In general terms, it’s synonymous with the Sufi Path. But to give it another perspective, Tasawwuf is the name given to the study of the attainment of the 3rd layer of our deen. The first layer is Islam, the second layer is Imaan, and the third layer that Tasawwuf deals with is Ihsaan. Through the Hadith of Jibraeel, we learned the following from Prophet Muhammad (saw):
Islam:
- To attest to one God, Allah, and that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is his messenger (Shahadat).
- To establish prayer (Salat).
- To give to charity (Zakat).
- To fast during the month of Ramadhan (Sawm).
- And perform pilgrimage if one is able (Hajj).
Imaan:
- Believe in Allah (Tauheed).
- Believe in Allah’s Angels (Malaikatihi).
- Believe in Allah’s Books (Kutubihi).
- Believe in Allah’s Prophets (Rasulihi).
- Believe in Allah’s Appointed Judgement Day (Yawmil Akhiri).
- Believe in what Allah describes as Good and Bad (Khairihi Wa Sharrihi).
Ihsaan:
- To worship Allah, as if you see him.
- And if that is not possible for you, then worship him, knowing fully that Allah sees you.
The study of Islam can be understood if one were to study Shariah, which includes etiquette and cleanliness. Similarly, Imaan can be understood better if one were to dive into the knowledge base of Hadith and Sunnah, as well as Tariqah. Tasawwuf is the practice that usually starts when a person has already attained Islam and Imaan and is now looking forward to understanding Ihsaan. Tasawwuf can also be thought of as a path to Haqiqat and Ma’arifat. There is no end to Tasawwuf, the way of the As-Haab al-Saffah. If one were to really believe that they see Allah, can there really ever be an end to that view?