#FieldNotes017: I Am No Sufi
On Becoming Fitra Earth
Dear readers,
You may be wondering what happened to The Sufi Gardener? Over the past few months, I’ve been reflecting on transitions, changes, and endings. So perhaps it is fitting that I retire The Sufi Gardener, and bring about a change in my writing. Though the spirit remains, I’ve been sensing that the outward form needed to grow.
While The Sufi Gardener represented an ideal, a place where I could explore themes of spirituality, figuratively grounded, in our context, I have been noticing that this title is inherently flawed. A Sufi, in the Islamic Tradition, is one that has purified their souls; or perhaps more clearly, someone who has attained enlightenment. Though I am indeed a lover of such people, I am far from such a state. Perhaps, I was aspiring to a potential embedded in all human beings. But knowing myself, it was probably nothing more than hubris.
I am no Sufi.
Over the past years, I’ve seen claims of spirituality under the guise of “sufism” for maligned ends. I will spare my reader from the details, but I’ve come to learn that the more one talks about spirituality, the least likely one is actually practice it. I fear that for myself. Writing on the qualities of a true sage, the 18th century scholar and sage, Imam al-Dardir writes, that such a person does not make claims — even speaking with the terminology of the people of spirituality unless there is a specific need for doing that. Spirituality and its discourse is too often used to prey on the sincere.
Which brings me to the evolution of this publication. The last thing I want is to make any claims and to speak about realities I have not experienced. Rather this publication is an experiment and an unfinished product. I intended that my writing be an ode to my fellow humans. I believe that within each one of us lies a fount of wisdom. For this reason, I decided to change the name of the publication to Fitra Earth. Fitra is the Quranic concept of Natural Way. It is the Tao — the natural inclination to goodness that is within human beings, which God tells Man in the Quran, “the natural disposition God instilled in mankind” (Quran 30:30). Expressions of the fitra are found in the virtues that sprang forth from people all over the Earth since time immemorial. This is why Fitra Earth is an aspiration to weave right livelihood with the ancient wisdoms, traditions and technologies that inspired humans towards the good, the true, and the beautiful.
I look forward to continuing this journey with you all. With no claims to anything.
With love,
Stephane
ON HUMILITY, FITRA, AND THE QUIET PATH OF TRUTH
Stephane’s transition from “The Sufi Gardener” to “Fitra Earth” is not a retreat, but a return — a shedding of borrowed titles in favor of the primordial truth within.
Islam’s inner reality teaches that the highest path is not marked by claims, but by sincerity.
Imam al-Dardir’s reminder that the true sage speaks only when needed echoes the Qur’anic verse, “Say, ‘I am only a human being like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is One’” (18:110).
The Prophet (S), the most purified self, never claimed grandeur — only servanthood.
Stephane’s refusal to speak of realities not yet tasted is itself a sign of spiritual wisdom, for the heart that knows its limits is nearest to the One.
Fitra Earth is a beautiful name — not just a title, but a direction.
It points to the Divine imprint within every soul, the natural inclination to truth, justice, and beauty.
The Qur’an says, “So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitra of Allah upon which He has created humankind” (30:30).
This fitra is not a doctrine, but a living pulse — found in the compassion of a mother, the honesty of a child, the dignity of the oppressed.
Stephane’s journey is a reminder that the path is not upward toward titles, but inward toward essence.
And when the self grows quiet, the soul begins to speak.
The knower Ali Hujwiri said:
“Today Sufism is a name without a reality, but formerly it was a reality without a name”
Let us return to that Nameless Tao.