Sufism
Rumi, Hafiz, Ibn Arabi, Rabia
Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam, an inward path seeking direct experience of the Divine through love, devotion, and the dissolution of the ego (fana). Its literature, from Rumi's Masnavi to Ibn Arabi's Fusus al-Hikam, represents some of the most profound mystical writing in any tradition. The Sufi orders have transmitted this wisdom through chains of master-disciple relationships for over a thousand years. Explore Sufi poetry and philosophy at The Threshold Society ↗
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Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam, focused on the inner search for direct, personal experience of God and the purification of the heart. Practitioners, often called Sufis, seek closeness to God through love, remembrance (dhikr), self-discipline, and the guidance of spiritual teachers, while remaining rooted in Islamic belief and practice. Sufism is not a separate religion or a distinct sect but a spiritual current found within both Sunni and Shia contexts. It has historically been organized into orders (tariqas) tracing lineages of teaching, and it has produced some of the world's most celebrated devotional poetry. Figures such as Rumi, Hafiz, Ibn Arabi, and Rabia al-Adawiyya are among its most influential voices.
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Sufi mystical poetry and teachings -- Rumi, Hafiz, Rabia al-Adawiyya. The path of divine love.
Sufi Masters
Trusted Sources
🌀 Sufism Sacred Holidays
View full calendar →Urs of Rumi (Seb-i Arus)
The death anniversary of Jalal al-Din Rumi, the 'Wedding Night' with the Divine.
Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
The great Urs at Ajmer Sharif, one of the largest Sufi pilgrimages in the world.
Urs of Rabia al-Adawiyya
Honoring the great female mystic of Islam, the first theologian of pure divine love.
Urs of Ibn Arabi (Shaykh al-Akbar)
Honoring the greatest mystical philosopher of Islam, the Greatest Sheikh.
Sama (Sufi Whirling Ceremony)
The spiritual concert of the Mevlevi Order, music and whirling as a form of prayer.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions & Answers
What is Sufism?+
Sufism is the mystical and contemplative tradition within Islam, sometimes described as Islamic mysticism, that emphasizes the inner, experiential dimension of the faith. Its aim is to draw near to God through love, sincerity, remembrance, and the purification of the self. Sufis remain grounded in the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad while seeking a deeper, direct awareness of the divine. It is best understood as a dimension within Islam rather than a separate religion.
What are the sacred texts and writings of Sufism?+
Sufism draws first on the Quran and Hadith like the rest of Islam, but it is especially known for a rich literature of mystical poetry and philosophy. This includes the ecstatic poetry of Rumi, the lyrical verse of Hafiz, the profound metaphysical writings of Ibn Arabi, and the devotional expressions attributed to the early mystic Rabia al-Adawiyya. The works of Rumi, Hafiz, Ibn Arabi, and Rabia can be read and explored in the U-God library.
Is Sufism a separate religion from Islam?+
No, Sufism is not a separate religion but the mystical dimension within Islam. Sufis are Muslims who observe Islamic belief and practice while pursuing a deeper, more inward relationship with God. Sufism has expressions in both Sunni and Shia contexts and has historically been woven into mainstream Muslim life through orders, teachers, and devotional practices. Attitudes toward Sufism vary among Muslims, with some embracing it warmly and others more cautious about particular practices.
What are common Sufi practices?+
A central Sufi practice is dhikr, the remembrance of God through the repetition of divine names or phrases, often performed individually or in community. Sufis also emphasize inner purification, meditation, love of God, and following a spiritual guide (shaykh or pir) within an order known as a tariqa. Some orders are known for practices such as devotional music (sama) or the meditative movement of the whirling dervishes associated with the Mevlevi order founded in Rumi's tradition. Practices vary considerably from one order to another.
Who was Rumi?+
Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207 to 1273) was a thirteenth-century Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic, widely regarded as one of the greatest voices of Islamic spirituality. His major works, including the Masnavi and collections of lyric poetry, explore divine love, longing, and union with God. He inspired the Mevlevi order, known for its whirling meditation, and his poetry remains beloved across cultures and languages today. Along with Hafiz, Ibn Arabi, and Rabia, he stands among the most influential figures in the Sufi tradition.