Sufi

[soo-fee]

noun

plural

Sufis 

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

adjective

1. of or relating to Sufis or Sufism.

Sufi

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sufi¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sufi¹

C17: from Arabic sūfīy, literally: (man) of wool, from sūf wool; probably from the ascetic's woollen garments

Example Sentences

Hardliners have also vandalised scores of shrines of minorities like the Sufi Muslims in the past year.

From BBC

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