Islamic mysticism (Sufism) can be seen as an outgrowth of Shetaut Neter (Ancient Egyptian Mysticism). Sufism or mystical Islam emerged in the Middle East 100 years after Islam became established there as a dominant religious doctrine. The name "Sufi" comes from "Suf" which means "wool." The name Sufi was adopted since the ascetic followers of this doctrine wore coarse woolen garments (sufu). Sufism represented a turning away from the egocentric doctrines of orthodox Islam and is a reaffirmation of the mystical traditions which had preceeded it. In this sense, Sufism has much in common with Gnostic Christianity, Indian Vedanta (Hinduism), and the Ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) Ausarian Mysticism.
khamush | PBS Rumi Informational Web Page