Mysticism and mystical doctrine of Islam.
With its roots in early Islamic spirituality and the teachings of the Prophet, Sufism as such emerged around the 8th century, the first Sufis being ascetics (simplicity of life and spiritual devotion).
Over the centuries, Sufism organized itself into tarîqas (brotherhoods), each following a spiritual master and his specific teachings. These brotherhoods spread throughout the Muslim world, contributing to the diversity of Sufi practices and doctrines.)