Final answer:
Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that emerged in the seventh century. Sufis practiced asceticism, meditation, and ritual prayer to have a personal experience with God. Sufi orders, led by a religious teacher, were established throughout the Islamic world and played a crucial role in spreading Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sufism and its role in the spread of Islam
Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that emerged in the seventh century. Sufis practiced asceticism, meditation, and ritual prayer to have a personal experience with God. They used music, poetry, and dancing to enter a trance-like state and connect with the divine presence. Sufi orders, led by a religious teacher, were established throughout the Islamic world. Sufis who achieved closeness with God were revered as saints, and their graves became pilgrimage sites. Sufism's emphasis on personal contemplation and direct connection with the divine attracted ordinary people and helped spread Islam to places like Africa, central Asia, and India, serving as missionaries for the religion.