In 1048, Sufism began to gain prominence across the Islamic world, particularly in Persia and the Levant. This mystical branch of Islam emphasized personal experience of the divine and the pursuit of spiritual truth. The rise of Sufism influenced various aspects of culture, including poetry, music, and art, fostering a deeper exploration of spiritual themes.

Sufism's emphasis on mysticism and personal experience profoundly influenced poets such as Rumi and Hafez, who explored themes of love, spirituality, and the quest for union with the divine. The poetic forms and themes that emerged from Sufi traditions enriched the literary landscape, inspiring generations of poets to delve into the complexities of the human soul and its relationship with the divine.