sufism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Religious / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “sufism” mean?
The mystical Islamic belief and practice system focusing on the inward search for God and shunning materialism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mystical Islamic belief and practice system focusing on the inward search for God and shunning materialism.
A philosophical and ascetic tradition within Islam emphasizing direct personal experience of the divine through love, devotion, and spiritual practices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
In both dialects, the word carries connotations of mysticism, asceticism, poetry (e.g., Rumi), and sometimes esoteric practices.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in academic, theological, or comparative religion contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sufism” in a Sentence
[the study/practice] of Sufism[central to/characteristic of] Sufism is...Sufism [emphasises/focuses on/teaches]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sufism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Sufi practices were deeply personal.
- The whirling ceremony is a Sufi tradition.
American English
- She follows a Sufi path to enlightenment.
- The poet's Sufi influences are clear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, philosophy, and comparative religion courses to denote the Islamic mystical tradition.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May appear in discussions about world religions, spirituality, or Middle Eastern culture.
Technical
Used in theology and Islamic studies with precise reference to its doctrines, orders (tariqas), and historical figures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sufism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sufism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sufism”
- Using 'sufism' uncapitalized. *Incorrect:* 'He was interested in sufism.' *Correct:* 'He was interested in Sufism.'
- Using it as a countable noun. *Incorrect:* 'There are many sufisms.' *Correct:* 'There are many traditions within Sufism.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Sufism is not a separate religion. It is a mystical tradition within Islam, though some of its practices have been controversial among more conservative Muslim scholars.
The origin is debated but is often thought to derive from the Arabic 'suf' (wool), referring to the simple wool garments worn by early Muslim ascetics.
Yes, Sufi orders (tariqas) remain active worldwide, particularly in regions like South Asia, West Africa, Turkey, and the Balkans, with millions of adherents.
The 'Sema' ceremony of the Mevlevi order, involving whirling dances by 'whirling dervishes', is one of the most visually recognisable practices associated with Sufism.
The mystical Islamic belief and practice system focusing on the inward search for God and shunning materialism.
Sufism is usually academic / religious / specialized in register.
Sufism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːfɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuˌfɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sue seeks the truth in faith, a mystical pursuit.' -> 'Sue' + 'f' + 'ism' = Sufism, the personal pursuit of divine truth.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SPIRITUAL PATH IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'the path of Sufism', 'stations on the Sufi way').
Practice
Quiz
Sufism is most accurately defined as: