Sufismo e fondamentalismo (Sufism and Fundamentalism)

Abstract

The present study intends to shed some light on a binomial, Sufism and Fundamentalism, which appears somehow ambiguous. Fundamentalism is not just a historical phenomenon, namely the Protestant movement that developed at the beginning of the XXth c. Fundamentalism connotes a spiritual attitude common to many religions, in which a rigid conservative approach to religious tradition prevails, with a literal reading of the sacred texts and sometimes a coercing action to impose it on others. Fundamentalism is shaped by its own religious tradition, and may develop into extremism and violence. Sufism represents the spiritual dimension of the Islamic tradition, developed over history into many currents and experiences. Between the two, Sufism and Fundamentalism, some connections exist, based on the nature of Islam which is a religion with a strong legal emphasis. Moreover, in Islam religion and politics are strictly connected. Thus, many Sufi orders in Islamic history were involved in political affairs, even in wars and trade of slaves. Modern extremist Islamic movements have taken some traits from the Sufi orders: the inner organization and a kind of spiritual atmosphere etc. Al-Qa’ida is an outstanding example of this. Hence, one should strive for an inner development of Islam towards pluralism and democracy. Sufism could help in such a process.