Women And Sufism

Women and Sufism
For the Sufi tradition, there is no difference between men and women in the spiritual area. Even though every gender has its distinctive characteristics, we are all human beings. That way of thinking has contributed to the spiritual maturation of women. This idea has been accomplished yet in the western hemisphere of the world.
The prophet and starter of the Sufism,Muhammad, wrote in the Qur’an the equality of women and men. We are all the same under God’s eyes. Women play a very valuable and important role on everyday life and they should be well recognized for their labors and contributions on the Sufis religion. In the time of the Arabian tribes, brutal aggressions were committed to females in order to please the males. The Abrahamic tradition pointed out theunevenness and tried to teach values of respect and honor in order to live in harmony.
Muhammad’s wife Khadija played an important role on her husband’s life by supporting him. She stood by his side on all the difficult moments of doubt and confusion. Their daughter Fatimah, was the first person to whom they transmitted their knowledge of Islam. She married Ali and their union had a verygood impact on the spread of the religion into the world.
Rabi'a al-Adawiyya was the first person able to preach Sufism in a language that most people could recognize. She referred to God as the Beloved and tried to achieve unity by the love to . Her love for God was authentic as we can evidence in this quote said by her. "God is God, for this I love God... not because of any gifts, but forItself."
Both women and men have tried to continue carrying Sufism and love all around the globe. Even though, men have been more noticed, women have always participated and been present.  Women have involved themselves in ceremonies to worship; sometimes apart from men, and sometimes mixed together. Wives and mothers have encouraged us to worship and study.
Many disciples andleaders in the religion were in some way inspired and influenced on a woman. A man called Ibn Arabi, which worked as a disciple and was known as the great "Pole of Knowledge" was influenced by two women. They were both in their nineties and they were called Shams of Marchena, and Fatimah of Cordova. The words of an old lady in the desert gave Bayazid Bestami, a master, guidance for many years. Shepointed out his vanity and tyranny. Fatimah Nishapuri of Mecca was considered the best among the Sufis. She was much respected by Bestami and by Dho'n-Nun Mesri, a great Egyptian Sufi master for her interpretation of the Qur’an and her advice. She thought that whoever had God in his heart, would have a good conduct that reflected it.
The wife of Sufi Al-Hakim at-Tirmidhi had a specialability. She dreamed things that were later interpreted and applied to her life and her husband’s life. Sha'wana, of Persian, was famous for her songs and discourses. She became one of the best-known teachers of her time. She cried as penitence and held a great relationship with God that inspired her son and husband. Fedha, who was also a married woman, taught that happiness would make our heart rejoiceand people around us.
Within Sufism, women and men have always been equals on the spiritual path and capacity. The Qur’an encourages gender equality and education. Some women, all around the world in exact same conditions as men don’t receive an equal treatment and are given fewer opportunities. Everyone is expected to establish his or her own direct connection with God. This way ofthinking has helped demolish some cultural stereotypes that have formed around gender. The equal capacity of women can be sometimes unbelievable for certain people. Even though many years have passed, we still remember the famous remarks and poems that have become part of Islamic tradition, said by women.
Islamic cultures have increased restrictions for women in many areas. The Sufis culture...