What is the place of Sufism in Islam? Is it true that there are worshippers and saints who communicate with Allah? Is it possible to see those who claim to be Sufis or followers of Sufis? And are not prayer and remembrance a form of communication with Allah?

Sufism is the name of a group of ascetics that appeared later, after the era of prophecy and the Companions. This group increased division among Muslims and saw the spread of innovations (bid’ah) and polytheism (shirk). The beliefs and rituals of Sufism differ from Islam, which is based on the Quran and Sunnah, in several aspects:

1. Division: Sufism claims multiple paths, each considering itself to be on the truth, contrary to Islam's prohibition of division. 2. Invoking other than Allah: They seek help from prophets and saints, which is polytheism because Allah alone is the One to be sought for help. 3. Management of Affairs: They believe in the existence of "Abdals" and "Aqtab" to whom Allah entrusts the management of affairs, whereas Allah alone is the Manager. 4. Unity of Existence (Wahdat al-Wujud): Some of them believe that the Creator and the created are one and the same. 5. Exaggerated Asceticism: They call for asceticism, abandoning means (asbab), and abstaining from jihad, whereas Islam calls for balance between this world and the hereafter and utilizing means. 6. The Station of Ihsan: They ask their disciples to imagine their sheikhs during remembrance (dhikr) and prayer, contradicting the concept of Ihsan in Islam. 7. Innovated Rituals: They permit dancing, drums, musical instruments, and raising voices in unproductive remembrance, and they flirt with the names of women and boys in dhikr. These practices are contrary to the Sunnah. 8. Seeking Aid from Devils: Some of them strike themselves and seek aid from other than Allah, and the devils come to their aid. 9. Claiming Unveiling (Kashf) and Knowledge of the Unseen: They claim knowledge of the unseen, whereas the unseen belongs to Allah alone. 10. Creation of the World for Muhammad: They claim that Allah created the world for the sake of Muhammad, peace be upon him, whereas the purpose of creation is the worship of Allah. 11. Claiming to See Allah in this World: They claim to see Allah in this world, whereas Allah cannot be seen in this world. 12. Taking Knowledge Directly from Allah: They claim to take knowledge directly from Allah without the intermediary of the Messenger, whereas knowledge is taken through the Messenger, peace be upon him. 13. Mawlid Celebrations: They hold Mawlid celebrations and festivities that contradict the teachings of Islam, and which were not celebrated by the Messenger or the Companions. 14. Journeying to Graves: They journey to graves for blessings, circumambulation (tawaf), and sacrificing, contradicting the Messenger's prohibition of journeying except to the three mosques. 15. Bigotry Towards Sheikhs: They are bigoted towards their sheikhs even if they contradict the word of Allah and His Messenger. 16. Using Talismans: They use talismans, letters, and numbers in seeking guidance (istikhara) and amulets. 17. Innovating Prayers: They do not adhere to the transmitted prayers but innovate prayers that contain clear polytheism.

The connection of Sufi sheikhs is with devils, not with Allah. This explains the disappearance of some of them and the appearance of extraordinary feats at their hands to mislead their followers. The true friends of Allah (Awliya Allah) are those who worship Allah as He has legislated, adhere to the Quran and Sunnah, and it is not a condition for extraordinary feats to appear for them.