Sufism is a mystical trend in Islam characterized by particular values, ritual practices, doctrines and institutions.

It is often defined as ‘Islamic mysticism’, the inward dimension of Islam, ‘the phenomenon of mysticism within Islam,’

Classical Sufis are characterized by their asceticism, especially by their attachment to dhikr, the practice of repeating the names of God, often performed after prayers.

Sufism can be described as the interiorization, and intensification of Islamic faith and practice.

While all Muslims believe that they are on the pathway to Allah and hope to become close to God in Paradise – after death and after the Last Judgment.

Sufis also believe that it is possible to draw closer to God and to more fully embrace the divine presence in this life.

Sufi psychology has influenced many areas of thinking both within and outside of Islam, drawing primarily upon three concepts.

Human beings are dominated by a lower Self called the nafs (soul), a faculty of spiritual intuition called the qalb (heart), and ruh (spirit).

These interact in various ways, producing the spiritual types of the tyrant (dominated by nafs), the person of faith and moderation, and the person lost in Love for God.

Inside the great mystery that is,
we don’t really own anything.
What is this competition we feel then,
before we go, one at a time,
through the same gate?

If you’ve opened your loving to God’s love,
you’re helping people you don’t know
and have never seen.

Is what I say true? Say yes quickly,
If you know, If you’ve known it
from before the beginning of the Universe.