Solutions for the Modern Society Crisis
The condition plaguing most modern society raises a new symptom: humans are starting to turn to the esoteric dimension as a life choice to face the deadlock amid modernism. As a result, spirituality (Sufism) is also increasingly becoming a sexy and new primadonna theme in religious studies.
Then, mysticism (Sufism) offers something more profound than science because it does not ignore other views. The world of Sufism has a unified view on essential and substantial issues; by stating that the attainment of the essence of all things is only by the method of mystical intuition and ways of purification of the soul, not by rational reasoning and argumentation.
Also, attaining such a state requires mental practice and a spiritual journey. Because without going through this path, it is impossible for the human heart and soul to receive the emanation of holy lights. Furthermore, Abdul Muhaya, in his writing entitled “The Role of Sufism in Overcoming Spiritual Crisis“, emphasizes that the Sufism dimension can be used as a therapy for the spiritual crisis that has hit some modern societies for several reasons.
First, Sufism is psychologically the result of various spiritual experiences and is a form of direct knowledge of divine realities, which tends to be an innovator in religion. Second, the presence of God in the form of spiritual (mystical) experiences, such as makrifat, itihad, Hulul, mahabah, and so on, can lead to firm beliefs or become a moral force for righteous deeds. And thirdly, in Sufism, the relationship between a servant and Allah is woven out of love. So for a Sufi, Allah is not a scary Essence, but as a perfect, beautiful, loving and merciful Essence, eternal, al-Haq, and always present anytime and anywhere. (Abdul Muhaya, The Role of Sufism in Overcoming Spiritual Crisis, pp. 24-26)
Thus, it is clear that the presence of Sufism in modernism seeks to treat the disease that plagues modern society (spiritual crisis), which is caused by modernism with a rational-empirical, positivist approach that prioritizes reason over spirituality. Because Sufism in a balanced way provides coolness between the two at once, it can also be understood as an instrument for shaping behaviour through a mystical approach and quench intellectual thirst; anticipating this complex and competitive current of modernization. Wallahu A’lam.