What is Sufism, and what role does it play within Sunni Islam?

Sufism (tasawwuf) refers to the inward, spiritual dimension of Islamic practice, focused on purifying the heart, cultivating sincerity, and deepening one's consciousness of God (taqwa) beyond the outward performance of rituals. Its concern corresponds closely to the concept of ihsan ('excellence' or spiritual perfection) described in the well-known Hadith of Jibril, where the Prophet defined ihsan as worshipping Allah as though one sees Him, and if one does not see Him, knowing that He sees us. Historically, many of the most influential Sunni jurists and theologians — such as Imam al-Ghazali — were also practicing Sufis, and Sufi orders (tariqas) such as the Qadiriyya, Naqshbandiyya, and Chishtiyya became deeply embedded in the religious life of much of the Muslim world, combining adherence to Islamic law with structured spiritual training under a teacher. Sufism is not a separate sect but exists across Sunni (and some Shia) communities as a complementary emphasis alongside jurisprudence and theology. Some scholars, particularly within Salafi-oriented movements, have criticized certain popular Sufi practices, such as elaborate shrine veneration, as departing from earlier practice, while affirming the legitimacy of sincere inward spirituality itself.

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