What is Sufi?
A Sufi is a practitioner of Sufism (tasawwuf in Arabic), the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. Sufis seek direct personal experience of the divine through purification of the heart, remembrance of God (dhikr), and cultivation of divine love. While rooted firmly in Islamic theology and practice, Sufism emphasizes the inward journey toward spiritual union with Allah, often expressed through poetry, music, and devotional practices that transcend formal ritual. Sufis belong to organized spiritual lineages called tariqas (orders), each tracing its teachings back through chains of masters to the Prophet Muhammad.
Origins & Lineage
Sufism emerged in the 8th and 9th centuries CE in the early Islamic world, primarily in Iraq, Persia, and Central Asia. Early ascetics like Hasan al-Basri (642–728 CE) emphasized renunciation and inner purity. The term “Sufi” first appeared in written records around the 8th century. Rabia al-Adawiyya (714–801 CE), a woman mystic from Basra, introduced the concept of divine love as the primary motivation for worship, rather than fear of hell or desire for paradise.
By the 10th and 11th centuries, Sufism crystallized into a coherent tradition. Al-Junayd of Baghdad (830–910 CE) systematized Sufi psychology and practice, while Al-Hallaj (858–922 CE) exemplified ecstatic mysticism, famously declaring “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth), for which he was executed. The 11th-century scholar Al-Ghazali reconciled Sufism with orthodox Islamic theology in his work Ihya Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), legitimizing mystical practice within mainstream Islam.
Formalized Sufi orders (tariqas) developed from the 12th century onward. Major orders include the Qadiriyya (founded by Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani in Baghdad, d. 1166), the Naqshbandiyya (traced to Baha-ud-Din Naqshband, d. 1389), the Chishtiyya (established in South Asia by Moinuddin Chishti, d. 1236), the Mevlevi order (founded by followers of Rumi, d. 1273), and the Shadhiliyya (founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, d. 1258). Each order maintains a silsila—an unbroken chain of transmission from master to disciple.
How It’s Practiced
Sufi practice centers on dhikr (remembrance of God), the repetitive invocation of divine names or phrases such as “Allah” or “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but God). Dhikr may be performed silently or aloud, individually or in groups, often accompanied by rhythmic breathing and bodily movements designed to induce altered states of consciousness.
Most Sufis belong to a tariqa under the guidance of a shaykh (spiritual master). Initiation involves taking bay’ah (an oath of allegiance) and receiving instruction in the order’s specific practices. Regular gatherings called majlis or hadra feature collective dhikr, often with music, poetry recitation, and sometimes sama (spiritual listening and movement). The Mevlevi order practices the sema ceremony, featuring the iconic whirling meditation developed by Rumi’s followers.
Sufis also practice khalwa (spiritual retreat in solitude), muraqaba (meditation), and rigorous self-examination to identify and purify character defects (nafs). Many orders emphasize service to humanity as a reflection of divine love. Sufi literature, particularly poetry by Rumi, Hafez, Attar, and Ibn Arabi, serves as both devotional material and teaching text.
Sufi Today
Contemporary seekers encounter Sufism through multiple channels. Traditional tariqas continue to operate globally, with established centers in Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, India, and Indonesia. Western interest surged in the late 20th century, partly through translations of Rumi’s poetry, which became bestsellers in North America.
Some organizations offer Sufism adapted for Western audiences, such as the Sufi Order International (founded by Inayat Khan, emphasizing universal spirituality) and the Mevlevi Order of America. These groups sometimes minimize Islamic theological elements, creating tension with traditional practitioners who insist Sufism cannot be separated from Islamic practice, including the five daily prayers, fasting, and Quranic study.
Retreats, workshops, and classes in Sufi poetry, music, and whirling are available in major cities worldwide. Academic programs at institutions like UC Berkeley and the University of London offer scholarly study of Sufism. Online platforms provide access to lectures, dhikr sessions, and translations of classical texts.
Common Misconceptions
Sufism is not a separate religion from Islam. Despite popular Western perception, Sufis are Muslims who observe Islamic law (sharia) while pursuing mystical realization. The notion that Sufism predates Islam or exists independently is historically inaccurate.
Not all Sufis whirl. The whirling ceremony is specific to the Mevlevi order. Many tariqas use different forms of dhikr and movement, or remain seated during practice.
Sufism is not uniformly peaceful or apolitical. Throughout history, Sufi orders have engaged in political resistance, military jihad, and social reform. The popular image of Sufis as universalist pacifists reflects modern Western interpretation more than historical reality.
Sufi practice is not synonymous with poetry and music. While certain orders embrace these arts, others (particularly the Naqshbandiyya) practice silent dhikr and discourage musical instruments.
How to Begin
Those interested in Sufism should start by reading primary sources: Martin Lings’ What is Sufism? provides a traditional overview, while Annemarie Schimmel’s Mystical Dimensions of Islam offers comprehensive scholarly context. Coleman Barks’ translations of Rumi, though criticized for taking liberties, remain accessible entry points; Jawid Mojaddedi’s recent translations are more faithful to the original Persian.
Attending a Sufi gathering or zikr session offers direct experience. Many urban centers host open events, particularly during Rumi’s Urs (death anniversary) each December. The Threshold Society, Jerrahi Order, and local Islamic centers often welcome sincere visitors.
Serious practice requires finding a qualified teacher. Traditional tariqas emphasize that the spiritual path cannot be self-taught. Prospective students should research a shaykh’s lineage, observe their community, and verify their grounding in Islamic knowledge. Online directories of Sufi centers exist, though discernment is essential given the proliferation of self-appointed teachers.
Learning basic Arabic and studying the Quran provides essential context, as Sufi practice is saturated with Quranic imagery and prophetic tradition (hadith). Many Sufis recommend beginning with the five daily Islamic prayers (salat) as the foundation for more advanced practices.
