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what is sufism wikipedia

by Linnea Daniel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Full Answer

Why is Sufism so popular in India and Pakistan?

Sufism in India

  1. Silsilahs - The Sufis Formed Many orders - silshilas. By the thirteenth century, there were 12 silsilahs.
  2. Khanqas - The Sufi saints live in khanqas. Devotees of religions came to these khanqas to seek the blessings of Saints.
  3. Sama - Music and dances session, called Sama.

Is Sufism a monotheistic religion?

The short answer is, no, since Sufism is basically Islamic mysticism and Islam is a monotheistic faith. But since Sufis recognize the Source of creation in all things, it could be interpreted as pantheism. Of course, these three lines do little to explain Sufism in full. Sufism is monotheistic or panentheistic.

Is Sufism an innovation or shirk?

because sufis worship graves instead of Allah which is Shirk. Sufism is unislamic because it is bidah (innovation) and as stated by Prophet Muhammad innovation in religion is haram (forbidden). Brother “R Khan” told one untrue reason; as this is not to be found in Sufi books.

What do you think about Sufism?

Sufism is actually a path to live this life with satisfaction, love a n d enjoyment, without any type of expectation. A person who lives such a life is known as Sufi. Sufi is the one who NEVER have his own “khwahish” rather his purpose here is to fulfill others’ desires.

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What is Sufism explain?

Sufism may be best described as Islamic mysticism or asceticism, which through belief and practice helps Muslims attain nearness to Allah by way of direct personal experience of God.

What are the main ideas of Sufism?

The main idea in Sufism is that people can have 'personal knowledge' or oneness with God in their lives. In order to be one with God, you have to destroy your idea of yourself, or your ego. This is known as fanaa (annihilation).

Who founded Sufism?

Baha-ud-Din Naqshband (1318-1389) of Turkestan founded Naqshbandi order of Sufism. Khwaja Razi-ud-Din Muhammad Baqi Billah whose tomb is in Delhi, introduced the Naqshbandi order in India.

Who was the first Sufi?

The introduction of the element of love, which changed asceticism into mysticism, is ascribed to Rābiʿah al-ʿAdawīyah (died 801), a woman from Basra who first formulated the Sufi ideal of a love of Allah (God) that was disinterested, without hope for paradise and without fear of hell.

Who is Allah according to Sufism?

According to mysticism, the truth behind creation of man and essence of all prayers is the recognition of Allah. The term is used by Sufi Muslims to describe mystical intuitive knowledge, knowledge of spiritual truth as reached through ecstatic experiences rather than revealed or rationally acquired.

What is the difference between Islam and Sufism?

While all Muslims believe that they are on the pathway to Allah and hope to become close to God in Paradise—after death and after the Last Judgment—Sufis also believe that it is possible to draw closer to God and to more fully embrace the divine presence in this life.

Do Sufis believe in Allah?

Adherents of Sufism follow the five pillars of Islam just as other practicing Muslims. They declare faith in one God Allah and Mohammed as his messenger, pray five times a day, give to charity, fast and perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

What are the 4 stages of Sufism?

Haqiqa (Arabic حقيقة ḥaqīqa "truth") is one of "the four stages" in Sufism, shari'a (exoteric path), tariqa (esoteric path), haqiqa (mystical truth) and marifa (final mystical knowledge, unio mystica).

What are the three principles of Sufism?

Outlining the four principles of Repentance, Sincerity, Remembrance, and Love, it traces the fundamental stages and states of the spiritual novice's transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both human limitations and God's limitless love.

How do Sufi pray?

Sufis, like all practicing Muslims, pray five times a day and must visit Mecca once in their lifetime if they have the means. Additionally, order-specific practices might include the repetition of phrases using a set of beads, periods of semi-isolation or visits to the shrines of local spiritual leaders.

How many types of Sufism are there?

There were two broad Sufi orders: Bashara – Those who obeyed Islamic laws. Beshara – Those who were more liberal.

Is Sufism older than Islam?

In our reference books Sufis are likely to be described as Islamic mystics; at best as "the inner truth of Islam." But this book explains that Sufism predates both Islam and Christianity, and that it is a mistake to equate it with any particular culture or phase of a culture.

What is Sufism in English?

Sufism. The English used in this article or section may not be easy for everybody to understand. You can help Wikipedia by reading Wikipedia:How to write Simple English pages, then simplifying the article. (May 2013) Sufism (also known as Tassawuf) is a group or branch in Islam with a mystic path or system.

Who were the first Sufis?

