Tariqah in History: Its Origin, Development and Influence on Islamic Society

Abstract

Tarekat is an integral part of the spiritual tradition in Islam that has had a profound influence on the formation of Muslim civilisation and society. As a manifestation of Sufi practice, tarekat not only plays a role in the spiritual aspect of individuals, but also makes important contributions in the social, cultural, and political fields throughout the history of Islam. This study aims to examine the origins of Sufi orders, their organisational development, and their impact on Islamic society from classical to contemporary times. The method used is a qualitative approach with library research, using primary sources such as classical works of Sufi scholars and historical documents, as well as secondary sources in the form of relevant modern academic literature. The results of the study show that Sufi orders initially grew out of simple individual Sufi practices, then developed into structured institutions with extensive networks and significant influence in i) the spread of Islam, ii) moral education, iii) the formation of cultural identity, and iv) resistance to colonialism. The implications of this research indicate that Sufi orders, although often viewed as conservative, have great potential as agents of spiritual development and contextual social transformation if interpreted dynamically and moderately within contemporary Muslim societies.