The Sufi faith has a long and rich history throughout the Islamic faith. Sufism has many differences in its practices and beliefs compared to other Islamic sects we know today. One thing I personally found interesting is that this particular sect of Islam is not as popularly talked about as the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam. Some of the most interesting and distinctive differences in this division of Islam lie in the woolen clothing that Sufis wear as well as the most popular practice for which they are known, Whirling Dervishes. Yet this faith has many similarities with many other religions and sects of Islam. Sufism, however, is a purely ascetic faith that also incorporates several aspects of mysticism. The main goal of Sufism is that of many other monotheistic religions, which is to be in union with God in the afterlife. The earliest form of Sufism is estimated to have begun during the Umayyad dynasty, less than a century after the founding of Islam ("Sufism" 1). Sufism is estimated to have begun in 675 CE and is a Muslim movement whose followers seek enlightenment, love, and connection with God through direct encounters with the Creator (“Sufi Origins” 1). Yet some say that Sufism cannot be limited to a particular region and time in which it was conceived as a faith, nor to a particular language or society from which it originated. Many believe that Sufism has always existed in one way or another throughout time (“Practices of Sufism” 1). Sufism has played an important role throughout its history, beginning as an acetic faith within Islam (“Sufism” 1). According to Fisher, early Sufis turned to asceticism as a way to deepen their faith and draw closer to God. Sufism is based on an internal non-a...... middle of paper...... having the ecstatic feeling of meeting God, that seemed much more logical to me. I was surprised to learn how popular Sufis were. Lately all people hear about are the Sunni and Shia groups and when you hear about these sects of faith it's only about the radical ones on the news which aren't. truly transmit the great principles of the faith. It was nice to see another side of the Islamic faith. Overall, I think this subject has been enriching for my education. Works Cited Fisher, Mary Pat and Joseph Ch Alan. Adler. “Chapter 10 Islam.” Living religions. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011. N. pag. Print. “Practices of Sufism”. The beauty of pure Sufism. Np, and Web. April 5, 2014. “Sufism”. Sufi. Religious facts, August 12, 2007. Web. March 5, 2014. “Sufi origins, Sufi history, Sufi beliefs. » Patheos Library, nd Web. April 9. 2014.