Sufism: the Kabbalah of Islam
A Sufi is someone who practices Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. Sufis aim to develop a deep, personal connection with God through spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and reciting poetry. They focus on purifying their hearts and experiencing divine love and peace.
Sufism is most accurately described as an aspect or dimension of Islam. Sufi orders (Tariqas) can be found in Sunni, Shia and other Islamic groups. Many well-known Sufi orders – such as the Naqshbandis and Qadiris – enjoy a substantial global following.
Ibn Khaldun, the 14th century Arab historian, described Sufism as:
... dedication to worship, total dedication to Allah most High, disregard for the finery and ornament of the world, abstinence from the pleasure, wealth, and prestige sought by most men, and retiring from others to worship alone.
Although Sufis are relatively few in number they have shaped Islamic thought and history. Through the centuries Sufis contributed hugely to Islamic literature for example Rumi, Omar Khayyám and Al-Ghazali's influence extended beyond Muslim lands to be quoted by Western philosophers, writers and theologians. Sufis were influential in spreading Islam particularly to the furthest outposts of the Muslim world in Africa, India and the Far East.
The theological orientation of Sufism – with its inward focus on spirituality – is such that its followers tend to shy away from political forms of Islam.
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