The Most Famous Sufi, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Sufi you think is the most famous!
Updated on Jul 19, 2024 07:51
Sufism has long been known for its rich contributions to spiritual growth and cultural development, influencing myriad aspects of society within various historical contexts. Understanding the key figures in Sufism can offer insights into the mystical dimensions of Islam and the profound teachings that have shaped both religious thought and secular appreciation. This ranked list of famous Sufis provides a clearer picture of their influential roles and lasting legacies.
By participating in this ranking, users engage in an active learning process, highlighting which Sufi figures have resonated the most across different generations and cultures. The dynamic nature of this list allows for an ongoing conversation about significance and impact. Your votes help determine the current standing and visibility of each figure, creating a community-curated snapshot of whom people feel are the leading voices in the world of Sufism today.
Who Is the Most Famous Sufi?
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170points
Rumi
A 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic.- Full Name: Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī
- Notable Works: Masnavi, Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi
In other topics -
232points
Al-Ghazali
A Persian polymath, theologian, and Sufi mystic.- Full Name: Abū Ḥāmid Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad al-Ghazālī
- Notable Works: The Incoherence of the Philosophers, The Alchemy of Happiness
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322points
Ibn Arabi
An Arab Andalusian Muslim scholar, mystic, poet, and philosopher.- Full Name: Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi
- Notable Works: Fusus al-Hikam, The Meccan Revelations
In other topics -
412points
Shams Tabrizi
A Persian Sufi mystic who is credited as the spiritual instructor of Rumi.- Notable Relationship: Spiritual guide and close friend of Rumi.
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52points
Junaid Baghdadi
A major figure in the early stages of Sufism and is considered an important spiritual predecessor in Sufi traditions.- Full Name: Abu al-Qasim al-Junayd of Baghdad
- Notable Teachings: Advocated for the concept of 'sobriety' in the mystical experience.
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61points
Baba Farid
A 12th-century Punjabi Muslim preacher and mystic who was one of the most revered and distinguished ... Sufi saints of the Indian subcontinent.- Full Name: Fariduddin Mas'ood Ganjshakar
- Notable Contributions: Considered a major contributor to the development of the Punjabi literary tradition.
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71points
Bahauddin Naqshband
A Central Asian Sufi master and the founder of one of the major Sufi orders, the Naqshbandi.- Full Name: Bahauddin Naqshband Bukhari
- Notable Contributions: Established the Naqshbandi order, emphasizing silent dhikr.
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81points
Moinuddin Chishti
A Sunni Muslim preacher and the founder of the Chishti Sufi order in the Indian subcontinent.- Full Name: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
- Notable Shrine: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
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91points
Abdul Qadir Jilani
A Hanbali Sunni Muslim preacher, ascetic, mystic, jurist, and theologian.- Full Name: Abdul Qadir Jilani
- Notable Works: Ghunyat ut-Talibeen, Futuh al-Ghaib
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101points
Rabi'a al-Adawiyya
An 8th-century female Muslim saint and Sufi mystic.- Full Name: Rabi'a al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya
- Notable Teachings: Emphasized the importance of divine love and devotion over fear of hell or desire for paradise.
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Sufi. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Sufi is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3317 views
- 143 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Sufi once every 24 hours. The rank of each Sufi is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Famous Sufi
Rank #1 for the most famous Sufi: Rumi (Source)
Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam. It focuses on the inward search for God and shuns materialism. Sufis seek to find divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. This path involves various rituals and practices.
Sufi masters guide their followers on this journey. They teach through stories, poetry, and music. These elements help convey deeper meanings. Sufis use poetry to express their love for God. Their verses often describe the soul's longing for union with the divine.
Music and dance also play a crucial role. Sufis believe these elements can help them reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. This state brings them closer to God. The practice of whirling is one such example. It involves spinning in circles to achieve a trance-like state. This dance symbolizes the movement of the planets around the sun.
