Concept of Sufism (Islamic Study) MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: May 19, 2025

1. : What does the term “Sufism” refer to in Islam?
(A) Political activism
(B) Spiritual dimension
(C) Legal jurisprudence
(D) Military conquest

2. : Which of the following is NOT a core element of Sufism?
(A) Mystical practices
(B) Asceticism
(C) Rational inquiry
(D) Love for God

3. : What is the primary goal of Sufism?
(A) Social justice
(B) Material wealth
(C) Spiritual enlightenment
(D) Political power

4. : Who is considered the first Sufi?
(A) Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
(B) Ali ibn Abi Talib
(C) Umar ibn al-Khattab
(D) Hasan al-Basri

5. : Which term in Sufism refers to the mystical journey of the soul towards God?
(A) Tawhid
(B) Tariqah
(C) Haqiqa
(D) Ma’rifah

6. : What is the concept of “Tawhid” in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual purification
(B) Oneness of God
(C) Sufi poetry
(D) Community gatherings

7. : Which famous Sufi saint is known for his poetry in the Persian language?
(A) Rumi
(B) Al-Ghazali
(C) Ibn Arabi
(D) Abdul-Qadir Gilan

8. : What is the significance of “Dhikr” in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual retreat
(B) Ritual prayer
(C) Remembrance of God
(D) Pilgrimage

9. : Which Sufi order is associated with the “Whirling Dervishes”?
(A) Qadiriyya
(B) Naqshbandi
(C) Mevlevi
(D) Chishtiyya

10. : What is the concept of “Fana” in Sufism?
(A) Union with God
(B) Spiritual teacher
(C) Spiritual guide
(D) Spiritual community

11. : Who is considered the founder of the Chishti Sufi order?
(A) Rumi
(B) Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
(C) Moinuddin Chishti
(D) Al-Ghazali

12. : In Sufism, what does the term “Murid” refer to?
(A) Spiritual teacher
(B) Sufi shrine
(C) Sufi disciple
(D) Sufi literature

13. : Which Sufi practice involves the repetition of the names of God?
(A) Dhikr
(B) Fasting
(C) Hajj
(D) Zakat

14. : What is the significance of the term “Wali” in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual guide
(B) Sufi pilgrimage
(C) Sufi literature
(D) Spiritual retreat

15. : Which Sufi order is known for its emphasis on silent meditation?
(A) Qadiriyya
(B) Naqshbandi
(C) Chishtiyya
(D) Mevlevi

16. : What is the primary goal of “Muraqaba” in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual awakening
(B) Ritual prayer
(C) Charity
(D) Pilgrimage

17. : Which famous Sufi saint is known for his association with the Naqshbandi order?
(A) Rumi
(B) Al-Ghazali
(C) Jalaluddin Bukhari
(D) Abdul-Qadir Gilani

18. : What does the term “Karamat” refer to in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual practices
(B) Mystical experiences
(C) Spiritual community
(D) Sufi literatur

19. : Which Sufi order traces its spiritual lineage to the teachings of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili?
(A) Qadiriyya
(B) Chishtiyya
(C) Shadhiliyya
(D) Naqshbandi

20. : What is the concept of “Tasawwuf” in Sufism?
(A) Spiritual purification
(B) Mystical theology
(C) Sufi poetry
(D) Ritual prayer