‘<–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.
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 inner, personal experience of God. It is a way of life that seeks to unite the individual with the divine through love, devotion, and contemplation.
The history of Sufism can be traced back to the early days of Islam, when the Prophet Muhammad’s companions began to develop a more personal and inward-looking approach to their faith. This early Sufism was characterized by its emphasis on love, devotion, and asceticism.
In the 8th century, Sufism began to take on a more organized form, with the development of Sufi orders. These orders are groups of Sufis who follow a particular teacher or lineage. Each order has its own unique practices and traditions, but all share a common goal of achieving union with God.
Sufi beliefs are based on the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, but they also draw on a wide range of other sources, including poetry, music, and dance. Sufis believe that the goal of life is to achieve union with God, and they believe that this can be achieved through a combination of love, devotion, and contemplation.
Sufi practices include dhikr (remembrance of God), zikr (recitation of God’s names), sama’ (listening to Sufi music), and sema’ (dancing). These practices are designed to help Sufis achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy, or fana, in which they are united with God.
Sufi art and architecture is characterized by its use of symbolism and its focus on the divine. Sufi mosques and shrines are often decorated with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy. Sufi music is also highly symbolic, and it is often used to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Sufi literature is a vast and diverse body of work that includes poetry, stories, and treatises on Sufism. Some of the most famous Sufi poets include Rumi, Hafiz, and Attar. Sufi stories often take the form of parables or allegories, and they are designed to teach Sufi principles in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Sufi saints are revered by Sufis for their piety, wisdom, and miracles. Some of the most famous Sufi saints include Rabia al-Adawiyya, Al-Hallaj, and Rumi. Sufi saints are often buried in shrines, which are places of pilgrimage for Sufis.
Sufi Women have played an important role in the development of Sufism. Some of the most famous Sufi women include Rabia al-Adawiyya, Fatima al-Fihriya, and Lalla Aisha Qandisha. Sufi women have often been at the forefront of social and religious reform, and they have made significant contributions to Sufi literature and art.
Sufism has been present in the West for centuries, but it has only recently begun to attract widespread attention. This is due in part to the popularity of Sufi music and poetry, as well as the growing interest in spirituality and mysticism. Sufism is now practiced by millions of people around the world, and it is a vibrant and dynamic tradition that continues to evolve.
Sufism has been criticized by some for its alleged ties to extremism. However, it is important to note that Sufism is a diverse tradition, and there is no single “Sufi” view on any issue. The vast majority of Sufis are peaceful and tolerant people who have nothing to do with violence.
The future of Sufism is uncertain. However, it is likely that Sufism will continue to play an important role in the world, as it offers a unique and powerful way to experience the divine.
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the inner search for God. It is a way of life that seeks to unite the individual with the divine through love, devotion, and contemplation.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sufism:
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What is Sufism?
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam that emphasizes the inner search for God. It is a way of life that seeks to unite the individual with the divine through love, devotion, and contemplation. -
What are the beliefs of Sufism?
Sufis believe in the oneness of God and the Equality of all people. They believe that the goal of life is to achieve union with God through love and devotion. -
What are the practices of Sufism?
Sufis practice a variety of rituals and ceremonies, including prayer, meditation, and chanting. They also engage in acts of service to others as a way of expressing their love for God. -
Who are some famous Sufis?
Some famous Sufis include Rumi, Rabia al-Adawiyya, and Al-Hallaj. -
What is the history of Sufism?
Sufism has a long and rich history that dates back to the early days of Islam. The first Sufis were known as the “People of the Way” and they were devoted to following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. -
What is the role of women in Sufism?
Women have played an important role in Sufism throughout its history. Some of the most famous Sufis were women, including Rabia al-Adawiyya and Fatima al-Firuza. -
What is the relationship between Sufism and Islam?
Sufism is a mystical tradition within Islam. It is not a separate religion, but rather a way of life that seeks to deepen one’s understanding of Islam. -
What is the future of Sufism?
Sufism is a vibrant and living tradition that continues to grow and evolve. It is a tradition that offers a unique and powerful way to experience the divine.
Question 1
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 a branch of Islam that is focused on asceticism and self-denial.
(D) It is a tradition that emphasizes the importance of inner experience and personal transformation.
Answer
(C) Sufism is not a branch of Islam that is focused on asceticism and self-denial. In fact, Sufism emphasizes the importance of love and devotion to God, and it is a tradition that emphasizes the importance of inner experience and personal transformation.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a Sufi saint?
(A) Rabia al-Adawiyya
(B) Al-Hallaj
(C) Rumi
(D) Muhammad
Answer
(D) Muhammad is not a Sufi saint. He is the founder of Islam and is considered to be the most important figure in Islam. Rabia al-Adawiyya, Al-Hallaj, and Rumi are all Sufi saints who are known for their mystical teachings and poetry.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a Sufi practice?
(A) Dhikr
(B) Sama
(C) Waqf
(D) Salat
Answer
(D) Salat is not a Sufi practice. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a ritual prayer that is performed five times a day. Dhikr, sama, and waqf are all Sufi practices. Dhikr is the repetition of the name of God, sama is the listening to Sufi music, and waqf is the act of giving up one’s possessions in order to devote oneself to God.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a Sufi text?
(A) The Quran
(B) The Hadith
(C) The Ihya Ulum al-Din
(D) The Masnavi
Answer
(A) The Quran is not a Sufi text. It is the holy book of Islam and is considered to be the word of God. The Hadith are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Ihya Ulum al-Din is a Sufi text written by Al-Ghazali, and the Masnavi is a Sufi poem written by Rumi.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a Sufi order?
(A) The Naqshbandi Order
(B) The Mevlevi Order
(C) The Qadiriyya Order
(D) The Sunni Order
Answer
(D) The Sunni Order is not a Sufi order. It is one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Shia Islam. The Naqshbandi Order, the Mevlevi Order, and the Qadiriyya Order are all Sufi orders.