The saying "whirling dervish" refers to a member of the Mevlevi order of Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition. They are known for their spinning dance called the Sema, which is a form of meditation and prayer. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is constantly busy or active.

Sufism played a significant role in the Turkish sultanate by influencing the spiritual and religious practices of the rulers and the wider society. Sufi orders provided guidance and spiritual teachings to the sultans, fostering their piety and devotion. Sufi teachings also helped to consolidate the authority of the sultanate by creating a sense of unity and shared religious identity among the population.

Richa Sharma

The sufies are soft spoken kind hearted people. They spread Islam by being kind and loving to the non-believers.

Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri (The Thoughtful Guide to Islam) regards the development of Sufism as natural and progressive, rather than being founded at a particular time or place. Hasan al-Basri was regarded as one of the early Sufis, without necessarily having been named as such during his life. By the early eighth century, an increasing number of people had chosen a way of life based on ascetism, meditative and other ritualistic practices, such as chanting the name of God as a means of enhancing remembrance of Allah and maintaining self-awareness. By the ninth century, a large body of teachings from the traditions and Sunnah emphasised the importance of gaining knowledge of the self in order for higher and more subtle knowledge to become accessible. By the twelfth century, tasawwuf, or knowledge of self, was a recognised part of religious life and came to be taught in many madrasahs and many Sufi Orders became established.

They led a life of poverty and devotion, (i know this and im in 7th grade it was one of my Question of the days!)

dhikr :)

Sufism is mysticism whereas Sunni and Shiite are orthopractical orthodoxies. It is hard to exactly explain what this means, but probably the best way to imagine it would be that Sufism is like poetry whereas Sunni or Shiite are like instruction manuals. Sufism doesn't have exact rules, is more about emotion than procedure, makes every syllable and motion count, etc. Sunni and Shiite are about form, regimentation, rules, study, and devotion. They are both roads to God through Islam.

Sufism is Muslim and probably does not emphasize the devotion of images of God.

Sufi is a word associated with the Muslim religion. It is defined by its adherents as the inner mystical dimension of Islam. It acts as a science through which one can only know how to travel into the presence of the divine.

They were important because they spent their time praying and teaching Islam

Wool, because the garments worn by Sufis are made of wool.

Millions. mainly Suni Muslims and Shia Muslims and others that believe only in one brotherhood and do not believe to be a part of any sect also Sufism is followed by many Siks, Hindus and other religions . only Kharji or they are known as Wahabi dont follow the concepts of sufism.

Its a open believe that God makes friends in this world and loves them and love those who love his friends.

Regards,

Mubashir Shah

There are a lot of muslim sufi saints .H. Awais qarni , H Hasan Basri , H . Shah wali Ullah , ,H. Mujadid Alif Sani . , H . Shah Abdul Aziz , H . Haji Imdad Ullah Muhajir maki , H .Ali Hajveri , Hazrat Molana Allah Yar Khan and H. Molana Abdullah Bahlavi (R.A. for all )

The Whirling Dervish was created in 1972-05.

Sunni Islam represent 80% of Muslims, Shia Islam represent 15% of Muslims and Sufi Islam represent 1% of Muslims. They are the three principals. Many Muslims do not consider Sufi Muslims as Muslims.

Sufi means 'wool.' It refers to the fabric used in Sufi's clothing, which is made from the wool of sheep.

Worship of Allah in true spirit and "Zikr" is central practice of sufism . There are certain Variation s in practices in different sects of Sufisms which can be seen in "Qolul Jamil " Written by Shah Wali Ullah RA .

dancing and singing

There is no such term in Islam as 'Sufi Islam'. Islam is a religion. The sources of Islam are mainly:

1. The holy Qur'an

2. The Sunna (The sayings and the deeds of The Last Prophet Of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (May peace and blessings of Allah Karim be on him).

3. Ijmaa (Consensus of the Companions of the Prophet and the religious scholars of later centuries

4. Ijtihad -deduction of laws in a new situation by the scholars of Islam

As for as Sufism is concerned the Sufies have the same fundamental beliefs as are necessary for all the Muslims. No sufi or scholar can add something to or deduct something from Islam, as it was completed during the last days of the Last Prophet Of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (May peace and blessings of Allah Karim be on him). Any addition to Islam is Bidaa - sin.

The Sufies try to purify their soul by striving hard in the way of Allah Karim. They are more punctual and more regular in offering prayers than many of the other Muslims. They offer Tahajjad prayer that is voluntary. They also offer extra Nawafil and remember Almighty Allah all the while. They observe all the rules and commands given by Allah Almighty. They try their best to follow the foot prints of the Last Prophet Of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (May peace and blessings of Allah Karim be on him) in letter and spirit. They are more particular about earning through Halal means. They love mankind. They are tolerant. They always seek to come closer to Almighty Allah.