How is Sufism different from mainstream Islam?

What is it about Sufism that makes it so unique and distinct in relation to Islamic law and Islamic theology? Be sure to include in your response a discussion of the nature of Sufism, Islamic law, and Islamic theology, as well as their historical developments and evolution.

I think its a more civilized and less barbaric form that also promotes tolerance of other faiths.

Edit: I do get out a lot. You on the other hand are living in denial. Did you know that today 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 99999999999999999999999999999999999 % of terrorists are Muslim?

Edit: You make a good point. I also have Muslim friends and I respect all faiths. My problem is that many Muslims turn a blind eye to the fact that Islam has a history of violence, has violence in its books and is the biggest threat to world peace today. You may not be one of the extremists but do you ever speak out against them? Why are moderates like you so silent when others kill in the name of the Koran?

I have nothing against peaceful Muslims but Islam is not the religion of peace. The only Muslim leader who is actually trying to promote pluralism is Aga Khan and that too he is targeted by other Muslims as not being "Muslim enough" although he has your prophets blood. So you also should not try and turn a blind eye to the very serious cancer that plagues Islam today. And how do you excuse your prophet's having 13 wives and raping a child? Or do you feel "we should not generalize? Not all child rapists are bad ....."

I wish you well, seriously. I JUST DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD TURN A BLIND EYE TO YOUR OWN FAITH.

Sufism is more mystical. They dance and sing to praise Allah, instead of praying the normal way. It's this specific dance where they spin around and around.

They are very watchful of the things the do. They want to travel into the "divine." They leave the little things of this world and just want to praise God.

"Thus Sufism has been characterized as the science of the states of the lower self (the ego), and the way of purifying this lower self of its reprehensible traits, while adorning it instead with what is praiseworthy, whether or not this process of cleansing and purifying the heart is in time rewarded by esoteric knowledge of God. This can be conceived in terms of two basic types of law (fig), an outer law concerned with actions, and an inner law concerned with the human heart."

@Aryan Princess: You obviously don't get out much. I don't know what else could cause you to make such sweeping generalizations.

EDIT: Judging by the things you say, no not really. And how many of those terrorists make up the Muslim society as a whole?

I'm Muslim (not a Sufi). So I think you need to check your facts. Some of my very best friends are Christian, Hindu, and Jewish. It's extremely presumptuous of you to say that I would be considered "intolerant." Intolerance is a disease of the mind. Much like racism. Ego plays a big part in it. How am I LIVING in denial when I say these things? Your the one making loose statements.

All I'm saying is that I think you should be more open to others. All the best.

EDIT: I don't turn a blind eye. I do speak out. But do you think anyone really listens to what I personally have to say? And yes, he did have 13 wives. But having multiple wives is permitted, not recommended. And you obviously can't force anyone to do it today. It's considered taboo in the Middle East, even now. And he didn't "rape," her. She wasn't even a child. She was 18+.
(http://www.muslim.org/islam/aisha-age.php). The age of marriage is when a woman/man can decide things for themselves, and both own and take care of property. Multiple wives was only permitted so there wouldn't be so many poor widows and orphans running around.

I also think you should note that Muslims don't turn a blind eye to them (of course some do), but the ones who wouldn't want to be misrepresented by the heinous, corrupt Taliban insinuating their hate on the world, do care. And they DO speak out. The keep their people medicated so they can control them. It's a helpless situation, but that doesn't mean it can't be fixed.

It's boorish how oppressed and powerless people become when in the control of a handful of idiots.

its a different way of understanding Islam ,more spiritual.