Sufism trends.
Tens, even hundreds, of millions of Muslims worldwide follow some form of Sufi Islam. Sufism is usually but problematically defined as ‘Islamic mysticism’. It is more effectively understood as traditional charismatic Islam based around leaders who claim a special relationship to Allah and his messenger Muhammad through which they intercede on behalf of followers. These followers may be Shia or more often Sunni Muslims and are found in every region of the Muslim world. They are especially influential in sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco, India and Pakistan.
Salafi and Wahhabi reformists will intensify their critiques of competing Sufi institutions and organisations.
Sufi shrines and mosques are likely to continue to be the targets of attack wherever Islamist groups turn to violence.
New Sufi-inspired movements are emerging to counteract Salafism/Wahhabism.
