Sufism

[Yusuf.]

Assalamu alaikum,


I have read a little about Sufism and see where the practice definitely includes bida. However, I have spoken to brothers who claim that there is a form of Sufism that does not incorporate any bida; one described himself as "a Sunni and a Sufi."


Can anyone explain to me how this is possible, or if it is not, how someone might be misled to believe this is possible?


Also, it seems to me that in his writings Al-Ghazzali seems to support some form of Sufism, or at least the notion that there is an "elite" that has greater access to guidance than others. Am I misunderstanding something?


Allah Hafiz