‘<–2/”>a >Sufism’ is a term used to refer to mystical religious ideas in Islam. It had evolved into a well developed movement by the 11 century. Sufis, Stress on the importance of traversing the path of the Sufi pir enabling one to establish a direct communion with the divine. Sufism or mysticism emerged in the 8 century and among the early known Sufis were Rabia al-Adawiya, Al-Junaid and Bayazid Bastami.
Sufism is deeply rooted with Islam and its development began in the late 7th and 8th centuries. The Sufis love their creator, cherish the desire of His closeness and follow His path. According to Islam, there are two types of service. Throughout the night, they remain in prayer, meditation and contemplation of Allah and throughout the day, they
serve His creatures especially human beings.
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The following fundamental Principles of Sufism are found in Islam:-
i. Kashf is a source of knowledge.
ii. God is unique, eternal and all-pervading.
iii. The world is transitory.
iv. God is near to His creatures.
The khanqah (the hospice) was the center of activities of the various sufis orders.The khanqah was led by shaikh, pir or murshid (teacher) who lived with his murids (disciples). In time the Khanqahs emerged as important centres of Learning and preaching. By the twelfth century the sufis were organized in silsilahs (orders). The word silsila meant chain and it represented signifying an unbreakable chain between the pir and the murid. With the death of the pir his tomb or shrine the dargah became a centre for his disciples and followers.
The major silisilahs in India were the Chisti, Qadri, Naqshbandi and Suharwardy Abul Fazl in Ain-i-Akbari gave a list of all that existed during his time, with some details leading Sufis
The Chishti order was founded in a village called Khwaja Chishti (near Herat). In India, the Chishti Silsilah was founded by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (born c. 1142) who came to India around 1192. He made Ajmer the main centre for his teaching. He believed that serving mankind was the best form of devotion and therefore he worked amongst the downtrodden.
Suharwardi Silsila entered India at the same time as the Chishtis and its activities were confined to the Punjab and Multan.It was established in India by Bahauddin Zakanya. The Most well-known saints were Shaikh shihabuddin Suharwadi and Hamidud-din Nagori.
Naqshbandi Silsilah was established in India by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi. From the beginning the mystics of this Order stressed on the observance of the shariat and denounced all innovations or biddat. Sheikh Baqi Billah the successor to Khawaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi settled near Delhi, and his successor Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi attempted to purge Islam from all liberal and what he believed were ‘UN-Islamic’ practices. He opposed the listening of sama (religious music) and the practice of pilgrimage to the tombs of saints.,
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the direct experience of God. It is believed to have originated in the early days of Islam, and its early proponents were known as the Sufis. Sufism has a rich history and tradition, and it has been practiced by Muslims all over the world.
Sufi beliefs and practices vary, but they all share a common focus on the spiritual journey to God. Sufis believe that God is present in all things, and that the goal of life is to achieve union with God. They practice a variety of techniques, such as meditation, prayer, and chanting, to help them achieve this goal.
Sufi orders, or tariqas, are groups of Sufis who follow a particular teacher or spiritual guide. Tariqas provide structure and support for Sufis, and they help them to develop their spiritual practice.
Sufis have played an important role in Islamic Society. They have been teachers, healers, and social reformers. They have also been persecuted for their beliefs, and many Sufis have been killed for their faith.
Sufism has had a significant impact on other religions. It has influenced Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism. It has also influenced Western thought, and it has been cited by philosophers such as William James and Carl Jung.
The future of Sufism is uncertain. It is a tradition that is facing many challenges, such as the rise of Secularism-2/”>Secularism and the persecution of Sufis in some parts of the world. However, Sufism is also a tradition that is resilient, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in Islamic society for many years to come.
Origins and development of Sufism
The origins of Sufism are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the early days of Islam. The first Sufis were known as the “People of the Way,” and they were a group of Muslims who were devoted to the pursuit of spiritual perfection. They believed that the only way to achieve this goal was through a life of discipline, devotion, and love of God.
Sufism quickly spread throughout the Muslim world, and it soon developed into a distinct tradition within Islam. Sufis developed their own unique practices and beliefs, and they established their own orders, or tariqas. These orders provided structure and support for Sufis, and they helped them to develop their spiritual practice.
Sufi beliefs and practices
Sufi beliefs and practices vary, but they all share a common focus on the spiritual journey to God. Sufis believe that God is present in all things, and that the goal of life is to achieve union with God. They practice a variety of techniques, such as meditation, prayer, and chanting, to help them achieve this goal.
Sufis also believe in the importance of love and compassion. They believe that these qualities are essential for achieving union with God. Sufis often express their love for God through poetry, music, and dance.
