Rastafari Orders vs. Sufi Orders

Attribute	Rastafari Orders	Sufi Orders
Founding Figure	Haile Selassie	Various Sufi saints and scholars
Beliefs	Belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie	Belief in the mystical teachings of Islam
Practices	Use of marijuana in religious rituals, chanting, drumming	Whirling dance (Sama), chanting, meditation
Leadership Structure	Varies by order, often led by a priest or elder	Hierarchical structure with various levels of leadership
Geographical Presence	Primarily in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean	Found in various countries with significant Muslim populations

Rastafari Orders

Rastafari is a religious movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Garvey and believes in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Rastafari Orders are groups or communities within the Rastafari movement that follow specific beliefs and practices.

One of the key attributes of Rastafari Orders is their focus on the use of marijuana, also known as ganja, as a sacrament. Rastafarians believe that the use of ganja helps to enhance spiritual awareness and connection to the divine. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies within Rastafari Orders.

Rastafari Orders also place a strong emphasis on the importance of music, particularly reggae music, in their spiritual practices. Reggae music, with its messages of peace, love, and unity, is seen as a powerful tool for spreading the teachings of Rastafari and promoting social justice.

Another characteristic of Rastafari Orders is their rejection of materialism and consumerism. Rastafarians believe in living a simple and humble life, in harmony with nature and the earth. They often grow their own food and live in communal settings.

Rastafari Orders also have a strong sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood. Members of Rastafari Orders support each other in times of need and come together to celebrate important holidays and events. Unity and solidarity are important values within Rastafari Orders.

Sufi Orders

Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that focuses on the inward search for God and spiritual enlightenment. Sufi Orders, also known as Sufi brotherhoods or tariqas, are organized groups of Sufi practitioners who follow a specific spiritual path and lineage.

One of the key attributes of Sufi Orders is their emphasis on spiritual practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, and chanting. Sufis believe that these practices help to purify the heart and soul, leading to a deeper connection with the divine.

Sufi Orders also place a strong emphasis on the importance of a spiritual guide or teacher, known as a sheikh or murshid. The sheikh is seen as a spiritual mentor who guides and supports the disciples on their spiritual journey, helping them to overcome obstacles and attain spiritual realization.

Another characteristic of Sufi Orders is their focus on love and devotion as a path to God. Sufis believe that love is the most powerful force in the universe and that through love and devotion to God, one can achieve spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.

Sufi Orders also have a tradition of hospitality and service to others. Sufis believe in the importance of serving humanity and showing kindness and compassion to all beings. They often engage in charitable activities and work to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

Finally, Sufi Orders have a strong tradition of music and dance as a means of spiritual expression and connection to the divine. Sufi music, known as qawwali, and Sufi dance, known as sama, are used in rituals and ceremonies to induce a state of ecstasy and spiritual awakening.