Sufism

Sufism (Tasawwuf) is the mystical and ascetic dimension of Islam, emphasizing the inner, spiritual aspects of the faith. Sufis seek a direct, personal experience of God through practices of devotion, meditation, remembrance (dhikr), and love. The tradition emerged in the early centuries of Islam as a response to increasing worldliness and legalism, drawing on the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.

Sufi poetry, particularly the works of Rumi, Hafiz, and Ibn Arabi, represents some of the most profound and beloved literature in world history. The Masnavi of Rumi, often called "the Quran in Persian," is a vast mystical poem exploring the journey of the soul toward union with God through stories, allegories, and spiritual teachings. The Divan of Hafiz, beloved in Persian literature, celebrates divine love through exquisite lyric poetry. The writings of Al-Ghazali bridge orthodox Islam and Sufi mysticism, while Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat offers philosophical reflections on the fleeting beauty of existence.

Sufi orders (tariqas) have played a central role in spreading Islam across the world, from North Africa to Southeast Asia. The tradition emphasizes the purification of the heart, the annihilation of the ego (fana), and the realization of divine unity.