There are many opinions regarding the derivation of the word Sufism (taṣawwuf). Some Sufis say that it is derived from "wool." For, on the path of turning to and submitting to Allah, a person is like a piece of wool cast before Allah in His presence.
Others
have said that the word
"Sufism"
is derived from
"attribute" (ṣifa).
Thus, Sufism (taṣawwuf) is to be characterized by beautiful attributes and to abandon undesirable ones.
Some also say that it is derived from the word "ṣafā" (pure and clean). Indeed, Abū’l-Fatḥ al-Bustī (may Allah have mercy on him) says in a poem:
"People have disagreed and debated about the word ‘Sufi’,
Some have thought it derived from ‘ṣūf’, that is, wool,
I will give this name only to the one who purifies his own heart,
Who is called ‘Sufi’ because he has been purified,
And to none other than the young."[1]
Some also claim that Sufi comes from the "People of the Bench" (Aṣḥāb al-Ṣuffa). For the bearer of this name has followed the beautiful quality that Allah, the Exalted, bestowed upon them. Regarding them, the Noble Qur'an, in al-Kahf 18:28, says:
"And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance."
The People of the Bench (Aṣḥāb al-Ṣuffa) are the foremost community among the people of Sufism (taṣawwuf). Throughout their lives, by engaging in sincere worship, they became the highest exemplary individuals whom Sufis in subsequent generations have aspired to emulate.
As Imām Qushayrī (may Allah have mercy on him) also said: "Sufism (taṣawwuf) is derived from the word ṣafwa (the best of everything)."
It is said that the word Sufi is derived from "ṣaf" (row), because they stand before Allah with their hearts and are in the front row in the race to obey Allah.
A different explanation regarding the same word has also been mentioned. Some say: "True Sufism (taṣawwuf) is ascribed to wearing coarse woolen garments. For Sufis are content with little and prefer to wear rough and coarse clothing." When defining Sufism (taṣawwuf), the fame of the term Sufi is such that there is no need to inquire about its origin.
A group of people have denied this word, claiming that it was not heard in the era of the Companions (ṣaḥāba) and the Followers (tābiʿūn). The words of these people have been rejected. For not only this concept, but many terms and words found in Islamic literature emerged after the time of the Companions, entered scholarly works, and were never denied. Terms such as grammar (naḥw), jurisprudence (fiqh), logic (manṭiq), and the like can be cited as examples. For these terms were used and not rejected by scholars.
In any case, we certainly do not attach as much importance to terminology and wording as we do to truth (ḥaqīqa) and essential principles. Thus, we call to Sufism (taṣawwuf) only with the intention of the purification of the souls, the cleansing of the hearts, the rectification of character (akhlāq), and the elevation of people to the station of spiritual excellence (ihsan). This is what we call "Sufism (taṣawwuf)." If you wish, you may call this the spiritual, ihsan, or ethical aspect of Islam, or give it any name that agrees with the truth and essence of Islam.
It is also a fact that the scholars of this ummah have inherited both the name and the reality of Sufism (taṣawwuf) from the earliest days of Islam, from the predecessors (salaf), and from the spiritual guides (murshid). Up until today, this has become a customary practice among them.
Notes
- ʿAllāma Ibn ʿAjība, Ikāz al-Himam fī Sharḥ al-Ḥikam, p.6. He passed away in the year 1266 AH.