The substantialist perspective stands in opposition to the scripturalist perspective. Broadly speaking, this perspective is characterized by certain ideas, including:

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1. emphasizing the importance of substance over form, suggesting that following the literal commands of the Quran is less valuable than embodying the spirit of the Quran; and

2. interpreting the messages conveyed by religious texts in accordance with the prevailing social conditions. In this context, the authors aim to adopt a substantialist perspective to understand the essence of Sufism, so as not to confine it merely to formalities.

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As discussed earlier, mysticism plays a crucial role in shaping the character of a devout Muslim. Undoubtedly, Sufism represents a practical manifestation of Islamic teachings. Sufism addresses various aspects of human existence, including material well-being, mental enrichment, moral elevation, as well as the refinement of worship and interactions with others. As a method, Sufism is essentially the path followed by a seeker (salik) in their journey towards closeness with God. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya noted that in order to reach God and the hereafter, one must possess two essential qualities: knowledge and benevolence. Knowledge enables individuals to understand the correct path, avoiding errors and detours that lead away from the ultimate goal. It is akin to a guiding light that accompanies a person through the darkness of the night. Benevolence, on the other hand, ensures that one's journey is conducted in a virtuous manner, where even the journey itself becomes an act of charity.

 

In essence, Sufism can be understood as a pathway to attaining spiritual love and perfection. The true essence of Sufism lies in the realm of the spiritual and the human mind, making it challenging to provide a definitive definition. The understanding of Sufism is not confined to its essence but rather manifests through the words, actions, and attitudes of Sufis.

 

Despite differing opinions among experts, Sufism remains a subject of varied definitions, shaped by the empirical experiences of those who practice it. While Sufism is often associated with mysticism, experts unanimously agree that it is unique to Islam. Mysticism explores human behavior, encompassing both commendable and reprehensible actions, with the ultimate aim of attaining a true and sincere heart that is devoted to Allah and seeks closeness to His presence.

 

Understanding Sufism requires a strong spirit and soul that can transcend the realm of physical beauty, which can be perceived by the senses. When the spirit and soul mature and elevate to higher levels of discernment, the superficial beauty of the material world loses significance. Instead, one's focus shifts towards perceiving a beauty that aligns with the development of spiritual strength and purity.

 

According to Abu Bakar Aceh, Sufism is the pursuit of love and spiritual perfection. Its essence lies in the moral enhancement of the human soul through practical exercises, leading to a deep connection with the divine reality through intuitive knowledge rather than rational understanding. The result is a spiritual happiness that defies adequate description, as it is characterized by intuitive and subjective experiences.

 

The core focus of Sufism is the purification of the heart, freeing it from the stains of sin and despicable traits. The aim is to cleanse the heart from reprehensible qualities that tarnish the sanctity of human life. In this regard, Sufism offers the art of refining the heart, as described by M. Amin Gratitude, who emphasizes that the heart is the primary concern of Sufism since it serves as the source of all human activities.

 

According to KH. A A. Gymnastiar, the core element that can transform a person from evil to good, from being grumpy to being polite, is the conscious state of the heart. In order for individuals to become honest, they must first rectify themselves. Personal transformation and change cannot occur without first improving oneself. The management of the heart is crucial in bringing about such changes. The process of arranging the heart involves three key factors: first, having role models to emulate; second, engaging in systematic and continuous training; and third, creating a conducive environment that strengthens one's inner system through increased acts of worship.

 

Thus, at the heart of Sufism lies the awareness of immediate communication and dialogue between humans and God, regardless of time or place. This Sufi awareness gives rise to sincere attitudes, willingness, humility, patience, trust, love, simplicity, and other virtuous qualities when interacting with God. Therefore, the essence of Sufism is the purification of the heart from blameworthy traits and qualities. The ultimate goal of Sufism is to purify the heart, soul, spirit, or mind, which serves as the source of all human attitudes and behaviors towards righteousness, with the aim of attaining God's mercy.

 

In essence, Sufism can be understood as a doctrine within Islam that teaches individuals how to cultivate a mindful relationship with God, interact with fellow human beings, and engage with the natural world. This doctrine is based on the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In other words, the essence of Sufism can be seen in the practice of Ihsan, which is one of the three dimensions of Islamic teachings, along with Islam (submission) and Iman (faith). Sufi esotericism embodies the Prophet's teachings that Ihsan entails worshiping Allah as if one sees Him, and even though one may not see Him, being aware that He sees us. The teachings of Sufism revolve around worshiping God with a deep awareness that we are constantly in His presence, allowing us to "see" Him and acknowledging that He is always watching over us, with us constantly standing before Him.