Sufi

American  

[soo-fee] / ˈsu fi /

noun

plural

Sufis

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

---

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

---

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

"He fell transiting from one part of the balcony to the living room," Sufi said, declining to elaborate on Mahathir's condition.

From Barron's

Bangladesh -- the world's fourth most populous Muslim-majority country -- is home to diverse strands of Islamic practice, including a significant Sufi community often condemned by hardline Islamists.

From Barron's

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