Question:
Among the challenges of the modern era is the presence of the Batiniyyah (esoteric sects) and Sufism that are hostile to the pure Salafiyyah ‘aqidah (creed). They display hypocrisy toward the adherents of the correct creed while harboring malice and working to propagate their falsehood. We request a clarification on this matter.
Answer:
This is from the actions of the hypocrites (munafiqin). The presence of Sufis and non-Sufis who outwardly profess Islam while not truly adhering to it, but rather plotting against Islam, is akin to the actions of the hypocrites during the era of the Prophet ﷺ, such as Abdullah ibn Ubayy and his companions. They profess Islam outwardly to scheme against it and to take vengeance upon it, or [to safeguard] their wealth, lives, and blood until they find an opportunity. If they find an opportunity, they manifest their falsehood, evil, and hostility toward Islam.
Sufism consists of newly invented, innovated paths for which Allah has sent down no authority. The Sufis comprise various types, differing paths, and assorted categories regarding their discipleship and conduct… [they do] not [follow] what the Messenger ﷺ brought, but rather what the shaykh clarifies for them, calls them to, and extracts a pledge (bay’ah) from them upon. They accept his speech and follow his actions, remaining with him like a corpse in the hands of the washer—neither opposing him nor deviating from his word. Rather, they execute what he says just as the washer carries out his work on the corpse, while the corpse possesses no movement or self-determination. They have evil practices and malicious accounts, and they are divided into various strata and divisions.
Therefore, it is obligatory to beware of what is called Sufism and the Sufis, and the believer must maintain clear discernment regarding them—in Egypt, the Levant, Iraq, and everywhere, wherever they may be—in order to beware of what they call to, to remain upon clear proof, and to know what they say.