“three categories” of Sufis: Sufis of genuine spiritual attainment, Sufis of stipends, and Sufis of outward form.

As for the “Sufis of genuine spiritual attainment,” they are those whom we have described. The “Sufis of stipends” are those for whom endowments have been established, such as Sufi lodges. They are not required to be people of genuine spiritual attainment, for such attainment is rare, and most who possess it do not reside permanently in Sufi lodges. They must, however, fulfil three conditions:

The first is uprightness according to Islamic law: they must perform their religious obligations and avoid what is forbidden.

The second is to observe the manners of those who follow the path. These are, for the most part, manners prescribed by Islamic law. As for invented rules of conduct that constitute religious innovations, no regard is to be paid to them.

The third is that none of them should be attached to superfluous worldly possessions. Anyone who hoards wealth, lacks praiseworthy character and fails to observe the manners prescribed by Islamic law, or is sinful, is not entitled to such support.

As for the “Sufis of outward form,” they content themselves with affiliation alone; their concern is with clothing