Sufism

Mystic practices in Islam

Sufism (Arabic: التصوف, romanised: al-tasawwuf) is a diverse Islamic spiritual and ethical discipline concerned with spiritual excellence (ihsan), purification of the self and heart (tazkiya), sainthood and closeness to God (wilaya), remembrance of God (dhikr), ethical transformation, ardent love of God and what reflects it (mahabba/ishq), and spiritual striving along the path towards God (suluk). Central to its spiritual life and tradition is the role of saints, or friends of God (awliya'), who are understood to embody and transmit this path across generations and to teach it as Khidr-like masters. The wayfarer (salik) is traditionally described as progressing through various stations (maqamat) and states (ahwal) along a path of spiritual purification and closeness to God.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA. More on occurri.