sufi

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufi" is correct and usable in written English when referring to a member of a mystical Islamic belief system.
You can use it in contexts discussing spirituality, religion, or cultural practices related to Sufism. Example: "The poet Rumi is often celebrated for his profound Sufi teachings that emphasize love and unity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They whip women for wearing bras; have pledged to prohibit the internet; have imposed fundamentalist Wahhabi doctrines on a largely Sufi population; have tried to stop food aid; and have waged war on vaccination programmes, causing outbreaks of polio and measles.

The Guardian - Opinion

He started to practice transcendental meditation, read books by Jesuit priests and Sufi poetry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They returned to the Caucasus with their clan and family structure intact, as well as their adherence to a very discreet and therefore robust form of Muslim piety, in which the Sufi traditions of mysticism, sainthood and defensive war loom large.But except in their deepest hearts, perhaps, talented young Chechens of Mr Maskhadov's generation felt no hesitation about serving the Soviet cause.

The Economist

Only in a street nearby, beyond a Sufi shrine, do you find hints of the great man.

The Economist

And a Sufi mystic from Fallujah, Mahmoud Eissawi, presides over the elephantine Gailani mosque in Baghdad, urging the country's myriad Sufi lodges to stop meditating and to fight.Many Sunni mullahs and former army officers still say, however, that they would co-operate with the Americans if they were included in the new order and were offered a slice of new business.

The Economist

Nor, during the centuries-old process of Islamisation that they led, have the Sufi orders always insisted that they should be.

The Economist

And his favourite passages in history are the bits where believers (often courageous Sufi mystics) spoke truth to power, not the instances when pliant greybeards did favours to the sultan.There are, in short, many interesting things to say about Islam and democracy.

The Economist

Ansar Dine, a group believed to have links to al-Qaeda, said that the city's Sufi shrines were idolatrous.

The Economist

Another group that recently destroyed an ancient Sufi shrine and is said to come under the SSC's protection is still operating with impunity.The February 17th group and Rafala al-Sahati are both strongly Islamist, whereas the coalition that won the election to the national congress defeated the main Islamist alliance tied broadly to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The media-savvy Ms Yassine is now using the trial to publicise her fierce criticism of the regime, denouncing its "superficial democratic reforms" and advocating her Sufi-inspired brand of Islam "as an antidote to violence".

The Economist

"The Doves' Necklace" by Raja Alem of Saudi Arabia the first woman winner is a daring, Sufi- inspired portrait of a holy Mecca that is destroyed for profit by a real-estate mafia.Mr Achaari's novel will be published in English next year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about Sufism, ensure you use accurate terminology and avoid generalizations. Refer to specific Sufi orders or traditions to provide context.

Common error

Avoid treating Sufism as a single, uniform practice. Acknowledge the diversity of Sufi orders and their varying interpretations of Islamic mysticism.

Linguistic Context

The term "sufi" functions primarily as a noun, designating a follower or practitioner of Sufism, a mystical dimension of Islam. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable standing in written English. It can also function as an adjective to describe something related to Sufism, such as "sufi poetry".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sufi" refers to a follower or practitioner of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. Ludwig AI indicates the term is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly used in "news & media", it also appears in scientific and formal business settings. To avoid misrepresentation, it is crucial to acknowledge the diversity within Sufism and avoid treating it as a monolithic entity. Alternatives like "Islamic mystic" or "Muslim ascetic" can be used depending on the specific context. Overall, "sufi" is a well-established term in describing Islamic mysticism, requiring accurate and respectful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Islamic mystic

Replaces "sufi" with a more general term referring to mystics within Islam.

Muslim ascetic

Focuses on the ascetic practices often associated with Sufism.

Follower of Sufism

Emphasizes the adherence to the Sufi path or doctrine.

Sufi practitioner

Highlights the active engagement in Sufi practices.

Mystic in Islam

A more generic way to describe someone who practices Islamic mysticism.

Member of a Sufi order

Specifies belonging to a Sufi brotherhood or organization.

Devotee of Sufism

Implies a strong dedication and commitment to Sufi beliefs.

adherent of Sufi tradition

Describes someone who adheres to the tradition.

One on the Sufi path

Emphasizes the journey and spiritual development within Sufism.

A Sufi initiate

Describes someone who has been initiated into Sufi practices.

FAQs

How can I use "sufi" in a sentence?

You can use "sufi" to refer to a follower of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. For example, "The "Sufi mystic" sought enlightenment through meditation and poetry."

What is another word for "sufi"?

Alternatives include "Islamic mystic" or "Muslim ascetic", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes a "sufi" from other Muslims?

While all Sufis are Muslims, Sufism emphasizes direct personal experience of God through mystical practices, which may not be central to other forms of Islam.

Is it appropriate to use the term "sufi" in academic writing?

Yes, "sufi" is a recognized and appropriate term in academic and scholarly contexts when discussing Sufism and its practitioners. Ensure accurate and respectful usage.