The word Sufi is derived from Safa meaning pure, purified of ignorance, superstition, dogmatism, egotism and fanaticism, as well as free from limitations of caste, creed, race and nation. The Sufis believe in God as the Absolute, the only Being; and that all creation is the manifestation of His nature. There have been Sufis at all periods of human history. Though they have lived in different parts of the world, were speaking in different languages and born into different faiths and beliefs, they have recognized and sympathized with each other, through the oneness of their understanding. Yet with their deep knowledge of the world and of spiritual mysteries, they have concealed their beliefs from the multitude, and have pursued in secret their way of attainment to the highest bliss (Hazrat Inayat Khan: A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty).
