When and where did Sufism emerge?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

The term Sufism was not known during the first three generations of Muslims. It came into use later and it is reported that several Imaams used it. There has been a long-running argument over the reason why it was given that name.

Sufism first emerged in Basra (in Iraq) as its people were known for exaggerating in asceticism, worship, fear and other similar matters. Later on, sects made up of unbelievers and religious innovators affiliated themselves to Sufism, and ever since that time, Sufism branched out and began to include many types of people.

It is important that Muslims know that the best words are those of Allaah The Almighty, that the best way is that of Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that the best generations are those of the Companions and their two successive generations, and that there is only one way that leads to Allaah The Almighty. This is the way of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and his Companions. Whoever tries to draw closer to Allaah The Almighty through a different way will certainly go astray.

Allaah Knows best.