Women And The Window Of God's Love In Sufism

This article examines the role and metaphysical position of women in the Sufi tradition, arguing that women shifted from followers to leaders in spiritual activities, especially in institutionalized Sufism. Although initially associated with the nafs (low soul), the tradition came to view women as the most perfect manifestation of God's beauty (jamal). Female figures include Khadijah, Fatimah, Aisha, Rabi'ah al-Adawiyah, and Fatimah of Nishapur, who inspired Sufi masters such as Ibn Arabi and Rumi. The authors contend that gender is not a barrier to spiritual attainment, asserting spiritual equality between men and women.

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Abstract

In this article, we will discuss the role and metaphysical position of women in the Sufi tradition, a tradition that has been rarely heard. The main focus of this article is how women shifted from being followers to leaders in spiritual activities, especially in institutionalized Sufi activities. Not only that, women can also be a source of inspiration for great Sufi figures such as Ibn Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi. Although initially looked down upon and associated with the term nafs (low soul), the Sufi tradition has positioned women as the most perfect manifestation of God's beauty (jamal). These female Sufi figures include those from the Prophet's family: Khadijah, Fatimah, and Aisha. In the subsequent development of Sufism, there are figures who become symbols of love for God, such as Rabi'ah al-Adawiyah and Fatimah of Nishapur Cordova. This article shows that on the mystical path, gender is not a barrier to the highest spiritual attainment. Men and women are born and have the same rights in all fields, including in the religious/Sufi field, which we understand as spiritual equality.