Scholars have different explanations why it is called “Tasuwwuf” (Sufism) or “Sufi”. Some said it is derived from the Arabic word “Soof” (wool) as those people used to wear rough wool as a kind of asceticism. Others said it is taken from the Arabic word “Suffa”, which was a particular place in the Prophet’s Mosque where some people used to stay there to keep by heart what the Messenger of Allah (Prayers and peace be upon him) said such as Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him. Other scholars said it is derived from the Greek word, “Sophia”, which means (philosophy or wisdom)
But some other scholars said that it is not important whatever the word is. So, they set about to explain the meaning and the essence of the word. Some Sufi Masters such as ‘Obaid Ellah Assamarqandi Al Ahrar said it means not to spend your time save in useful things. Imam Al Junaid said, "Sufism means to adopt the Divine Morals with other people." Some scholars said it means to purify your heart of its diseases such as arrogance, malice, greediness and to get rid of your human qualities and be attributed with good qualities such as sincerity, good intentions, generosity …etc. to be with angels
Why do people object to the term “Tasawwuf” and consider it against religion?
If I ask you: if you adopt the good morals such as loyalty and submission in performing prayers, setting an account to yourself, love for Allah and His Messenger (Prayers and peace be upon him), having good intentions with people, truthfulness, faithfulness, caring for other people, concealing your anger, …etc., is this a good thing or not? Is getting rid of bad manners such as envy, infidelity, arrogance, malice, …etc. a good thing or not? Of course, a Muslim whose thought is temperate, will say, ‘Yes‟. OK. The road for being attributed with all these good morals is what people nowadays call, “Tasawwuf” or (Sufism). In addition, these manners are confirmed in the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Tradition
Are there any other names to Tasawwuf?
Yes, in the Holy Quran, it is called “Tazkia”, which means to purify yourself of anything evil. In the Prophet’s Tradition, it is called, “Ihsan”, which is the third and the highest rank in Islam. Some recent scholars call it, “The interior jurisprudence”. But scholars, in general, confirm that names are not important. It is the target, which is the most important. So, some Naqshabandi Masters used to say, “Illahi Anta Maqsoudi, Wa Redaka Matloubi” (O my Lord! I head for none but You, and it is Your satisfaction that I aspire to), and this is what all the Sufi Tariqas call for
What is the Position of Tasawwuf in Islam
It is in a very sublime place in Islam as it is a practical application for the rank of Ihsan, which means to worship Allah as if you see Him.
In the very famous Hadeeth, that Abo Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that one day, the Prophet (Prayers and peace be upon him) was sitting with his Companions when Gabriel came down and asked, "What is Al Iman?", The Prophet (Prayers and peace be upon him) said, "It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Messengers and believe in Resurrection." Gabriel asked, "What is Al Islam?". The Prophet answered, "It is to worship Allah without any other partner, perform prayers, pay out the prescribed alms, and fast the month of Ramadan.". Again Gabriel asked, "What is Al Ihsan?". The Prophet said, "It is to worship Allah as if you see Him. Though you don't see Him, of course, He sees you." Gabriel again asked, "When is the Hour?". The Prophet said, "The questioned doesn't know more about it than the questioner. But I will tell you about its signs: When a female slave gives birth to her lord. (It is because when a female slave makes intercourses with her lord who possesses her, her born boy becomes her lord). And when the black herdsmen compete in building tall houses.
There are five things no one can know but Allah. Then the Prophet (Prayers and peace be upon him) recited the Holy Verse
"Verily, with ALLAH alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And HE sends down the rain, and HE knows what is in the wombs. And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, All-Aware." [Luqman 34]
When Gabriel left, the Prophet said, "Bring him back" but the Companions didn't find him. Then, the Prophet said, "This is Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion."
Reference
Reported by Al Bukhari Hadeeth No. 50 (1/27) and Muslim, Hadeeth No. 9 (1/39)