The Urgency of Sufism for Millennial Students
By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
In the midst of a fast-paced and pressure-filled world, millennial students often find themselves caught in the whirlwind of academic, social demands, and ever-present self-expectations. Social media, technology, and all the advancements around us offer convenience, yet often cause us to lose direction and deeper meaning in life. At the same time, many of us feel alienated—alienated from ourselves, alienated from the true values that should guide our steps.
This is why Sufism, as a spiritual teaching in Islam, is highly relevant for today’s youth. It is not merely a religious concept; Sufism is a way to restore balance in a life filled with contradictions. It is a path to inner peace that we often forget in the hustle and bustle of a materialistic world.
Millennial students, known for their spirit of change and constant search for identity, need more than just academic knowledge. They need direction—something deeper and more enduring to guide their steps. Without this, we risk sinking deeper into inner fatigue and emptiness. Sufism, with its rich teachings about self-discovery and closeness to God, is not just relevant, but an urgent necessity in this era.
Let us reflect: do we really know who we are behind the label of a student, or are we just going through life without a clear purpose? It is time for us to explore a deeper dimension of our lives—through Sufism.
In the fast-paced world filled with information, millennial students often feel pressured by academic demands, social expectations, and even anxiety about the future. The interconnected digital age has a significant impact, both positive and negative, on the way we think, interact, and feel. In this context, Sufism—as a teaching in Islam that focuses on the spiritual dimension and the pursuit of closeness to Allah SWT—has great urgency for millennial students.
Sufism is not a teaching separate from worldly life but an approach to finding inner peace that can provide direction and meaning in all aspects of life. For students, who are in a transitional phase between adolescence and adulthood, Sufism offers the spiritual depth needed to face a world full of challenges and temptations.
1. Aligning Spiritual and Worldly Life
One of the greatest challenges faced by millennial students is how to align their spiritual life with their worldly life. On one hand, they are expected to achieve academic success, compete in the job market, and meet social expectations. On the other hand, many of them feel a loss of meaning in their daily activities, as if life is just revolving around monotonous, materialistic routines.
Sufism teaches the importance of balance between the world and the hereafter. In Sufi teachings, the search for closeness to Allah does not mean abandoning the world. On the contrary, Sufism teaches how to live life with awareness, sincerity, and with a higher purpose. Students who practice Sufism learn to see every activity—whether studying, working, or interacting with others—as an act of worship and a way to draw closer to Allah SWT.
2. Overcoming Identity Crisis and Finding True Self
In an era of globalization, where cultural boundaries are increasingly blurred, millennial students often feel confused about who they really are. Many get caught in social pressures to follow trends or certain lifestyles, often without realizing what they truly want or need. This creates a serious identity crisis.
Sufism teaches the importance of muhasabah (self-reflection). Through this process, students can explore their true potential and understand a deeper purpose in life. By focusing on self-awareness and recognition of Allah, Sufism helps them discover their authentic identity, free from external pressures. This is essential for developing true self-confidence and living a more meaningful life.
3. Building Noble Character
One of the core aspects of Sufism is the formation of noble character. In a world often filled with competition and individualism, millennial students need strong moral values to act wisely in every situation. Sufism teaches values such as patience, trust in Allah, humility, and sincerity—important foundations for interacting with others.
By practicing the ethics of Sufism, students can build healthier and more harmonious relationships with their peers, professors, and society. They will be better able to appreciate differences, handle conflicts wisely, and contribute to the common good. These values, learned through Sufism, become the foundation for facing life’s challenges with peace.
4. Managing Stress and Life Pressures
Academic pressure, social demands, and high self-expectations often cause students to feel anxious, stressed, and even overwhelmed. In a fast-paced and demanding life, it is difficult for many students to find time for themselves, to rest, and reset their minds.
Sufism offers solutions in the form of spiritual practices that calm the mind. One of these practices is dhikr, the continuous remembrance of Allah. Dhikr helps calm the heart and mind, providing a sense of peace that can alleviate anxiety. Additionally, Sufism teaches the importance of tawakal (trust in Allah), which encourages students to accept the results of their efforts with an open heart, without being consumed by anxiety about the future. This practice enables them to handle stress more calmly and wisely.