Important contributions in writing are attributed to Uwais al-Qarni, Harrm bin Hian, Hasan Basri and Sayid ibn al-Mussib, who are regarded as among the first Sufis in the earliest generations of Islam.

What are the basic tenets of Sufism?

Sufi practices are usually defined within the basic tenets of Islam, the Sharia (or Shariah) although some orders include singing and dancing in the love of God, something some Muslims frown on. Hence some Muslims of a more orthodox mind-set believe that any actions outside the scope of Sharia, or Sufi activities practised by non-Muslims are 'wrong'. However the underlying message and aim of the quest for the love of God is true for all humanity. For a non-Muslim the most important ideas in Sufism are love for fellow human beings (which reflects one's love of God) and living ones life in such a way where all actions are against the self. This automatically starts him on the path of fanaa. In terms of discipleship and training, almost all the major Sufi orders are themselves quite willing to take students who are not Muslims.

Why do some believe that Sufism is trying to live as the Islamic prophet Muhammad did?

Others believe that Sufism is trying to live as the Islamic prophet Muhammad did, to be closer to God. This is how the Prophet taught his disciples. Additionally, the Muslim conquests had brought large numbers of Christian monks and hermits, especially in Syria and Egypt, under Muslim rule.

What are the different Sufism orders?

Some of the major Sufi orders are: Qadiri or Qadiriyya; Chishti or Chishtiyya; Suhrawardi or Suhrawardiyya; Naqshbandi or Naqshbandiyya; Mevlevi or Mevleviyya; Rifai or Rifaiyya;

What are the origins of Sufism?

Orientalists proposed a variety of origin theories regarding Sufism, such as that it originated as an Aryan response to Semitic influence, Buddhism, Neo-Platonism, and Christian ascetism or Gnosticism. Modern academics and scholars, however, have rejected early Orientalist theories asserting a non-Islamic origin of Sufism, Carl Ernst states that the tendency to try and disassociate Islam from Sufism was an attempt by Orientalists to create a divide between what they found attractive within Islamic civilization (i.e. Islamic spirituality) and the negative stereotypes of Islam that were present in Britain. Hosein Nasr states that non-Islamic origin theories are false according to the point of view of Sufism. Many have asserted Sufism to be unique within the confines of the Islamic religion, and contend that Sufism developed from people like Bayazid Bastami, who, in his utmost reverence to the sunnah, refused to eat a watermelon because he did not find any proof that Muhammad ever ate it. According to William Chittick Sufism can simply be described as "the interiorization, and intensification of Islamic faith and practice."

When did Sufism start?

Some sources state that Sufism is the inner dimensions of the teachings of Muhammad whereas others say that Sufism emerged during the Islamic Golden Age from about the 8th to 10th centuries. According to Ibn Khaldun Sufism was already practiced by the Sahaba, but with the spread of material tendencies, ...

What is Sufism in the Golden Age?

Between the 13th and 16th centuries CE, Sufism produced a flourishing intellectual culture throughout the Islamic world, a "Golden Age" whose physical artifacts are still present. In many places, a lodge (known variously as a zaouia, khanqah, or tekke) would be endowed through a pious foundation in perpetuity ( waqf) to provide a gathering place for Sufi adepts, as well as lodging for itinerant seekers of knowledge. The same system of endowments could also be used to pay for a complex of buildings, such as that surrounding the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, including a lodge for Sufi seekers, a hospice with kitchens where these seekers could serve the poor and/or complete a period of initiation, a library, and other structures. No important domain in the civilization of Islam remained unaffected by Sufism in this period.

What is the significance of Al Ghazali's Revival of Religious Sciences?

Two of Al Ghazali 's greatest treatises, the " Revival of Religious Sciences " and the " Alchemy of Happiness ," argued that Sufism originated from the Qur'an and was thus compatible with mainstream Islamic thought, and did not in any way contradict Islamic Law—being instead necessary to its complete fulfillment.

What are the two Sufi books?

Two of the most notable are Kashf al-Mahjûb (Revelation of the Veiled) of Hujwiri, and Al-Risala al-Qushayriyya ( The Message) of Al-Qushayri. According to the late medieval mystic Jami, Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah (died c. 716) was the first person to be called a "Sufi".

Where did Sufism spread to?

Spread to India. Further information: Sufism in India. Nizamuddin Auliya 's tomb (right) and Jama'at Khana Masjid (background), at Nizamuddin Dargah complex, in Nizamuddin West, Delhi. Muslims of South Asia prominently follow the Chishtiyya, Naqshbandiyyah, Qadiriyyah and Suhrawardiyyah orders.

Where did Sufism flourish?

