-Were the Sufi orders present in Islam from its beginning, or not?

The term "Sufism" was not known during the three favored centuries, but it became famous thereafter. Sufism first appeared in Basra due to an exaggeration in asceticism (zuhd) and worship. Then, those who were not among them, from the people of innovation (Ahl al-Bid'a), became affiliated with it, so it diversified and its adherents became various types. The path leading to Allah is one, and it is that which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his companions followed. Whoever seeks to reach Allah through a path other than this one will go astray.