List of Sufi orders

Sufi orders (Arabic: طرق صوفية ṭuruq ṣūfiyya, singular: طريقة ṭarīqa) are organized spiritual lineages within the Islamic mystical tradition of Sufism. Each order traces its teachings through a chain of transmission (silsila) leading back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad from early Muslim ascetics and reaching to companions of Muhammad mainly Abu Bakr and Ali ibn Abi Talib. While Sufi practice originated in the ascetic circles in 2nd–3rd centuries AH, formalized Sufi orders with defined institutional structures appeared gradually between the 5th and 7th centuries AH.

Sufi orders developed distinct devotional practices, liturgical forms such as dhikr, rules of spiritual training, and regional identities. Over time, they spread across the Middle East, Persia, Central Asia, South Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Anatolia, and the Balkans, forming some of the most influential religious and social networks in Muslim societies. This article lists major Sufi orders arranged by historical period, geography, and recognized sub-branches.

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