Dari Nabi hingga Tarekat: Sejarah Syariat, Tarekat, Hakekat & Ma’rifat

Summary

In this insightful session, Bapak Ahmad Chodjim explores the historical evolution of key Islamic concepts: Syariat (law), Tarekat (spiritual path), Hakekat (essence), and Ma'rifat (mystical knowledge). He traces their development from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), discussing how Islamic practices were formalized after his death, leading to the rise of different schools of thought (Fiqh). The session highlights the spiritual journey from Syariat to Ma'rifat, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from a mursid (spiritual teacher) and respecting different paths. The focus is on personal spiritual growth and understanding, avoiding conflict and judgment along the way.

Takeaways

• 😀 Islamic teachings began with the example set by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), not initially focused on Syariat, Tarekat, Hakekat, or Ma'rifat.
• 😀 The early Islamic period focused on the fundamental teachings of reading and reflecting on God's creation, as seen in the first revelation of the Quran.
• 😀 It took about 100 years after the Prophet's death for detailed questions about religious practices, like prayer and fasting, to emerge.
• 😀 Imam Ja'far ash-Shadiq, a descendant of the Prophet, played a key role in teaching Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and had a significant influence on both Imam Hanafi and Imam Maliki.
• 😀 The first major Islamic legal schools, including Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, arose from different interpretations of religious texts and practices, not from direct conflict but from intellectual exploration.
• 😀 The Hanafi school focused on interpreting the Quran, while the Maliki school centered on the practices of the people of Medina, regarded as closer to the Prophet's time.
• 😀 The development of Sufism (Tasawwuf) emerged in the 3rd century AH, exploring deeper spiritual insights beyond formal law (Syariat), emphasizing inner experiences and connection to God.
• 😀 Tarekat (spiritual paths) became essential for those who sought to go beyond the formalities of Syariat, aiming to internalize spiritual practices for a deeper understanding of faith.
• 😀 There are various Tarekat schools, and they may follow different methods of Zikir (remembrance of God) and other practices, depending on the spiritual guide (Mursid).
• 😀 Sufism emphasizes both philosophical and experiential approaches to spiritual knowledge, with some Sufi paths focusing more on the practice (amaliyyah) and others on the philosophy (falsafah) of life.
• 😀 The journey from Syariat to Ma'rifat (gnosis) is a personal, flexible process, where individuals may switch spiritual guides if they feel their current path is not providing the necessary understanding or connection.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the initial teachings of Islam, according to the script?

The main focus of the initial teachings of Islam, as mentioned in the script, was not on the formal distinctions between *Syariat*, *Tarekat*, *Hakekat*, and *Ma'rifat*, but rather on the fundamental act of reading and reflecting on the world in the light of God's creation. This began with the first revelation, which emphasized reading in the name of God, the Creator.

How did the practice of *Syariat*, *Tarekat*, *Hakekat*, and *Ma'rifat* evolve over time?

Initially, these concepts were not distinct but began to develop gradually after the death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The first century after his death focused primarily on learning from the Prophet and his companions. It was around 100 years later that detailed questions regarding religious practices like prayer and fasting emerged, leading to the development of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and spiritual practices such as *Tarekat* and *Sufism*.

What role did Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq play in the development of Islamic jurisprudence?

Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was instrumental in teaching *fiqh* and laying the foundation for the formation of legal schools. His teachings influenced prominent figures like Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik, leading to the development of different schools of thought such as *Hanafi* and *Maliki*, which structured Islamic legal practice.

Why were there differences in the number of daily prayers (Salah) among early Muslims?

The differences in the number of daily prayers were due to the absence of codified religious practices after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Early Muslims, particularly followers of different schools of thought, disagreed on how many times a day one should pray. Some groups, like the Haruriyyah, believed in two daily prayers, while others, like the followers of Imam Ja'far, practiced three.

How did political influences affect the development of Islamic schools and spiritual paths?

Political factors played a significant role in the division and development of various Islamic schools and spiritual paths. As political power shifted, the followers of different religious leaders and schools of thought often came into conflict, despite having similar teachings. The rise of sectarianism and differing interpretations of Islam was influenced by political power struggles.

What is the main objective of *Tarekat* in Islam, and how does it differ from *Syariat*?

The main objective of *Tarekat* in Islam is to provide a deeper spiritual path that goes beyond mere external practices. While *Syariat* focuses on the outward observance of Islamic law, *Tarekat* emphasizes internalizing the teachings of Islam and seeking a personal connection with God through spiritual practices like *dhikr* (remembrance of God) and guidance from a *mursid* (spiritual teacher).

What is the relationship between *Sufism* (Tasawwuf) and the spiritual stages of *Hakekat* and *Ma'rifat*?

Sufism, or *Tasawwuf*, is closely related to the spiritual concepts of *Hakekat* (ultimate truth) and *Ma'rifat* (gnosis). Sufis seek to experience the deeper, mystical realities of Islam, focusing on achieving a direct, experiential knowledge of God. While *Tarekat* involves external practices, Sufism delves into the internal transformation necessary to reach *Hakekat* and ultimately *Ma'rifat*.

How does one progress from *Syariat* to *Ma'rifat* according to the script?

The journey from *Syariat* to *Ma'rifat* is a gradual process. While following *Syariat* involves observing external religious practices, the deeper understanding of *Hakekat* and *Ma'rifat* requires engaging in spiritual paths like *Tarekat*. This journey involves finding a suitable spiritual guide (*mursid*) and working through the internal, mystical dimensions of faith, ultimately reaching the knowledge of God (Ma'rifat).

Why does the speaker suggest that one should not prematurely judge spiritual paths or teachers?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not prematurely judging spiritual paths or teachers because spiritual journeys are deeply personal. People may not always resonate with one *mursid* or *Tarekat*, and it is perfectly acceptable to seek another guide or path until one finds the right fit. The key is to avoid conflict or division and to respect different paths that lead to deeper spiritual understanding.

What is the significance of the *mursid* in the journey from *Syariat* to *Ma'rifat*?

The *mursid* (spiritual guide) plays a crucial role in helping the seeker navigate the spiritual journey from *Syariat* to *Ma'rifat*. The *mursid* provides guidance, wisdom, and practices that help the seeker transcend the external practices of *Syariat* and develop an internal, personal understanding of God's truth (*Hakekat*) and ultimate knowledge (*Ma'rifat*).