SOO-fee
Sufi refers to a practitioner of Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam focused on spiritual purification and divine love. Sufis seek direct personal experience of God through meditation, poetry, music, and whirling dance, emphasizing the inner, esoteric aspects of Islamic faith.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
The F in SUFI is worth 4 points, making this a solid play for a 4-letter word. Perfect for tight spaces and creating multiple crosswords!
A Sufi is a Muslim mystic who follows the path of Sufism (tasawwuf in Arabic), the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. Sufis seek to find divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. Unlike the exoteric aspects of Islam that focus on religious law and practice, Sufism emphasizes the cultivation of inner spiritual states and the purification of the heart.
Sufis are known for their diverse spiritual practices including dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, poetry recitation, music, and the famous whirling dance of the Mevlevi order. They often organize themselves into orders (tariqas) led by spiritual guides (sheikhs or pirs) who transmit mystical knowledge through a chain of succession going back to the Prophet Muhammad.
Throughout history, Sufis have been influential poets, philosophers, and scholars. Famous Sufis include Rumi, whose poetry remains bestselling even today; Ibn Arabi, the great mystical philosopher; and Al-Ghazali, who reconciled orthodox Islam with Sufi thought. Their emphasis on love, tolerance, and spiritual experience has made Sufism a bridge between cultures and religions.
In word games, SUFI is a versatile 4-letter word worth 7 points in Scrabble. The F tile's 4-point value makes it more valuable than many common 4-letter words. It's particularly useful when you need to use challenging letters or create multiple intersecting words in tight board positions.
The etymology of "Sufi" remains debated among scholars, with several compelling theories:
Historical timeline:
Essential Sufi spiritual exercises
Dhikr (ذکر)
Remembrance of God through repetition
Muraqaba
Meditation and contemplation
Sama
Spiritual listening to music and poetry
Khalwa
Spiritual retreat and seclusion
Sohbet
Spiritual conversation with the guide
Major tariqas around the world
Mevlevi
Whirling dervishes, founded by Rumi's followers
Qadiri
One of the oldest, spread worldwide
Naqshbandi
Emphasizes silent dhikr
Chishti
Prominent in South Asia
Shadhili
Influential in North Africa
Plural Form
Sufis
The Sufis gathered for their weekly dhikr.
Related Noun
Sufism
She studied Sufism for ten years.
Related Terms
Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Omar Khayyam have created some of the world's most beloved spiritual poetry. Their works explore themes of divine love, spiritual intoxication, and the journey of the soul, using rich metaphors of wine, the beloved, and the tavern to express mystical experiences.
Sufi music includes qawwali from South Asia, the ney (reed flute) of Turkey, and devotional songs across the Muslim world. The whirling dance of the Mevlevis and the ecstatic movements of other orders use physical motion as spiritual practice.
Sufi thinkers have profoundly influenced Islamic philosophy, developing concepts like wahdat al-wujud (unity of being) and the stages of spiritual development. Their ideas have sparked dialogue between different religious traditions and philosophical schools.
Today, Sufism influences world music, interfaith dialogue, psychology, and popular spirituality. Sufi-inspired practices appear in wellness centers, and Rumi's poetry tops bestseller lists, showing the universal appeal of Sufi wisdom.
"The Sufi master taught that the path to God requires polishing the mirror of the heart until it perfectly reflects divine light."
"Medieval Sufis developed sophisticated psychological theories about the stages of spiritual development, influencing later mystics across religious boundaries."
"The conference brought together Sufis from Morocco, Turkey, India, and Indonesia, showcasing the diversity of mystical practices within Islam."
"She discovered Rumi's poetry in college and became fascinated with Sufi metaphors of love and longing."
"The museum's new exhibit features Sufi calligraphy, showing how sacred art serves as a form of meditation."
"The novelist drew inspiration from Sufi tales, weaving mystical themes into her contemporary narrative."
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 2
High-value letters: F (4 pts)
SUFI has no common anagrams
Can be extended to:
💡 Tip: While SUFI has no anagrams, it's great for parallel plays!
Note: Perfect rhymes for SUFI are rare in English
If you can't play SUFI, consider these subwords:
Respectful usage
Sufi refers to practitioners, not the practice itself
Not all mystics
Specifically Islamic mysticism, not generic spirituality
Pronunciation
SOO-fee, not SUF-fee
MYSTIC
Spiritual seeker
DERVISH
Sufi ascetic
SHEIKH
Spiritual guide
ISLAM
The religion
RUMI
Famous Sufi poet
DHIKR
Remembrance practice
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