Founded by Shah Nimatullah Wali in the 14th century, this order is one of the most significant Sufi movements in the Persian world, emphasizing the combination of spiritual work with active participation in social and economic life.

Hafiz is considered the greatest master of the Persian Ghazal. His 'Diwan' uses ambiguous language of wine and love to describe the soul's ecstatic and often painful search for God, making it one of the most widely read books in the Islamic world.

Yahya Suhrawardi, known as 'Sheikh al-Ishraq,' was executed in Aleppo in 1191. He synthesized Persian, Greek, and Islamic thought into a philosophy of 'Light,' though his ideas were considered dangerous by the local legal authorities.

Ghazali wrote this work in Persian as a summary of his larger 'Ihya' (Revival). It explains how the transformation of the self (alchemy) is the only path to true and lasting happiness in both worlds.

Jami (15th century) was a master of the Naqshbandi order. His work summarizes and synthesizes centuries of Sufi poetry and thought, particularly the philosophy of Ibn Arabi, marking the end of the 'classical' era of Persian Sufi literature.

Chilla is derived from the Persian word for 'forty.' It involves a seeker retreating into a secluded cell to engage in intense Dhikr and meditation, following the tradition of Prophets who spent similar periods in seclusion to receive revelation or guidance.

Shahabuddin Suhrawardi 'Maqtul' founded the 'Illuminationist' school. He utilized the symbolism of Light (Nur) and Shadow to describe the hierarchy of existence and the path to spiritual gnosis, a philosophy that deeply influenced later Persian thought.

Ali Hujwiri, popularly known as Data Ganj Baksh, wrote this seminal text in the 11th century. It provides a comprehensive biography of Sufis and explains the doctrines and practices of different schools, serving as a textbook for seekers in the Subcontinent.

Rumi wrote the Masnavi-ye-Ma'navi in the 13th century. It is a vast collection of parables, ethical stories, and spiritual insights that explores the human condition and the soul's longing to return to its Divine source, having a profound impact on world literature.

The Naqshbandiyya became the principal Sufi order of Central Asia, uniting Persian, Turkic, and Hanafi traditions.