Sufi orders, or brotherhoods, form around a central master. These orders follow specific teachings and practices. Each order has its own rituals and customs. The master-disciple relationship is key in Sufism. Disciples commit to their master's guidance. This bond helps them progress on their spiritual path.
Sufi literature is rich and varied. It includes poetry, prose, and parables. These works aim to inspire and instruct. They offer insights into the nature of God and the human soul. Many Sufi writings emphasize the importance of love and humility. They teach that true knowledge comes from the heart, not the mind.
Sufism has faced challenges throughout history. Some orthodox Muslims view it with suspicion. They criticize its mystical practices and beliefs. Despite this, Sufism has thrived. It has spread across the Muslim world and beyond. Its message of love and unity resonates with many.
Sufi saints are revered figures. They are often credited with performing miracles. Their tombs become pilgrimage sites. Followers visit these sites to seek blessings and pay their respects. These saints' lives and teachings continue to inspire.
Sufism's influence extends beyond religion. It has impacted art, literature, and music. Sufi themes appear in many works of art. These themes often explore the relationship between the human and the divine. Sufi music, with its haunting melodies and rhythms, captivates listeners.
Sufism teaches that the journey to God is personal. It is a path of love, devotion, and self-discipline. Sufis strive to purify their hearts and minds. They seek to overcome their ego and desires. This process helps them grow closer to God.
The essence of Sufism is the quest for divine love. It is about finding God within oneself. This journey requires dedication and sincerity. Sufis believe that through love and devotion, they can experience the divine presence.
Sufism offers a unique perspective on Islam. It emphasizes the inner life and the heart's connection to God. Its teachings and practices continue to inspire many. Through poetry, music, and dance, Sufis express their love for the divine. Their message of love and unity endures.
Sufi masters guide their followers on this journey. They teach through stories, poetry, and music. These elements help convey deeper meanings. Sufis use poetry to express their love for God. Their verses often describe the soul's longing for union with the divine.
Music and dance also play a crucial role. Sufis believe these elements can help them reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. This state brings them closer to God. The practice of whirling is one such example. It involves spinning in circles to achieve a trance-like state. This dance symbolizes the movement of the planets around the sun.
Sufi orders, or brotherhoods, form around a central master. These orders follow specific teachings and practices. Each order has its own rituals and customs. The master-disciple relationship is key in Sufism. Disciples commit to their master's guidance. This bond helps them progress on their spiritual path.
Sufi literature is rich and varied. It includes poetry, prose, and parables. These works aim to inspire and instruct. They offer insights into the nature of God and the human soul. Many Sufi writings emphasize the importance of love and humility. They teach that true knowledge comes from the heart, not the mind.
Sufism has faced challenges throughout history. Some orthodox Muslims view it with suspicion. They criticize its mystical practices and beliefs. Despite this, Sufism has thrived. It has spread across the Muslim world and beyond. Its message of love and unity resonates with many.
Sufi saints are revered figures. They are often credited with performing miracles. Their tombs become pilgrimage sites. Followers visit these sites to seek blessings and pay their respects. These saints' lives and teachings continue to inspire.
Sufism's influence extends beyond religion. It has impacted art, literature, and music. Sufi themes appear in many works of art. These themes often explore the relationship between the human and the divine. Sufi music, with its haunting melodies and rhythms, captivates listeners.
Sufism teaches that the journey to God is personal. It is a path of love, devotion, and self-discipline. Sufis strive to purify their hearts and minds. They seek to overcome their ego and desires. This process helps them grow closer to God.
The essence of Sufism is the quest for divine love. It is about finding God within oneself. This journey requires dedication and sincerity. Sufis believe that through love and devotion, they can experience the divine presence.
Sufism offers a unique perspective on Islam. It emphasizes the inner life and the heart's connection to God. Its teachings and practices continue to inspire many. Through poetry, music, and dance, Sufis express their love for the divine. Their message of love and unity endures.
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