Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, offers a profound and deeply personal approach to spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, Sufism transcends the rituals and legalistic aspects of mainstream Islam. Instead, it delves into the inner realms of the soul, seeking a direct and intimate connection with the divine.

Historical Origins:
The origins of Sufism can be traced back to the formative years of Islam, where early Muslim mystics, or Sufis, sought to deepen their understanding of God through ascetic practices and contemplation. Over time, these mystical pursuits coalesced into a distinct tradition within Islam, marked by its emphasis on love, spiritual intuition, and the pursuit of inner truth.

Key Concepts and Practices:

1. Dhikr (Remembrance):
   At the core of Sufi practice is dhikr, the remembrance of God. Sufis engage in repetitive chanting, recitation of sacred texts, and meditation as a means of attaining spiritual awareness. The rhythmic repetition serves to quiet the mind and open the heart to the divine presence.

2. Sama (Music and Dance):
   Some Sufi orders incorporate sama, a form of devotional music and dance, into their practices. Sama is believed to induce a trance-like state, allowing the practitioner to transcend the material world and experience a sense of union with the divine.

3. Tariqah (Sufi Orders):
   Sufism is often organized into various orders, each with its own unique practices and teachings. These orders, known as tariqahs, provide a structured path for spiritual seekers, guided by a Sufi master or shaykh.

4. Love and Devotion:
   Love, particularly divine love (ishq), is a central theme in Sufism. Sufis speak of the path of annihilation of the self (fana) and subsistence in God (baqa) as a means of attaining union with the divine. This intense love for God is often expressed through poetry and literature, with Sufi poets like Rumi and Hafez becoming renowned for their profound verses.

Sufi Saints and Spiritual Guidance:
Sufi practitioners place great importance on the guidance of spiritual teachers, or Sufi saints. These enlightened individuals are believed to have reached a high level of spiritual realization and serve as guides for others on the path. The relationship between the disciple and the shaykh is characterized by deep respect, trust, and the transmission of esoteric knowledge.

Universal Love and Tolerance:
One of the distinctive features of Sufism is its emphasis on universal love and tolerance. Sufis often transcend the boundaries of religious and cultural differences, recognizing the unity of all humanity. This inclusive approach aligns with the broader Islamic teachings of compassion and understanding.

Sufism, with its emphasis on the inner journey, love, and spiritual awakening, stands as a testament to the diverse and multifaceted nature of Islam. It has left an indelible mark on the cultural and intellectual history of the Muslim world, offering a path of profound introspection and connection with the divine. As Sufi teachings continue to resonate across the centuries, they inspire seekers from all walks of life to embark on a transformative journey into the mystical heart of Islam.

According to Britannica, Sufism is a mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. It consists of a variety of mystical paths that are designed to ascertain the nature of humanity and of God and to facilitate the experience of the presence of divine love and wisdom in the world.

Islamic mysticism is called taṣawwuf (literally, “to dress in wool”) in Arabic, but it has been called Sufism in Western languages since the early 19th century. An abstract word, Sufism derives from the Arabic term for a mystic, ṣūfī, which is in turn derived from ṣūf, “wool,” plausibly a reference to the woolen garment of early Islamic ascetics. The Sufis are also generally known as “the poor,” fuqarāʾ, plural of the Arabic faqīr, in Persian darvīsh, whence the English words fakir and dervish.

Though the roots of Islamic mysticism formerly were supposed to have stemmed from various non-Islamic sources in ancient Europe and even India, it now seems established that the movement grew out of early Islamic asceticism that developed as a counterweight to the increasing worldliness of the expanding Muslim community; only later were foreign elements that were compatible with mystical theology and practices adopted and made to conform to Islam.

By educating the masses and deepening the spiritual concerns of the Muslims, Sufism has played an important role in the formation of Muslim society. Opposed to the dry casuistry of the lawyer divines, the mystics nevertheless scrupulously observed the commands of the divine law. The Sufis have been further responsible for large-scale missionary activity all over the world, which still continues. Sufis have elaborated the image of the Prophet Muhammad—the founder of Islam—and have thus largely influenced Muslim piety by their Muhammad-mysticism. Sufi vocabulary is important in Persian and other literature related to it, such as Turkish, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, and Punjabi. Through the poetry of this literature, mystical ideas spread widely among the Muslims. In some countries, Sufi leaders were also active politically.