Sneako’s @sneako former editor, Musa Mustafa , seems like a good guy, but unfortunately, his understanding of Sufism seems to be influenced by secular Turkish authors like Elif Shafak (I saw him recommending one of her books in an old vlog), whose interpretations of Sufism can differ significantly from those rooted in historical traditional, conservative Islamic scholarship.

Some contemporary interpretations of Sufism, particularly those influenced by more liberal or New Age perspectives, tend to emphasize universal love, spirituality, and adapting to the values of the times (Hippy Sufism). While love is certainly an important aspect of Islam, traditional Sufism is also deeply concerned with disciplining the nafs (ego), purifying the soul, and abstaining from sins such as fornication, backbiting, jealousy, riba, anger, cowardice and the other prohibitions mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Historically, many prominent Muslim resistance leaders were associated with Sufism, including Emir Abdelkader al-Jaza’iri, who waged jihad against the French; Omar al-Mukhtar, who fought the Italians; Imam Shamil, who fought the Russians and Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, who liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders. These figures demonstrate that Sufism has historically encompassed not only spiritual contemplation but also discipline, courage, and active engagement with the world. In other words Sufi mujahedeen resemble warrior monks. Many of mujahedeen in Afghanistan who fought against the US invasion come from the naqhsbandi Sufi tariqah.

Even the poet Rumi, whose writings are sometimes interpreted through modern liberal or reformist frameworks that overlook their original religious context, was a traditionally observant orthodox Sunni Muslim who emphasized both the inward spiritual dimensions and the outward obligations of the Sharia of Allah.

Muslims like Sneako would benefit from understanding this distinction and appreciating the historical and theological nuances of Sufism rather than relying solely on popular contemporary liberal interpretations.

A good place to start learning is this discussion with Shaykh Shadee Elmasry: