Sufis called the feminine Presence of God Shikeina

[Guest guest]

" Early in the history of Islam, the Sufis were not satisfied with the

outward observances and rituals of religion. They wanted, instead, a

religion of inner experience, an asceticism that renounced the

luxuries of the world and devoted itself purely to obedience to

God.<br><br>One of the greatest Muslim mystic and theologian, al-

Ghazali made a formal attempt to merge the doctrines of mysticism with

the orthodox consensus of the community that was the Sunnah. He told

the other theologians that unless they created a " science of the

heart " for all believers, the doctrines of Islam would be nothing more

than outward formalities devoid of any inner life or meaning. The

Sufis called the feminine Presence of God Shikeina after the

rabbinical name for God " Shechina. " "

 

Rabbi Dr. Michael Samuel, www.jewish.com