Sufi saints flourished in Hindustan ( India) preaching the mystic teachings of Sufism that easily reached the common people, especially the spiritual truth seekers in India. Sufism in Bangladesh is also called pirism, after the pirs or teachers in the Sufi tradition (also called Fakir ).

What is the presence of Sufism?

The presence of Sufism has been a leading entity increasing the reaches of Islam throughout South Asia. Following the entrance of Islam in the early 8th century, Sufi mystic traditions became more visible during the 10th and 11th centuries of the Delhi Sultanate and after it to the rest of India. A conglomeration of four chronologically separate ...

What was the name of the city that was the birthplace of Sufism?

This trade route linking India to the Mediterranean world and even Southeast Asia lasted peacefully until 900. During this period, the Abbasid Caliphate (750 – 1258) was seated in Baghdad; this city is also the birthplace of Sufism with notable figures such as Abdul Qadir Gilani, Hasan al Basri, and Rabiah.

Why did Islam become more favorable in India?

One reason why Islam became more favorable in India was due to the establishment of khanqah. A khanqah is commonly defined as a hospice, lodge, community center, or dormitory ran by Sufis. Khanqahs were also known as Jama'at Khana, large gathering halls. Structurally, a khanqah could be one large room or have additional dwelling space. Although some khanqah establishments were independent of royal funding or patronage, many received fiscal grants ( waqf) and donations from benefactors for continuing services. Over time, the function of traditional Sufi khanqahs evolved as Sufism solidified in India.

How did Sufism impact India?

Sufism had left a prevailing impact on religious, cultural, and social life in South Asia.The mystical form of Islam was introduced by Sufi saints.

How did Sufism help the Afghani sultanate?

Sufism helped the assimilation of the Afghani Delhi Sultanate rulers within mainstream society. By building a syncretic medieval culture tolerant and appreciative of non-Muslims, Sufi saints contributed to a growth of stability, vernacular literature, and devotional music in India.

Who chose the Sufis over all others?

This article is about Sufism. For other uses, see Sufism (disambiguation). Before passing away, Emperor Jahangir chooses the Sufis over all others ( Bichitr, c. 1660) Sufism has a history in India evolving for over 1,000 years. The presence of Sufism has been a leading entity increasing the reaches of Islam throughout South Asia.

Who overtook the Ghaznavids?

In 1151, another Central Asian group, called the Ghurids, overtook the lands of the Ghaznavids – who did very little to monitor their lands in India. Mu’izz al-Din Ghuri, a governor of Turkic origin, initiated a major invasion of India, extending the previous Ghazni territories into Delhi and Ajmer.

When was universal sufism established?

Universal Sufism was established in the early 20th century. Two forms made up early Universal Sufism: the Sufi Order, which Inayat Khan separated from Islam and brought to the West, and westerners of the more traditional Shadhili Order.

What is the name of the new religious movement that originated in traditional Sufism?

This article is about Sufism. For other uses, see Sufism (disambiguation). Universal Su fism, also known as Neo-Sufism, Global Sufism, and Western Sufism, is a new religious movement with its origins in traditional Sufism, Islam's mystical branch.

Who is the head of the Sufi Ruhaniat?

The current head of the Sufi Ruhaniat International is Shabda Kahn. At various times during the 20th century there were disputes about who should most rightfully be the next leader of the Sufi Order and more recently the Sufi Movement, another lineage that resulted from the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan.

Is Sufism universalist?

Both held the principle of universalism, according to which Sufism can be valid for anyone, regardless of their background. Inayat Khan originally belonged to the Chishti Order, but founded the Sufi Order between 1915 and 1917 as an independent universalist take on Sufism.

Where did Sufism originate?

It has been suggested that Sufi thought emerged from the Middle East in the eighth century, but adherents are now found around the world. According to Sufism, it is a part of the Islamic teaching that deals with the purification of inner self and is the way which removes all the veils between divine and man.

What is the physical body of Sufism?

Physical body. Sufism demarcates the physical body from the Nasma. According to Sufi beliefs, physical body is a reflection of spiritual body or ‘batin’ or ‘ruh’, as also stated in one of the famous hadiths of Prophet Mohammad ,”Actions are but by intentions”.

What is Sufi thought?

