Today, as in the past, Sufism is practiced mainly by Muslims. It represents "the main manifestation and the most important and central crystallization of" mystical practice in Islam. Practitioners of Sufism are called "Sufis". Aditionally, Sufism is not a distinct sect like many peole think, but a method of approaching of understanding the religion, which leads people to take the regular practice of the religion to the "supererogatory level" through simultaneously "fulfilling ... [the obligatory] religious duties" according to an Islam Encyclopaedia.
Sufism continued to remain a crucial part of daily Islamic life until the twentieth century, when its historical influence upon Islamic civilization began to be undermined by modernism. While all Muslims believe that they are on the pathway to Allah and hope to become close to God in Paradise, Sufis also believe that it is possible to draw closer to God and to more fully embrace the divine presence in this life.