Sufism on Bluesky

@sufism

Curator of conversations about Sufism, amplifying progressive Islamic voices on Bluesky.

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Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· 26d

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Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Apr 23

A work in progress: A three-dimensional compass to graph one's notion of Sufism, and spirituality more generally.

A three-dimensional cube defined by three common axes along which versions or expressions of Sufism are often distinguished:

1. Shari'a-compliance — the degree to which a practitioner or order emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic law versus a more antinomian, law-transcending spirituality (the tension between "exoteric" and "esoteric" Islam).

2. Sobriety vs. Intoxication (sahw vs. sukr) — whether the tradition favors the sober, disciplined mysticism of figures like al-Junayd, or the ecstatic, self-annihilating expression associated with al-Hallaj or Rumi's more rapturous poetry.

3. Philosophical orientation — the extent to which a practitioner engages with speculative metaphysics (especially wahdat al-wujud, the "unity of being" associated with Ibn Arabi) versus a more devotional, love-based (ishq), or praktical (suluk, the path of spiritual stations and states) approach.

These three axes — legal, psychological/experiential, and metaphysical — can map out a fairly rich space of Sufi orientations across history and geography.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Apr 23

When people tell me that they support or oppose Zionism, it is never clear to me what they really mean. Like many ideologies, Zionism can be libertarian or authoritarian, secular or religious, inclusive or exclusive, colonial or individualist.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Apr 20

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 22

Join Muslims for Progressive Values on April 16 as Ani Zonneveld (@anizonneveld.bsky.social) talks with David Parker of Lived Places Publishing, about her memoir, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior." cassyni.com/events/EGxVc...

Intersections of Faith, Feminism & Activism:
Progressive Islam & Social Justice

Where We Stand: Conversations on Identity, Place, & Lived Experience
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET

David Parker: Mission-driven publisher at Lived Places Publishing
Ani Zonneveld: Founder & President of Muslims for Progressive Values, author, and songwriter

In this session, Ani Zonneveld, author of An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior, reflects on intersections between faith, feminism, and activism and the various initiatives she's created to counter patriarchy and sexism, and in opposing the misuse of religion to justify prejudice.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 22

It disappoints me to see some U.S. Democrats using the Iran war to spread hatred of anyone who upholds human rights and democracy for people in Gaza, Lebanon, or the West Bank. Support for human rights for all is not "antisemitic."

Supporting a Democratic & Human Rights-Centered Israel

Promotes
• Fair treatment of all religious groups
• Equal rights for Jews & Palestinians
• Peaceful coexistence

Opposes
• Civilian harm
• Discriminatory laws in the West Bank
• Excessive force against protesters

Supports
• Human rights organizations
• International law
• Criticism of military occupation

Supporting a democratic Israel includes defending equal rights and human rights for all people... and opposing abuses of power. This is not antisemitic.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 7

Join the Rumi Center for a community gathering of poetry, remembrance & reflection with Baraka Blue. All are welcome! Sunday, March 8, 2026 3 pm PDT | 6 pm EDT | 10 pm UK | 2 am UAE www.rumicenter.love/events

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 7

This lecture explores how patriarchal interpretations across Muslim history have diminished women’s spiritual authority and practices. Grounded in Muslim feminist scholarship, the lecture invites us to reimagine an Islamic tradition where women’s sacred and spiritual agency is fully restored.

"The De-Spiritualization of Women: Patriarchy and the Erasure of Female Sacred Agency in Islamic Tradition"
A Ramadan learning circle with Dr. Hasib Nasiri

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM PT | 2:30 PM ET | 8:30 PM CET
Register: bit.ly/march7circle

Join MPV as we reimagine an Islamic tradition where women's sacred agency is fully restored.

www.mpvusa.org

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 4

“Fasting of the Body, Nourishment of the Soul”: Ramadan lessons inspired by Shaykh Muhammad al-Hafiz al-Misri, the Tijani master. Nick Orzech will share how true fasting disciplines the nafs and nourishes the soul with sincerity, dhikr, and presence with Allah. Register: soutilaahi.eventbrite.sg

[Pictures of Shaykh Muhammad al-Hafiz al-Misri and Sidi Uwais Orzech]

