Sufi

American  

[soo-fee] / ˈsu fi /

noun

plural

Sufis

1. a member of an ascetic, mystical Muslim sect.

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adjective

1. of or relating to Sufis or Sufism.

Sufi British  

/ ˈsuːfɪ /

noun

1. an adherent of any of various Muslim mystical orders or teachings, which emphasize the direct personal experience of God

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Other Word Forms

• Sufic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Sufi

First recorded in 1650–55; from Arabic Ṣūfī “(man) of wool,” equivalent to ṣūf “wool” + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin; so called from the ascetic woolen clothing the Sufis wore

Example Sentences

The whirling Sufi dervishes have known for ages that dance is spiritual.

From Los Angeles Times

In Kashmir, it took on a distinct identity, becoming central to Sufi poetry and folk traditions.

From BBC

He pauses to recite poetry, be it Sufi or Rilke.

From Los Angeles Times

Minority groups like the Sufi Muslims say they are also witnessing increasing attacks on their places of worship.

From BBC

I began to pick up some of the wise writers in the Western tradition — Meister Eckhart, Etty Hillesum — no longer convinced that Sufis or Buddhists owned a monopoly on wisdom.

From Los Angeles Times