The “chapters” within Sufism are most commonly referred to as orders or brotherhoods. In Arabic, these are known as tariqat (singular: tariqa), which literally means “paths”.
These orders are organized communities of Sufis who follow a specific spiritual path and lineage. Each order typically has:
- A distinct set of teachings and practices.
- A spiritual lineage (silsila) tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad through a chain of masters.
- A structured framework for spiritual training and guidance, under the authority of a shaykh or pir.
While the term “tradition” can broadly refer to the overarching practices and beliefs within Sufism, “order” or “tariqa” specifically refers to these organized groups or brotherhoods.
Think of it like this: Islam is the broader religion, and Sufism is the mystical dimension or approach within Islam. Within Sufism, there are different “orders” that specialize in particular paths or methodologies, but they are all ultimately part of the broader Sufi tradition within Islam.