Fasting of the body, nourishment of the soul

Ramadan lessons from
Shaykh Muhammad al-Hafiz al-Misri

with Sidi Uwais Orzech

5 March (Thur), 10.30pm SGT
Online Via Zoom
Register at: soutilaahi.eventbrite.sg

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Mar 1

Personally, I mourn the death of international law more than the death of Ali Khamenei. That the murder of him and his children and little grandchildren was extra judicial and barbaric, there is no doubt about that. As a Shi'a, I never supported welayat-e faqih and consider it a perversion of the teachings of the Imams a.s. and the Husayni a.s. stance. A minority position nowadays, but I hold firmly to it and with conviction. I think that Shi'ism and Shi'a people deserve the end of that heresy and the people of Iran deserve freedom from it. But not like this. Not by those power hungry dictatorial men sitting in Washington and Tel Aviv and their delusions and psychopathological megalomania and their greedy geopolitical schemes. What is clear is that in this very moment a mythos is created. On the one hand there is talk all over the ideological in-line Western media of "the most evil man on earth" having been killed. On the other there is the fact that a man who throughout his life was hailed as the "Husayn of the Age" eventually actually became a martyr himself, completing his own apotheosis. Among the Shi'a, a process of sanctification is on with full speed right now. Someone who at once is remembered as "most evil man" and as a saint will still continue to leave traces for a long time for sure. This is not the end of the ideology of the Islamic Revolution. That is for sure. If anything, Trump has given more fire to the idea of the US as the "Great Satan" and he has cast himself, arrogant perverted debaucherer that he is, in the mythic role of a new Yazeed. That paint won't be washed off too soon. What remains to be said is just this: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon. We all come from God and to Him we shall return. And may God grant mercy and eternal peace and forgiveness to all the martyrs of this war, the big ones as much as the small. And may all wars find an end soon.

-- Leyla Jagiella on Facebook

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 26

Watkins Books hosts an intimate book launch with the leader of the Inayatiyya - Pir Zia Inayat Khan - scholar and teacher of Sufism in the lineage of his grandfather, Hazrat Inayat Khan. 🧵1/2

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 25

Coleman Bryan Barks (April 23, 1937 – February 23, 2026) was an American poet and literature faculty member at the University of Georgia. Although he neither spoke nor read Persian, he was a popular interpreter of Rumi, rewriting the poems based on other English translations. 🧵1/5

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 19

Mawaddah: A Ramadan magazine: www.canva.com/design/DAG7N... More Hidayah LGBT+ links: linktr.ee/hidayahlgbt

The Story of Ramadan
Today, Ramadan is a month of returning to God, to community, and to ourselves. It is a time for reflection, intention, and care, not perfection.
Beyond fasting, Ramadan invites us to practise love (mawaddah), generosity (sadaqah), and compassion in our daily lives.
For many queer Muslims, Ramadan can become a space of gentleness, healing, and reconnection - choosing love over fear, and mercy over shame.
،القلب كالمرآة، والشهواتُ كالصَّدَإ
.فإذا صُقِلَ القلبُ بالذِّكرِ انجلثْ عنهُ الصُّور
"The heart is like a mirror: when it is polished, it reflects the light of God."
-Imăm al-Ghazali

Need some guidance?
Our free zine Mawaddah is available now!
This zine offers you step-by-step guidance on how to make the most of your Ramadan, including helpful tips, tricks and trackers to keep you focused and engaged.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7Nin4UZY/aIl6UQcQrqeHVMy3H-ot8w/view?utm_content=DAG7Nin4UZY

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 19

Hidayah LGBT+ introduces #Madrasa, an introduction to queer theology in Islam 🫶 From the basics of Ramadan, to looking at queer interpretations of Qur'an and Hadith passages, the project seeks deep reflection and discussion.

MADRASA
An introduction to Queer Theology in Islam

WEEK ONE:
Ramadan

What even is Ramadan?
and how can Ramadan be used not only to strengthen your faith, but also connect more deeply with your queerness?
السَلَامُ عَلَيْكمُ وَرَحْمَةُ الله وَرَكَاتُهُ
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims that is seen as a way of connecting, exploring, and strengthening your faith in Allah, and the wider religion of Islam.
Fasting and praying are a focal point of the month, but there are lots of other practices to engage in, particularly sadagah, which is the voluntary act of charity. Sadagah can be a way of doing good deeds for yourself and others.
At Hidayah, we love gathering Queer Muslims together, especially in Ramadan.
We're hosting Iftar events across the UK and an Eid event.

