karāmāt

Islamic mysticism

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June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

In Islam, karāmāt refers to miracles or extraordinary gifts bestowed by Allah upon his saints (awliyāʾ) as a mark of distinction. These are distinct from muʿjizāt, which are miracles performed by prophets to prove their divine mission.12

Sufism, or Islamic mysticism, is a spiritual path focused on direct, personal experience of God. Sufis strive for tawḥīd (unity of God) through practices like repentance, asceticism, constant remembrance of God (dhikr), and struggle against the lower self. The ultimate goal is fanāʾ (annihilation of the self) and baqāʾ (subsistence in God). While orthodox Islam emphasizes adherence to law and tradition, Sufism values intuitive knowledge and direct experience (dhawq). Popular Islam, particularly influenced by Sufism, often involves veneration of saints and their tombs, and belief in miracles.23415

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saint
Islam
…endowed with charismatic powers (karāmāt), allowing them to go miraculously from one place to another far away; to wield authority over animals, plants, and clouds; and to bridge the gap between life and death. The Prophet Muhammad (died 632 ce) had negated the existence of saints, but the piety…
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…endowed with charismatic powers (karāmāt), allowing them to go miraculously from one place to another far away; to wield authority over animals, plants, and clouds; and to bridge the gap between life and death. The Prophet Muhammad (died 632 ce) had negated the existence of saints, but the piety…
Read More