Question

The word Sufi is derived from ‘Suf’ which means __________in Persian.
A) Enlightened human
B) Coarse cloth
C) Wise
D) Teacher

Answer 1

Hint:
Most Sufis are Sunni Muslims. Sufi orders have influenced Islam in the Balkans from the time of the middle ages. Sufis are sometimes targets for fundamentalists and extremists such as the Islamic State, who see Sufism as heretical. Sufism entered India in the 12th century with, Muslim invaders and became popular in the 13th century.

Complete step by step solution:
There are at least five different opinions on the origin of the Arabic word Sufi. First, the term Sufi was supposed to be derived from the word ahl-suffa, a group of Prophet’s companions who took part in the emigration ((hijra) to Medina. They were often described as the poor because they had to leave all of their belongings in Mecca, in order to emigrate to Medina. They lived with nothing around the Prophet’s mosque (al-masjid al—Nabi), where they slept on stone seats (suffa) with saddle- cushions for their pillows. Second, it was probably derived from the word saff lines where people are standing during a prayer. Third, it was supposed to be derived from the word safi meaning a person who is pure. Fourth, it was believed that this term originated from the Greek word sophos meaning wisdom. Fifth, the term sufi was probably derived from the word suf meaning wool, which was commonly used to make Sufi robes.

So, the correct option is the option coarse cloth.

Note:
In the later stages of development the Sufis were identified by their wearing wool garments. It was possible then, if the word Sufi was actually referred to people who wore this fashion. Most sufis are Sunni Muslims.