The typology of Muhammadiyah sufism: tracing its figures’ thoughts and exemplary lives

This article explores the style of sufism from the perspective of Muhammadiyah.
It is a literature study on the official fatwa given by Muhammadiyah on sufism as a part of spiritual dimension in Islamic teaching. This study places a number of Muhammadiyah figures as the subject of study. This study concludes that the views of Muhammadiyah and its figures on sufism are very positive. Sufistic life in fact also becomes a trend among the followers of Muhammadiyah. Important styles of Muhammadiyah sufism include: first, Muhammadiyah sufistic teachings are based on pure monotheism. The second, Muhammadiyah sufistic is practiced under the frame of shari‘ah, on the basis of the Qur’an and Hadith. Third, the substance of sufism in the Muhammadiyah perspective is noble character that should be realized in daily life. Fourth, the orientation of Muhammadiyah sufism emphasizes the dimension of righteous deeds, social praxis, and of moving from theory to practice. Fifth, Muhammadiyah sufism presents sufistic teachings adjusted to the spirit of modernity so that it may be called modern sufism. Sixth, Muhammadiyah sufism is expressed in more active and dynamic styles. A sufi is not allowed to do nothing, but is obliged to work actively and to interact with society. Seventh, Muhammadiyah sufism stays away from the philosophical sufism discourse that may potentially cause debates. Muhammadiyah views that to become sufi, one should not become the member of sufi order with the style of “teacher-centered” in practice.