Sufi orders and tariqas
Sufi orders, or tariqas, are groups of Sufis who follow a particular teacher or spiritual guide. Tariqas provide structure and support for Sufis, and they help them to develop their spiritual practice.
Each tariqa has its own unique set of beliefs and practices. However, all tariqas share a common goal: to help their members achieve union with God.
The role of Sufis in society
Sufis have played an important role in Islamic society. They have been teachers, healers, and social reformers. They have also been persecuted for their beliefs, and many Sufis have been killed for their faith.
Sufis have made significant contributions to Islamic culture and society. They have developed a rich tradition of poetry, music, and dance. They have also established schools, hospitals, and other charitable institutions.
The impact of Sufism on other religions
Sufism has had a significant impact on other religions. It has influenced Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism. It has also influenced Western thought, and it has been cited by philosophers such as William James and Carl Jung.
Sufism has influenced other religions through its emphasis on love, compassion, and Tolerance. Sufis have also shared their spiritual practices with other religions, such as meditation and prayer.
The future of Sufism
The future of Sufism is uncertain. It is a tradition that is facing many challenges, such as the rise of secularism and the persecution of Sufis in some parts of the world. However, Sufism is also a tradition that is resilient, and it is likely to continue to play an important role in Islamic society for many years to come.
Sufism is a living tradition, and it is constantly evolving. It is likely that Sufism will continue to adapt to the changing world, and it will continue to find new ways to express its message of love, compassion, and tolerance.
Sufi movements are a diverse group of Islamic religious orders that emphasize the importance of personal spiritual experience and devotion to God. They have played a significant role in the development of Islamic thought and practice, and continue to be influential in many parts of the world today.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sufi movements:
What are Sufi movements?
Sufi movements are a diverse group of Islamic religious orders that emphasize the importance of personal spiritual experience and devotion to God. They have played a significant role in the development of Islamic thought and practice, and continue to be influential in many parts of the world today.What are the origins of Sufi movements?
The origins of Sufi movements can be traced back to the early days of Islam. The first Sufis were known as the “People of the Way” (ahl al-tariqa), and they were characterized by their emphasis on personal spiritual experience and devotion to God.What are the beliefs and practices of Sufi movements?
Sufi movements have a wide range of beliefs and practices, but they all share a common emphasis on personal spiritual experience and devotion to God. Some common Sufi practices include:Dhikr: The repetition of the name of God or a sacred phrase.
- Sama’: The listening to and chanting of sacred music.
- Raqas: The performance of Sufi dances.
Meditation: The practice of focused attention on God.
What is the role of Sufi movements in Islam?
Sufi movements have played a significant role in the development of Islamic thought and practice. They have also been influential in the spread of Islam to new areas. Today, Sufi movements are active in many parts of the world, and they continue to attract new followers.What are some of the challenges facing Sufi movements?
Sufi movements face a number of challenges, including:Persecution from extremist groups.
- The rise of secularism and materialism.
- The fragmentation of the Sufi community.
Despite these challenges, Sufi movements remain an important force in Islam. They continue to attract new followers, and they play a vital role in the transmission of Islamic values and traditions.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Sufism?
(A) It is a mystical tradition within Islam.
(B) It emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God.
(C) It is often associated with asceticism and POVERTY.
(D) It is a major branch of Islam.Which of the following is not a Sufi saint?
(A) Rabia al-Adawiyya
(B) Al-Hallaj
(C) Rumi
(D) MuhammadWhich of the following is not a Sufi order?
(A) The Naqshbandi order
(B) The Mevlevi order
(C) The Qadiriyya order
(D) The Sunni orderWhich of the following is not a Sufi practice?
(A) Dhikr
(B) Sama
(C) Rabita
(D) SalatWhich of the following is not a Sufi text?
(A) The Quran
(B) The Hadith
(C) The Ihya Ulum al-Din
(D) The MasnaviWhich of the following is not a Sufi concept?
(A) Tawhid
(B) Fana
(Baqa)
(D) IttihadWhich of the following is not a Sufi symbol?
(A) The heart
(B) The rose
(C) The lamp
(D) The sunWhich of the following is not a Sufi goal?
(A) To achieve union with God
(B) To attain spiritual perfection
(C) To live a life of love and devotion
(D) To follow the teachings of the Quran and the HadithWhich of the following is not a Sufi criticism of mainstream Islam?
(A) That it is too focused on the externals of religion
(B) That it is too legalistic
(C) That it is too concerned with worldly matters
(D) That it is not true to the original teachings of IslamWhich of the following is not a Sufi contribution to Islam?
(A) The development of mystical theology
(B) The emphasis on love and devotion to God
(C) The development of Sufi orders and practices
(D) The spread of Islam to new areas