Sufism, generally known as tasawwuf, has always been the bone of contention between Muslims since its introduction. It is usually described as "introversion or spiritual closeness to God". A majority of Sufis have generally beleived in "Wahdat-ul-Wujood", meaning that the being of everything is God. According to the most widely recognized Sufi, Ibn Arabi, being and existence are all one and are combined in God; creations are all different extents and degrees of the same existence.
Sufism - A Parallel Religion
People of the world have always persevered to discover the "Ultimate Reality" because of their curious nature. The ways to reach the "Ultimate Reality" are three in number.
Philosophy
The world has experienced the era of great philosophers like Aristotle, Socrates, Pluto etc. who tried to find the "Ultimate Reality" through intellect by pondering and meditating over everything. Unfortunately, they have not been completely successful in finding the "Ultimate Reality" because of the limitations of intellect.
Sufism
As hinted in the Introduction to Sufism, people came across a different way to reach the "Ultimate Reality" and that was through introspection. Their concept of "Unity of Existence" forced them to turn inwards in search of the "Ultimate Reality". Their path towards the answer is termed as tariqa.
Islam
The third way to lead the people towards the "Ultimate Reality" has been established by Allah Almighty Himself in the form of Deen or Islamic Religion. He appointed His Messengers and instructed them to reveal the "Ultimate Reality" to the people through preaching and Holy Books. This way eradicated the basis for the search of "Ultimate Reality" because of its revelation by God Himself.
Islamic Sufism & Consequences
The famous Islamic Sufi, Imam Ghazaali reintroduced the concept of Sufism and related it with the religion of Islam in his work Ihya Ulum Al-Din. He gained popularity among Muslims after this interpretation of Sufism. The association of Islam with Sufism paved the way for differences which eventually lead to agitation.
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani
There is a Sufi background behind the claims of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani because he was associated with Sufism as mentioned in his Seerah Seerat Ul- Mahdi. The chaos in the Muslim community arised on his claims of being the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. This resulted in Ahmaddiya Movement and on the other side, adversaries preparing Fatwas against him. His claims were strictly against the rulings of Islam, and harsh reactions were expected. But, his link with Sufism and its fundamentals was completely ignored and the Sufism survived. It is surprising that the association of Sufism with Islam is still pretty strong and nobody expects another claim of prophethood.
Muslim Sufis On Khatm-e-Nabuwwat
The knowledge of Islamic Sufism presents the matter of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat in a completely different way than Islam. Take a look at the writings of the most famous Muslim Sufis in the books on the fundamental Islamic Sufism. These writings are not just personal opinions of the Sufis but the pillars on which the building of Sufism rests.
Ibn Arabi in Futuhat-ul-Makkiyah, Vol.1, Pg 145:
‘From the study and contemplation of the Darud we have arrived at the definite conclusion that there shall, from among the Muslims, certainly be persons whose status, in the matter of prophet-hood, shall advance to the level of prophets, if Allah pleases. But they shall not be given any book of law.’
Maulana Rumi in Mathnavi Maulana Rum, Ch.1, Pg 53:
‘Strive hard in the path of virtue in a manner so that you may be blessed with prophet-hood and you still be a follower.’
Mujaddid Alf Thani in Maktubat Mujaddid Alf Thani:
“The rising of a prophet after the Khatamar Rusul Hazrat Muhammad, the chosen one, peace and blessings be upon him, from among his own followers and as a heritage, does not in any way run counter to his status as the Khatamar Rusul. O ye reader, do not be among those who doubt.”
Shah Waliullah Dehlavi in Al Khair Ul-Kathir, Pg 111:
“There cannot appear an independent prophet after the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be on him, who is not his follower and his adherent.” (Note: Meaning that there can be a prophet if he is the follower of Prophet Muhammad SAW)
“The meaning of the Holy Prophet being the Khataman Nabiyyeen is that there shall not now appear a person who God may appoint with a Law for mankind, that is to say, there shall now be no prophet who shall come with a new Law.” – Tafheemati Ilahiyya
Conclusion
Even after such contradictions between the basic Islamic fundamentals and Sufism, we keep spreading the concept of "Islamic Surism" , and take harsh steps against Ahmadiyya Community only without considering the foundation for these kind of claims. Sufism must be treated as a distinct religion from Islam otherwise, prophethood claims should not be a surprise.