THE ISSUE OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE PERSON AND SOCIETY IN THE TEACHING OF SUFIS

Аннотация

This article provides a comprehensive study of the relationship between the individual and society in the teachings of Tasawwuf (Sufism). It analyzes the concept of the self in Sufi tradition, the paths to spiritual perfection through the training of the nafs (soul), and the significance of this process in social life. Based on the views of prominent mystics such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, and Bahauddin Naqshband, the article highlights the social responsibility of the individual and their harmony with society. In a contemporary context, the role of Sufi values in the spiritual development of the individual and the sustainable progress of society is demonstrated. The research findings confirm that the teachings of Tasawwuf remain highly relevant for spiritual renewal and social stability today. Introduction. Sufism is a direction that embodies the inner, spiritual and moral aspects of Islamic thought, the main goal of which is to cleanse a person from sensual vices and bring him closer to Allah. In this teaching, a person - as a person - is a being striving for a higher spiritual world, and his main task is to know his "I", purify his heart and become a perfect servant who benefits society. In the theory of Sufism, the moral perfection of a person, spiritual purity, social responsibility and culture of dealing with others are among the most important values. Sufism serves not only individual spiritual development, but also to increase the potential of the social environment. Historical sources show that individuals of the mystical direction - sheikhs, ascetics, Sufis - actively participated in the establishment of such high qualities in society as enlightenment, generosity, humanity, patience, justice and hard work. They educated the broad masses of the people through their exemplary lives, advice and practical activities. The individual and society, as interrelated social phenomena, are a complementary and formative force. The individual is educated, grows and matures in society; society, in turn, strengthens its moral, cultural and 33 Acumen: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Acumen: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research ISSN: 3060-4745 IF(Impact Factor)10.41 / 2024 Volume 2, Issue 6 religious criteria through individuals. In the teachings of Sufism, these interactions have a deep philosophical and practical content, emphasizing the moral responsibility of a person not only to himself, but also to society as a whole. It is worth noting that the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of Sufism - concepts such as remembrance, patience, gratitude, trust, love, and extinction - are not only a means of harmonizing individual spiritual states, but also a means of harmonizing social relations. They serve to establish values such as tolerance, mutual respect, solidarity, and peace among people. This article analyzes the relationship between the individual and society in Sufism, its theoretical foundations and historical practice, based on the thoughts of prominent Sufis. Through this, the relevance of the idea of the unity of the individual and society, which lies in the deep layers of Islamic thought, is also revealed today. The issue of the individual (man) occupies a central place in the philosophy of Sufism. Like other religious movements, Sufism sees man as the greatest being of God, but in addition to this, it places special emphasis on his inner spiritual world, the purity of his soul and spiritual development. The individual is studied in Sufism on a deeper, spiritual and moral level than the physical being. In Sufism, the concept of the individual is directly related to God, and it is emphasized that his soul can be filled with the light of God. From this point of view, a person needs to work not only with the external world, but also with his inner world - his soul and spirit. This inner world is considered by Sufis to be the most important area on the path to achieving truth. Al- Ghazali extensively explains his views on the individual in his work "Ihya Ulum ad- Din". He says: "The greatest task of man is to purify his heart and fill it with the light of God. For when the heart is pure, he sees the true truth, understands his true essence, and lives truthfully in the world."1 Therefore, in Sufism, self-knowledge, inner spiritual experiences, and purification of the soul are considered the highest goals of a person. This process is not limited to intellectual understanding, but is carried out through inner experience, sincere prayer, and the education of the soul. In Sufism, the greatest obstacle to the perfection of a person is the nafs. The nafs is described as a person's inner passions, worldly desires, ignorance, and pride. There are different stages of this nafs: nafs al- ammara (the one who incites evil), nafs al-lawwama (the one who criticizes errors), and nafs al-mutmainna (the one who has achieved peace). For every Sufi, conquering the nafs and purifying it is a vital ta