-)

Bruce

[Popeyesays]

Sufism is a branch of Islam, but it has many peculiar characteristics that set it apart from the other sects00particularly in the eyes of those other sects.

Technically one does not have to be Muslim to be Sufippthe basic quality of Sufism that sets it apart is the notion that one can enter into an ecstatic state and become one with God.

The picture of the "whirling dervish" using dance to grope for that state of ecstasy is world-wide. This union with God could be pursued through song, poetry, meditation and other means. Sufis, particularly those of the Sulamaniyyih school of Sufism revered Baha`u'llah as one of those individuals who could achieve Oneness with God. Baha`u'llah's Seven Valleys, The Four Valleys, and Ode to the Dove were all revealed by Baha`u'llah while He was in seclusion in the mountains during the early years of His exile to Baghdad.

The issue with Baha`i belief is that no one but the Manifestation is capable of such a union with God, and the rest of mankind must depend upon the Messenger for direct knowledge of God.

To a Baha`i the notion that anyone can achieve the state of union with God, is slightly heretical.

The Sufis have many similarities also with Hassidism in Judaic faith.

Regards,
Scott

[arthra]

You will find allusions to Rumi, Saadi and other well known poets in the Baha'i Writings but this does not mean as above that Baha'is are Sufis. As mentioned we don't accept that the soul becomes united with God or becomes God this is a more pantheistic idea. We turn to the Manifestation of God.

- Art

[Postmaster]

thanks