A Sufi Muslim is a Muslim who follows Sufism, also called tasawwuf, with a focus on purifying the heart, improving character and remembering Allah. This approach emphasises ihsan, or spiritual excellence, and gives particular attention to sincerity, inner intentions and the relationship between knowledge and behaviour.
How does Sufism relate to ihsan?
Sufism seeks to cultivate ihsan through attention to the heart and conduct. The relationship between Islam, faith and ihsan is discussed in the hadith of Gabriel.
The emphasis on ihsan helps explain how tasawwuf is described alongside the study of Islamic law and belief:
| Area of learning | Main focus |
|---|---|
| Islamic jurisprudence | The teachings of Islamic law |
| Study of belief | Matters of faith |
| Tasawwuf | Purification of the heart and development of character |
In this understanding, spiritual development involves nurturing the soul, recognising faults and replacing vices with virtues. Learning and behaviour are considered together, with particular attention to the intentions behind a person's actions.
What does Islamic mysticism mean?
Islamic mysticism is a term used to describe the inward, spiritual focus of Sufism. Here, it concerns the heart, sincerity and drawing closer to Allah.
Its concerns include:
- Purifying the heart: recognising vices and developing virtues.
- Remembering Allah: giving attention to dhikr and the heart's relationship with Allah.
- Sincerity: connecting knowledge with conduct and guarding against hypocrisy.
- Restraint: placing less importance on worldly status and keeping the Hereafter in view.
Where does the word Sufi come from?
One explanation connects the word Sufi with suf, meaning wool, and the woollen clothing associated with early Sufis. Another connects it with safa, or purity, reflecting the emphasis on purifying the heart.
These are different explanations of the name. The association with purity expresses a spiritual concern, rather than establishing a certain linguistic origin.
Who was the first Sufi?
The beginnings of Sufism are not attributed with certainty to a single founder. Abu Hashem al-Zahid is named in accounts of early Sufism as a figure associated with the term.
The account of his teaching centres on knowledge that helps a person draw closer to Allah and guard against hypocrisy and flattery. It presents knowledge as something to put into practice through sincere conduct, rather than a means of gaining status.
Where can families continue learning about Islam?
For broader Quran and Islamic learning, Murouj Academy offers one-to-one online courses, including Quran memorization, Tajweed classes, Standard Arabic and Islamic studies for kids. You can explore the teacher profiles and book a free trial class.
Keep reading
- Moral excellence in Islam
- Understanding the terms Islam and Muslim
- The rules of Islam
- The interpretation of dreams in Islam
Frequently asked questions
Does tasawwuf mean something different from Sufism?
Tasawwuf is another name for Sufism, used for the focus on spiritual development and purification of the heart.
What does dhikr mean?
Dhikr means remembrance of Allah. It is a concern highlighted in Sufi teaching, alongside sincerity and the condition of the heart.
Do all Sufis follow the same path?
No. The term covers different paths and orders, so it should not be taken as a description of identical teachings or practices.
