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Sufism, also known as tasawwuf, represents the mystical and spiritual dimension within Islam. It emphasizes purification of the self, spiritual development, ritual practices, and asceticism, with the ultimate goal of drawing closer to God and seeking His pleasure. Practitioners, called Sufis, historically organized into orders called tariqa, tracing their spiritual lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad through a chain of teachers. These orders aimed to achieve ihsan, a state of perfect worship, and tazkiyah, or self-purification.

Emerging early in Islamic history, Sufism developed partly as a reaction to the worldly concerns of the Umayyad Caliphate and under the guidance of figures like Hasan al-Basri. While deeply rooted in Islamic law and theology, Sufis focused on the inward dimension of faith. The term 'Sufi' itself has various proposed etymologies, including connections to wearing wool, purity (ṣafā), and the impoverished companions of Muhammad known as Ahl al-Ṣuffa. Despite facing opposition from some Islamic movements and a decline in modern times, Sufism continues to be influential in the Islamic world and has garnered interest in the West.

Sufism's practice is centered on achieving spiritual purification (tazkiyah) and a deep, personal connection with the Divine. A key practice is dhikr, the remembrance of God, often performed in congregational sessions. Sufis aim for ihsan, described as worshipping God as if one sees Him, reflecting an intense spiritual awareness. The ultimate aspiration is to attain God's pleasure by returning to one's innate state of purity, known as fitra. Practitioners often belong to spiritual orders (tariqa) led by a shaykh, who serves as a guide in a lineage tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad, facilitating the transmission of spiritual knowledge and blessings.

Sufism emerged in the early Islamic period, with figures like Hasan al-Basri considered foundational. It developed partly as a response to the perceived worldliness of the early Umayyad Caliphate. Initially, Sufism often represented the internalization of Islamic practices and beliefs, emphasizing the emulation of the Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah and the purification of the heart. While primarily associated with Sunni Islam, some Sufi ideas influenced Shia Islam, particularly after the Safavid era. The term 'Sufi' has multiple etymological origins, including a connection to wool garments worn by ascetics, the Arabic word for purity (ṣafā), and the Ahl al-Ṣuffa, companions of the Prophet known for their devotion and asceticism.

Western scholars introduced the term 'Sufism' in the 18th century, often defining it as Islamic mysticism and sometimes contrasting it with what they perceived as orthodox or legalistic Islam. However, modern scholarship, such as the work of Nile Green, suggests that in medieval times, Sufism and Islam were largely indistinguishable. Contemporary definitions vary, describing Sufism as the intensification of Islamic faith, the realization of ethical ideals, or the inward dimension of Islam. Despite facing challenges from fundamentalist movements in modern times, Sufism remains an important aspect of Islamic spiritual life and has significantly influenced Western spiritual thought.

“Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him;”