Sufism is often described as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam, oriented toward direct experiential knowledge of the One God. At its heart stands tawḥīd, the affirmation that God is the ultimate and only true reality, with all created things dependent and contingent. This vision is not merely a doctrine but a lived awareness, in which the seeker strives to perceive the divine presence as the inner source of all existence. Within this framework, God is approached as the Beloved, and the relationship between human being and Creator is cast in the language of lover and beloved. Love of God naturally overflows into compassion and respect for all creatures, and many Sufis emphasize the underlying unity of existence and the recognition of divine presence in all creation.

The Sufi path centers on inner purification and transformation, often described as tazkiyat al‑nafs, the cleansing of the lower self or ego. The seeker works to remove spiritual veils such as pride, greed, envy, and anger, and to cultivate virtues like sincerity, humility, patience, gratitude, trust, and contentment. This process unfolds through spiritual “stations” (maqāmāt), which are relatively stable virtues, and “states” (aḥwāl), which are passing experiences such as ecstasy, awe, or intimacy. The ultimate goal is fanāʾ, the annihilation of the ego, followed by baqāʾ, subsistence or abiding in God, where the human being lives in enduring nearness to the Divine. True knowledge (maʿrifa) in this context is not merely intellectual but a direct, heart-based awareness of God.

To support this inner journey, Sufism gives central place to dhikr, the remembrance of God through repetition of divine names, Qur’anic phrases, or sacred formulas. Dhikr may be practiced silently or aloud, sometimes accompanied by rhythmic movement, breath control, music, or poetry, depending on the particular Sufi order. Its aim is to move the heart from forgetfulness to a state of constant presence with God. Alongside dhikr, some Sufi circles employ samāʿ, the listening to sacred music and poetry, as a means of spiritual elevation. These practices are understood as ways of polishing the heart so that it can reflect divine light more clearly.

The Sufi path (ṭarīqa) is typically pursued under the guidance of a spiritual master, known as shaykh, pīr, or murshid, within an established order that traces its lineage back through generations of teachers. The guide helps the disciple discern inner states, avoid self‑deception, and apply the teachings in concrete life. Authentic Sufism insists that this inner path remains rooted in the outer framework of Islam: adherence to the Qur’an, the example (Sunna) of the Prophet Muḥammad as the perfect spiritual exemplar, and observance of Sharīʿa as the necessary foundation. Many Sufis also stress refined conduct (adab), selfless service (khidma), compassion, and tolerance, seeing ethical action and service to humanity as direct expressions of nearness to God.