What is Sufism?
Sufism is a mystical spiritual tradition of the east, in which individuals seek a special individualized connection with Divinity.
The word Sufi, is probably derived from suf, meaning wool. The saints of Islam often wore wool, in their practices of asceticism which means extreme self-denial and austerity. Asceticism is the doctrine that the ascetic life releases the soul from bondage to the body and permits union with the divine.
(from http://www.answers.com/topic/asceticism)
This means that the Sufi mystic often secluded him or herself for periods of time to fast, pray, meditate, read spiritual literature, and establish a link with Divinity. After such times some of them would return to society and teach, heal or write. Others would hover on the fringes of society for the duration of a their lifetime.
Sufi books on Amazon
Sufi: Expressions of the Mystic Quest (Art and Imagination)
Amazon Price: $15.96 (as of 12/04/2008) 
The Mystics of Islam
Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 12/04/2008)
Hazrat Inayat Khan: Master of life, modern Sufi mystic
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2008)
Mystics of Other Spiritual Traditions
Mystics are not exclusive to Sufism.While the Sufi tradition is derived from Islam, the religions of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism also have individuals who separate themselves from the mainstream religious practices and focus on self-development and Divine connection.
It is often interesting to compare the mystical experiences of Sufis to those of mystics of other spiritual traditions. One can then glimpse the universality of certain spiritual experiences and truths.
Mystics
First Among Sufis: The Life and Thought of Rabia al-Adawiyya, the Woman Saint of Basra
Amazon Price: $23.40 (as of 12/04/2008)
Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabi'a
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 12/04/2008)
Treasures of the Heart: Sufi Stories for Young Children
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 12/04/2008)
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/04/2008)
