How do I start practicing Sufi meditation if I'm new to Islamic spirituality?

Start small and honest. Sufi practice isn't about perfection—it's about presence. Begin with dhikr, the remembrance of God through simple phrases like 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no god but God). Sit quietly for ten minutes in the early morning when your mind is least cluttered. Don't chase experiences or expect visions. What matters is showing up with genuine longing, the same way Rumi did—that ache of seeking is itself the practice. Many people think they need years of study first. You don't. You need sincerity and consistency. Find a practice that makes your heart tender, not harder. If chanting feels right, do that. If silent sitting speaks to you, begin there. The inner path in Islam isn't about doing everything right; it's about doing one thing with full presence. Start with five minutes of dhikr today. Notice what shifts in you, not around you. That noticing is where the real work begins.