The term is derived from the Arabic words "Safa" (purity) and "Suwf" (wool), symbolizing the woolen garments traditionally worn by Sufis.
Numerous Tariqas exist in the Philippines today, with followers spread across the country, although they have faced opposition from Wahhabis despite the Sufis' peace-loving nature.
[8] Sufism arrived in the Philippines with the Sharif Sab’ah or Lumpang Basih, Sufi missionaries who introduced Islam to the region.
Over time, elements of Tasawwuf merged with local spiritual beliefs, leading to the development of Indigenous Islam or Ilmuh kamaasan.
Professor Yusuf Morales describes this as "an indigenized amalgamation of Islam from preceding schools of thought and local cultural customs."
In the Philippines, common Sufi practices include Mawlid (celebration of the Prophet's birth), gatherings for Isra wal Mi’raj (the Night Journey and Ascension), reciting Surah Yasin on Nisfu Sha’ban (the middle night of Sha’ban), visiting the graves of pious individuals, and performing Tahlil Arwah (prayers for the deceased).