Five Ways of the Sufi

Imam Nawawi (620-676 H./1223-1278 CE) said, in his Letters, al-Maqasid,

"The specifications of the Way of the Sufis are five"

1. To keep the Presence of Allah in your heart in public and in private;

2. To follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (s) by actions and speech;

3. To keep away from dependence on people;

4. To be happy with what Allah gives you, even if it is little;

5. To always refer your matters to Allah, Almighty and Exalted."

[Maqasid at-Tawhid,p. 20]