5. Social Awareness and Caring for Others
Sufism is not only about seeking personal peace, but also about how to share that peace with others. In Sufi teachings, ma’rifah (spiritual knowledge) leads to ihsan (good deeds). A person who strives to know Allah more deeply becomes more concerned with others, the environment, and society as a whole.
For millennial students, many of whom are involved in social organizations or humanitarian activities, Sufism provides a foundation for acting with greater sincerity and compassion. The teachings of Sufism foster deep empathy for the struggles of others and encourage students to contribute to creating positive change in society.
6. Strengthening the Balance Between Technology and Spirituality
The digital era offers many benefits, but also presents significant challenges in terms of life balance. Millennial students are often tempted to spend excessive time on social media or the virtual world, which can divert their attention from more substantial matters.
Sufism teaches the importance of muraqabah (full awareness) and sincerity in every activity. Students who practice Sufism learn to use technology wisely, making it a tool for self-development rather than a distraction that disrupts their lives. They will be more selective in choosing the information they consume and ensure that technology does not dominate their lives.
7. Fostering Innovative and Creative Attitudes
Sufism is not only focused on self-control and spiritual awareness but also opens the space for creativity and innovation. In a calm and understanding state of mind, students are better able to think clearly and find more creative and humane solutions.
By integrating Sufism into their academic and social lives, students can become more innovative in addressing the challenges of the times. Sufism’s reflective and transformative approach allows them to view problems from various perspectives and generate ideas that are more beneficial for societal progress.
Conclusion
Sufism holds great significance for millennial students in today’s world. The teachings of Sufism provide them with a path to find balance in a fast-paced and pressure-filled life. By practicing Sufism, students will not only become academically intelligent but also mature emotionally and spiritually. They will be more equipped to face life’s challenges with wisdom, possess a strong moral depth, and become more sensitive to the social needs around them. In the long term, Sufism will help them grow into a generation that is not only excellent in their respective fields but also has strong character and makes a positive impact on society.
In an increasingly complex world full of temptations, Sufism offers a simple yet profound solution—a call to return to the true essence of life. For millennial students, who stand at the crossroads between a world full of challenges and the search for deeper meaning in life, Sufism is not merely a choice but a necessity. It teaches us to be not only proficient in knowledge but also wise in maintaining inner balance, managing emotions, and relating to others with love and compassion.
Sufism is not an escape from the world but a way to live more meaningfully within it. Amid the busyness of campus life, the demands of achievement, and anxiety about the future, Sufism teaches us to pause, reflect, and discover true peace in every step we take. It is a spiritual journey that not only brings us closer to God but also to our true selves.
Let us begin changing our paradigm: not only pursuing knowledge for worldly success but also seeking spiritual depth that brings true happiness. As Sufism teaches us, “Life is not merely to be chased but to be lived with full awareness.” Therefore, let us build a generation of millennials who are not only intelligent but also wise, full of peace, and able to make a real contribution to the world.
Here is an example of a bibliography that can be used for a topic on the urgency of Sufism for millennial students. This bibliography includes general references on Sufism, education, and works relevant to this discussion:
Bibliography
1. Al-Qushayri, Abū al-Qāsim. Al-Risālah al-Qushayriyah: A Treatise on Sufism. Translated by Binyamin Abrahamov, Islamic Texts Society, 2001.
2. Al-Ghazālī, Abū Ḥāmid. Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). Translated by Muhammad Abdel Haleem, Islamic Texts Society, 2004.
3. al-Jurjānī, Al-Ṭabari. Tafsir al-Jurjānī (Commentary of Al-Jurjānī on Sufism). Al-Maktaba al-Islamiyyah, 2012.
4. Knysh, Alexander. Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism. Princeton University Press, 2017.
5. Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. HarperSanFrancisco, 2002.
6. Rahman, Fazlur. Islamic Methodology in History. Edinburgh University Press, 1965.
7. Schimmel, Annemarie. Mystical Dimensions of Islam. University of North Carolina Press, 1975.
8. Suryani, Yulia. Tasawuf dan Kepribadian Muslim. Pustaka Al-Kautsar, 2011.
9. Zarkasyi, Abd. Djalil. Tasawuf dan Kehidupan Beragama. Penerbit Mizan, 2009.