What even is Ramadan?
and how can Ramadan be used not only to strengthen your faith, but also connect more deeply with your queerness?
السَّلَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحَمَةً لله بَرَكَاتُهُ
It is important to remember that not everyone experiences Ramadan in the same way. Capacity differs, physically, mentally, socially, and financially, and Islam has always recognised that people's circumstances change.
Sadaqah can be simple
Sadaqah is the voluntary act of charity. It differs from zakat (the obligatory annual payment), and it can be as inexpensive as you want.
Some easy ideas include:
• Giving someone a compliment
• Helping others
• Donating items or money
If you're low on energy, sadagah can be small: a kind message, offering time, making du'a for someone else, sharing food, or just being a safe person for another queer Muslim.

The Story of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad marking the beginning of divine guidance for the Muslim community. It is closely connected to Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), a night described as better than a thousand months.
Ramadan has always been a time of revelation, reflection, and transformation.
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْءَانُ هَدى لَلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَتٍ مِنَ ٱلْهَدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ
"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance for humankind."
-Qur'an 2:185

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 19

"As we celebrate this beautiful month and pray for barakah for ourselves and our loved ones, may we also keep space in hearts and prayers for the Muslims who are honoring Ramadan in the face of oppression, injustice, hardship, and genocide." -- Muslims for Progressive Values

THIS RAMADAN WE'RE THINKING OF:
The 13 million people displaced in Sudan as a result of the civil war.
The 5.4 million Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in their homeland
The 15,000+ Iranian political prisoners detained in Evin's Prison.
The 1.8 million Uyghurs detained by China in concentration camps
The 21,000 migrant workers detained by the Saudi government.
The 12.5 million Kashmiris living under the Indian occupation of their homeland.

CoMPVUSA I #ISLAMISJUSTICE

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 16

"He founded The Inner Circle and later established Masjidul Ghurbaah — creating sacred space for LGBTQIA+ Muslims to practice Islam without shame. "He lived with threats. He knew the risks. And still, he chose courage.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 16

From Global Interfaith Network (gin-ssogie.org): "Imam Muhsin Hendricks was gunned down on 15 February 2025 in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha. The motive remains unknown. The investigation continues. But for his family, community, and queer Muslims around the world, justice feels painfully distant.

A Year Later, No Arrests in the Killing of Muhsin Hendricks, the World's First Openly Gay Imam

Source: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-01-08-a-year-later-no-arrests-for-the-killing-of-muhsin-hendricks-sas-first-openly-gay

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Feb 16

This weekend marked one year since the assassination of Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD) created these images to acknowledge necessary work and the future that must be built.

Learn more about Imam Muhsin Hendrick's Legacy:

The Radical (2022) - a documentary recounting the life and work of Imam Muhsin Hendricks

Islamic Texts: A Source for Acceptance of Queer Individuals into Mainstream Muslim Society by Imam Muhsin Hendricks

FAW with Imam Muhsin Hendricks - LGBTQ+ and Gay Marriage in Islam on Amina Wadud's Youtube Channel.

Hijab: Unveiling Queer Muslim Lives
by Pepe Hendricks (Editor), Muhsin Hendricks (Foreword by)

Queer and Muslim: On Faith, Family, and Healing by Rahim Thawer (Editor), Maryam Khan (Editor), Muhsin Hendricks (Foreword) - to be released April 2026

DIVERSITY OF SEXUALITY IN ISLAM: Interview with Imam Muhsin Hendricks by Imam Muhsin Hendricks and Björn Krondorfer

Response to the Tragic Murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks By: MASGD (substack.com/@themasgd1/p-169618391)

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Jan 27

A man asked the Prophet:
"Which kind of struggle is best?"
He said:
"A word of truth spoken to unjust rulers."

Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4209
In-book reference: Book 39, Hadith 61
English translation: Vol. 5, Book 39, Hadith 4214

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Jan 14

From 2014 to today: Trumpworld seeks excuses to wage open and violent war against U.S. citizens

From "The Nation" magazine, February 28, 2014

Headline: US Border Agents Intentionally Stepped in Front of Moving Vehicles to Justify Shooting at Them

Subheadline: An internal review of the US Border Patrol raises serious questions about the agency's use-of-force policy.

