8th century CE-present
Sufism is Islamic mysticism emphasizing direct experience of God through spiritual practices, love, and dissolution of ego.
Emerged early Islamic period. Al-Ghazali integrated with orthodox Islam. Rumi, Ibn Arabi major figures.
Rabia al-Adawiyya, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Rumi, Al-Hallaj, Attar.
Direct experience of God. Love and devotion. Annihilation of ego (fana). Unity of Being. Dhikr and spiritual practices.
Shaped Islamic spirituality. Influenced Islamic poetry. Rumi widely read globally. Contemporary Western interest in Sufi wisdom.
