"Sufism (Arabic: الصُّوفِيَّة aṣ-ṣūfiyya), also known as Tasawwuf (التَّصَوُّف at-taṣawwuf), is a mystic body of religious practice found within Islam..."
A mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inward search for God and the importance of spiritual practices.
"...which is characterized by a focus on Islamic purification, spirituality, ritualism, asceticism, and esotericism."
"It has been variously defined as 'Islamic mysticism', 'the mystical expression of Islamic faith', 'the inward dimension of Islam'..."
"The ultimate aim of Sufis is to seek the pleasure of God by endeavoring to return to their original state of purity and natural disposition, known as fitra."
"Practitioners of Sufism are referred to as 'Sufis' (from صُوفِيّ, ṣūfīy)."
"...and historically typically belonged to 'orders' known as tariqa (pl. ṭuruq) – congregations formed around a grand wali who would be the last in a chain of successive teachers linking back to Muhammad..."
"...with the goal of undergoing Tazkiah (self-purification) and the hope of reaching Ihsan."
"Sufism emerged early on in Islamic history, partly as a reaction against the worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate..."
"...they strictly observed Islamic law and belonged to various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and theology."
"...certain strands of Sufi thought transferred over to the ambits of Shia Islam during the late medieval period."
"Important focuses of Sufi worship include dhikr, the practice of remembrance of God."
"Sufis also played an important role in spreading Islam through their missionary and educational activities."
"Despite a relative decline of Sufi orders in the modern era..."
"...and attacks from revivalist Islamic movement (such as the Salafis and Wahhabis)."
"...Sufism has continued to play an important role in the Islamic world..."
"It has also influenced various forms of spirituality in the West..."
"...and generated significant academic interest."
"...focus on Islamic purification, spirituality, ritualism, asceticism, and esotericism."
"The ultimate aim of Sufis is to seek the pleasure of God..."
"Practitioners of Sufism are referred to as 'Sufis'..."