Sufi Whirling Dervishes

Definition

Sufi whirling dervishes are practitioners of a form of physically active meditation within Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. This spiritual practice involves spinning in circles as a way to achieve a state of trance and connect with the divine. The act of whirling symbolizes the soul's journey towards God and is often accompanied by music and chanting, creating a rich ritual experience that transcends the physical realm.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The practice of whirling dates back to the 13th century and is particularly associated with the Mevlevi Order, established by followers of Rumi in Turkey.
2. Whirling dervishes wear a specific costume that includes a white skirt representing purity, a black cloak signifying the worldly life, and a tall hat called a sikke that symbolizes the tombstone of the ego.
3. During the whirling ceremony, participants spin counterclockwise while their right hand is raised towards the heavens to receive divine energy, while their left hand points down to the earth, symbolizing the connection between both realms.
4. The whirling is often performed as part of a larger ritual called the Sema, which includes music (often played on traditional instruments like the ney), singing, and poetry readings to create an immersive spiritual experience.
5. This practice is not only seen as a form of meditation but also as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment and experience divine love, making it an important aspect of Sufi traditions.

Review Questions

• How does the act of whirling reflect Sufi beliefs about spirituality and connection to the divine?
  • Whirling reflects Sufi beliefs by symbolizing the soul's journey towards God. As dervishes spin in circles, they seek to transcend their earthly attachments and enter a state of ecstatic union with the divine. This movement represents not just physical motion but a spiritual ascent, illustrating how Sufis view dance as a pathway to deepening their connection with God and experiencing divine love.
• In what ways does the attire worn by whirling dervishes contribute to the significance of their ritual practice?
  • The attire worn by whirling dervishes plays a crucial role in conveying symbolic meaning during their rituals. The white skirt represents purity and innocence, while the black cloak signifies renunciation of worldly life. The tall sikke hat embodies humility and the idea of transcending ego. Together, these elements enhance the spiritual atmosphere of their practice and reinforce their commitment to Sufism's teachings.
• Evaluate how the Sema ceremony integrates various forms of art and spirituality within Sufi traditions, particularly through the practice of whirling.
  • The Sema ceremony serves as an excellent example of how Sufi traditions integrate various art forms—music, poetry, and dance—into a cohesive spiritual experience. Whirling dervishes are not just performing physical movements; they engage deeply with music that enhances their emotional connection to God. The poetry recited during these rituals often embodies themes central to Sufism, such as love and unity with the divine. This integration creates an immersive environment where art becomes an expression of devotion, allowing participants and spectators alike to experience spiritual transcendence.

Related terms

Sufism: A mystical Islamic belief system that emphasizes the inward search for God and shuns materialism, often expressed through poetry, music, and dance.

Mevlevi Order: A Sufi order founded by the followers of the 13th-century poet Rumi, known for its practice of whirling as a form of worship and spiritual practice.

Zikr: A form of Islamic devotional act that involves the repetition of the names of God or phrases to attain spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God.