Introduction:
Sufism and Islam are closely related, as Sufism is a spiritual and mystical dimension of Islam. While both Sufism and Islam share common beliefs and practices, there are some key differences between them.

Sufism:
Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam that focuses on the personal experience and connection with the divine. It emphasizes the inner journey of the individual towards spiritual purification and union with God. Sufis seek to attain a state of enlightenment and divine love through various spiritual practices, such as meditation, chanting, and dhikr (remembrance of God). They believe in the importance of direct personal experience and intuition in understanding the divine.

Islam:
Islam is a monotheistic religion that follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and interpretations. Islam emphasizes the submission to the will of God and adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, giving to charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims believe in the importance of following religious laws and rituals to attain salvation and please God.

Differences between Sufism and Islam:
1. Approach to God: Sufism focuses on the inner, experiential aspects of spirituality and seeks direct communion with God through personal experiences and mystical practices. Islam, on the other hand, places more emphasis on following religious laws and rituals to please God and attain salvation.

2. Role of Prophet Muhammad: Sufis hold a deep reverence for Prophet Muhammad and consider him as a spiritual guide and the perfect example of a human being. They often seek inspiration and guidance from his teachings and strive to emulate his qualities. While Muslims also revere Prophet Muhammad, their focus is more on his role as the final and greatest prophet who received divine revelations.

3. Practices and Rituals: Sufis often engage in additional spiritual practices beyond the obligatory Islamic rituals. These practices may include meditation, chanting, and ecstatic dancing to attain spiritual enlightenment. Muslims, on the other hand, primarily focus on the Five Pillars of Islam and the performance of prescribed prayers, fasting, and other religious obligations.

4. Concept of God: Sufis emphasize the concept of divine love and the unity of all creation. They believe in the immanence of God, that is, the presence of God within everything. Muslims, while acknowledging the concept of divine love, primarily focus on the transcendence of God and his sovereignty.

Conclusion:
Sufism and Islam are interconnected, with Sufism being a mystical dimension within the broader framework of Islam. While they share common beliefs and practices, Sufism places a greater emphasis on the personal experience of the divine and the inner journey towards spiritual enlightenment. Understanding the differences between Sufism and Islam helps to appreciate the diversity and richness within the Islamic tradition.