From The New Republic magazine, January 14, 2026

Headline: Trump Tirades About Shooting Get Darker as Polls Turn Brutal on ICE

Subheadline: As new polling shows Trump is losing the argument over the Minneapolis shooting, the writer of a new piece on this horror explains how Trumpworld sees this as an opening to wage open war on Americans.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Jan 9

"@anizonneveld.bsky.social has written a penetrating and inspiring examination of the constructive and nurturing influences, as well as the many invidious forces, that have shaped and honed her unique identity. ... 1/4

Book cover: "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist" by Ani Zonneveld. The image is a colorful abstract depiction of a Muslim woman.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Nov 22

American Muslim scholar Omid Safi (@brotheromid.bsky.social) writes on Sufism, love-based ethics, and social justice. His work examines how figures like Rumi and Rabia inform contemporary conversations on dignity, equality, and solidarity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omid_Safi #sufijustice 7/10

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Nov 22

Sufi teacher Idries Shah introduced millions to Sufi ethical ideas—humility, service, and human development. While not a political figure, his writings influenced many activists who drew on Sufi concepts of compassion in their work. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idries_... #sufijustice 6/10

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Nov 22

Pakistani scholar Fazlur Rahman, though not Sufi by order, drew on Islamic ethical traditions to argue for justice-oriented Qur’anic interpretation. His “double movement” method shaped many progressive Muslim thinkers. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazlur_... #sufijustice 4/10

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Nov 22

Sudanese Sufi-influenced thinker Mahmoud Mohamed Taha promoted “the Second Message of Islam,” interpreting the Qur’an through equality and nonviolence. He opposed authoritarian rule and was executed in 1985 for his reformist positions. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmoud... #sufijustice 3/10

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Nov 22

Malcolm X’s late-life embrace of a more expansive Islamic vision after his 1964 pilgrimage influenced his shift toward global human-rights language. His letters from Mecca reflect a universalist turn that shaped later justice movements. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X #sufijustice 2/10

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Oct 3

Chain of Light is a studio album by Pakistani qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, published posthumously on 20 September 2024. The album features four traditional qawwali compositions recorded in 1990. It remained unreleased until rediscovered in 2021, after being lost for 27 years.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Sep 11

9/11: Before... and after #september11 #neverforget

A wide, surreal mixed-media digital painting. On the left side stand two tall glass-like skyscrapers resembling the Twin Towers, cracked and glowing faintly in cool blue and white tones. The towers rise from a dark water surface, where their reflections ripple downward. To the right, the horizon depicts a fiery war-torn desert landscape under swirling red and black clouds. Angular explosions light up the sky, and in the background a Middle Eastern cityscape is silhouetted, with domes and minarets clearly visible.

In the foreground, diverse human figures stand waist-deep in the dark water. Their bodies are shown in shades of orange, brown, and blue, with bowed heads and faces covered by their hands. Large tears and streams of light flow from their eyes and mouths, merging into a luminous river of sorrow that runs across the bottom of the image, connecting the towers on the left with the war scene on the right.

The overall tone is mournful and symbolic, with deep blues and silvers contrasting against fiery oranges and blacks, evoking grief, memory, and shared humanity.

A wide surreal painting showing two bright beams of vertical blue-white light shining upward into the night sky on the left, symbolizing the Tribute in Light memorial. The beams rise from a dark body of water, reflecting faintly below. In the center and foreground, several diverse human figures stand waist-deep in the water. Their heads are bowed, faces covered by hands, or eyes shut in grief. Streams of tears and light flow from their eyes, merging into a glowing river that runs across the bottom of the image.

On the right, the horizon glows with fiery orange and red explosions, jagged shards bursting into the sky. Dark smoke and storm clouds swirl above. Against this fiery backdrop, the silhouette of a Middle Eastern city is visible, with distinct domes and tall minarets, clearly marking the location as the Middle East.

The palette contrasts cool, solemn blues on the left with harsh, burning reds and oranges on the right. The overall style is painterly, semi-abstract, and dreamlike, evoking sorrow, memory, and the shared grief of humanity.

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Sep 6

Let's discuss the retrospective construction of a religious tradition, and the recursive paradox of religious identity: Via Under the Green Dome on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT_G...

Sufism on Bluesky@sufism· Sep 4

A Sufi rendering Life is the answer because it is the questioner and the questioned, the breath and the one who breathes. Do not demand it to be other than it is; sip it like sweet water, day by day. 1/3