It is said that many Sufi orders trace their lineages to Imam Ali (AS). If this is the case, why do we rarely find any meditation or breathing techniques in Shia traditions similar to what we find with the followers of Sufism?
It is said that many Sufi orders trace their lineages to Imam Ali (AS). If this is the case, why do we rarely find any meditation or breathing techniques in Shia traditions similar to what we find with the followers of Sufism?
Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 5 years ago
It is unlikely that Sufi orders took these practices directly from Imam Ali (A) although they may sometimes ascribe them to Imam Ali (A) as a form of piety. However, it's not unheard of for these things to be done among Shi'i mystics, and in general these practices are found in the mystical traditions in many regions. Maybe they can be viewed more like exercise similar to how if one wishes to strengthen one's muscles, one can lift weights, regardless of one's religious affiliation(s).
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