Sufism in India: History, Key Features, Sufi Orders, Teachings, Impact and Importance

A mystical branch of Islam known as sufism places a strong focus on the use of both words and silence in prayer as well as its devotional nature. India has a rich and diverse history with Sufism, and at the moment, there are numerous Sufi orders working there. You will learn about Sufism in India and how it can facilitate self-connection, as well as an overview of traditional Islamic practices.

This is one of the important topics of UPSC and a candidate should study it thoroughly.

What is Sufism?

Sufism is a mystic Islamic religion that emphasises pursuing knowledge and the truth of divine love by one’s own encounters and direct relationships with God. Islamic mystics who follow Sufism as their way of life are known as Sufis. Sufism is a worldview that acknowledges the existence of only one God and regards everything as a part of Him. “God is one,” the teachings of the Sufi saints, “everything is in God,” “nothing is beyond him,” and “one can find God by sacrificing all but loving devotion to God.”

History of Sufism in India

Let’s look at the history of Sufism in India in brief to understand it well:

• The Sufi movement originated in Persia and developed into a sophisticated movement by the eleventh century.
• In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, a number of Sufi saints made their way to the Indian subcontinent, primarily to Multan and Lahore, bringing with them Sufism.
• During this period, sufis were organised into orders called silsilas. Usually, a well-known mystic who lived in a Khanqah (hospice) with his students commanded the orders.
• The bond between the Pir (teacher) and his murids (disciples) was central to the Sufi order. Each Pir designated a wali, or heir, to continue in his position.
• Sufi orders can be divided into two categories: Be-shara and Ba-shara. While Be-shara did not comply with Islamic law (shara), Ba-shara did (shara). In India, both orders were prevalent; nevertheless, it was the latter that was favoured by itinerant saints and qalandars.

Also Read: List of Important Days and Years

Arrival of Sufism In India

Around the 12th century, traders and travellers introduced Sufism to India. Later, Sufi saints who had migrated from Persia, Central Asia, and the Middle East also brought the religion with them. Sufism’s open and tolerant character allowed it to mesh well with India’s multifarious religious and cultural landscape.

The role of Sufi saints, often referred to as pirs or sheikhs, was crucial in the dissemination of Sufism throughout India. They founded dargahs (shrines) and khanqahs (Sufi hospices), which developed into hubs for spiritual instruction and volunteer work.

Key Features of the Sufi Movement in India

Within the context of Indian mysticism, the Sufi movement in India, which gained prominence in the 11th century A.D., was distinguished by a number of unique features:

Silsilahs or Orders: The Sufis divided themselves up into a number of Silsilahs, or orders, with distinct spiritual leaders and rituals inside each. These orders were essential in the dissemination of Sufi ideology (See below for the Silsilahs in detail).

Famous Sufi Saints: The majority of Sufi organisations were named after and connected to a highly regarded Sufi saint, also known as a pir, who acted as their spiritual mentor. There was a committed group of disciples that followed these Pirs.

Spiritual Guidance: Sufis held that in order to achieve unity with God, one must have a spiritual guru or pir. On the spiritual path, these Pirs’ counsel and mentoring were seen to be crucial.

Khanqahs as Centres: The hubs of Sufi activity were the Khanqahs, or hospices, where Sufi pirs and their followers resided. These Khanqahs served as centres for devotion, introspection, and spiritual study.

Different from Madrasas: Traditional madrasas prioritised theological instruction; khanqahs did not. Khanqahs served as hubs for spiritual study and self-improvement.

Qawwali and Sufi Music: Sama, or musical congregations, were a common part of Sufi gatherings. Qawwali, a musical representation of devotion and mystique, emerged and became popular during this time.

Visits to Sufi Shrines: The Ziyarat, or visiting the tombs of Sufi saints, has grown to be an essential component of Sufi ceremonies. These shrines were hallowed locations where people went to ask for blessings and have spiritual encounters.

Belief in Miracles: The majority of Sufis were thought to be capable of performing miracles, which were seen as indicators of their intimate spiritual connection to God. The pirs were frequently criticised for these supernatural deeds.

Different Approaches to Polity: Sufi groups differed in their positions on issues pertaining to the state and politics. While some Sufis interacted with political leaders, others chose to focus more on their spiritual practices inward or in an apolitical manner.

In addition to having a profound effect on the subcontinent’s spiritual and cultural landscape, the Indian Sufi movement brought a distinct fusion of devotion, music, and mysticism that still has an appeal to those looking for a closer relationship with God.

Prominent Sufi Orders in India

The Sufi orders passed in India were;

Chishti Order: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti established the Chishti Order, which is among the most well-known Sufi orders in India. The Chishti Order was very popular because of its emphasis on love, tolerance, and openness to all communities.

Suhrawardi Order: Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya brought the Suhrawardi Order to India, where it gained fame for emphasising both spiritual disciplines and rigorous devotion to Sharia, or Islamic law.

Qadiri Order: Abdul Qadir Gilani established the Qadiri Order, which was centred on piety and spiritual cleansing. It helped propagate Islamic beliefs and attracted a sizable following in India.

Naqshbandi Order: Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband established the Naqshbandi Order, which is renowned for its silent zikr (remembrance of God). During the Mughal era in India, it rose to prominence, especially because to Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi’s influence.

Also Read: History of Kathak

Teachings of Sufism

The idea that a single God created and cared for the cosmos and all living things is one of the central doctrines of sufism.

• It is believed that all people are God’s children.
• Everyone is equal, according to Sufism, regardless of caste, creed, race, or other societal inequalities.
• Qawwali is a type of devotional music that is used in Sufism as a way to convey love and achieve spiritual oneness with God.
• Sufism highlights that there are differences between all religions and that it is vital to recognise and cherish the variety of religious practices and beliefs.
• In summary, Sufism emphasises the importance of love and compassion for all humankind, which helps to foster harmony and peace between people from different backgrounds.

Important Sufi Terms in India

A few of the important sufi terms in India are:

• Sufi, Pir, Murshid – Saint
• Tauba – Repentance
• Fanaa – Spiritual merging with the Almighty
• Murid – Followers
• Khanqah – Place where Sufis lived, hospices
• Khalifa – Disciples
• Zikr – Recitation of God’s name
• Urs – Death
• Sama – Musical gathering

Impact of Sufism in India

Each religion leave some impact wherever it goes. Let’s look at what impact Sufism has left on India:

• The relentless efforts of Sufi preachers are largely responsible for the widespread presence of Islam in India.
• In South Asia, sufism had a significant influence on social, cultural, and religious life.
• The region was introduced to the mystical type of Islam by Sufi saints.
• The intellectual, social, and economic advancement of India was significantly influenced by the Sufi thinkers who migrated there from all across continental Asia.
• Sufis extended their outreach beyond large cities to marginalised rural areas, using regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, and Urdu.
• Hinduism was one of the many traditions that shaped Sufism’s rise to prominence in society and religion.
• They drew individuals from all walks of life with their simple living and religious routines.
• Through mystical stories and folk music, Sufi lessons about humanity and love for God and the Prophet are perpetuated.
• Sufis deliberately shunned disputes over religion and community and worked to uphold social harmony.
• Sufism’s adaptability, piety, charm, and attitude of accommodation are what have made it so popular in India for so long.

Sufism in Contemporary India

Maintaining Tradition: Sufism is still quite popular in India, where millions of people visit the many shrines and dargahs annually. These locations continue to be significant hubs for cultural and spiritual activity.

Modern Difficulties: Sufism has difficulties in modern India, including conflicts over politics and religion, despite its widespread appeal. Still, a lot of people are moved by its message of inclusivity, love, and peace.

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