The emergence of Sufi thought is commonly linked to the historical developments of the Middle East in the seventh and eighth centuries following the life of Prophet Muhammad, and its development took place throughout the centuries after that. Between the tenth and twelfth centuries, Sufism became a widely spread discipline. One influential early writer on Sufi philosophy was Al-Ghazali (1058–1111). He discussed the concept of the self and the causes of its misery and happiness. By the end of the thirteenth century, Sufism had become a well-defined science of spiritual awakening throughout the Islamic World, an " Islamic Golden Age ". No important domain in the civilization of Islam remained unaffected by Sufism in this period. Several tariqahs (Sufi orders) were found. Also a class of notable Sufi philosophers, theologians and jurists such as Hankari, Ibn Arabi, Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi, led this age who trained and generated historical specimens of philosophers and geniuses now read worldwide such as Al-Ghazali, Avicenna, etc. An important mark made in the history of Sufi philosophy has been made by Abdul Qadir Jilani with his jurisprudence and philosophy of Sufism that made him define the Sufi orders. Jilani's adopted order was Qadiriyya and the offshoot he started later became known as Sarwari Qadiri. Several other orders were also founded in this era. Sufis were influential in spreading Islam particularly to the furthest outposts of the Muslim world in Africa, the Balkans and Caucasus, the Indian subcontinent, and East and Southeast Asia .

What is Sufi cosmology?

Sufi cosmology ( Arabic: الكوزمولوجية الصوفية ‎) is a general term for cosmological doctrines associated with the mysticism or Sufism. These may differ from place to place, order to order and time to time, but overall show the influence of several different cosmographies such as the Quran 's testament concerning God and immaterial beings, the soul and the afterlife, the beginning and end of things, the seven heavens etc.; the Neoplatonic views cherished by Islamic philosophers like Ibn Sina / Avicenna and Ibn Arabi or; the Hermetic - Ptolemaic spherical geocentric world. The cosmological plan, explains creation by successive emanation of worlds, as taught by Plotinus In Islamic Sufi terminology, these are also known as "Tanzalat-e-Satta" (6 steps). After Husayn ibn Ali, Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi was the one who discussed these levels in his Arabic book called Tohfa Mursala.

What is Sufi philosophy?

Sufi philosophy. Sufi philosophy includes the schools of thought unique to Sufism, a mystical branch within Islam, also termed as Tasawwuf or Faqr according to its adherents. Sufism and its philosophical traditions may be associated with both Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. It has been suggested that Sufi thought emerged from the Middle East in ...

How many Manzils are there in the Qur'an?

A Manzil which literally means destination, is a terminology in Sufism, is a plane of consciousness. There are seven Manzils along the path to God. The Manzils are also parts of the Qur'an which help in protecting on sorcery.

What is the Sufi concept?

Major ideas in Sufi metaphysics have surrounded the concept of Wahdat or "Unity with God". Two main Sufi philosophies prevail on this controversial topic. Wahdat-ul-Wujood (Unity of Being) essentially states that the only truth within the universe is God, and that all things exist within God only.

What is the persecution of Sufism?

Persecution of Sufis. Persecution of Sufism and Sufi Muslims over the course of centuries has included acts of religious discrimination, persecution, and violence both by Sunni and Shia Muslims, such as destruction of Sufi shrines, tombs and mosques, suppression of Sufi orders, murder, and terrorism against adherents of Sufism in a number ...

What are the crimes of Sufism?

Persecution of Sufism and Sufi Muslims over the course of centuries has included acts of religious discrimination, persecution, and violence both by Sunni and Shia Muslims, such as destruction of Sufi shrines, tombs and mosques, suppression of Sufi orders, murder, and terrorism against adherents of Sufism in a number of Muslim-majority countries. The Republic of Turkey banned all Sufi orders and abolished their institutions in 1925, after Sufis opposed the new secular order. The Islamic Republic of Iran has harassed Sufis, reportedly for their lack of support for the government doctrine of " governance of the jurist " (i. e., that the supreme Shiite jurist should be the nation's political leader).

What happened to the Sufi in Somalia?

Under the Al-Shabab rule in Somalia, Sufi ceremonies were banned and shrines destroyed. As the power of Al-Shabab has waned, however, Sufi ceremonies are said to have "re-emerged". Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a Sufi militants, backed by Ethiopia and the federal government, control parts of central Somalia and some cities in the southern regions of Gedo and Bakool .

What is the ban on Sufi Dhikr?

A May 2010 ban by the ministry of awqaf (religious endowments) of centuries old Sufi dhikr gatherings (devoted to the remembrance of God, and including dancing and religious songs) has been described as "another victory for extreme Salafi thinking at the expense of Egypt's moderate Sufism". Clashes followed at Cairo 's Al-Hussein Mosque and al-Sayyida Zeinab mosques between members of Sufi orders and security forces who forced them to evacuate the two shrines. In 2009, the moulid of al-Sayyida Zeinab, Muhammad's granddaughter, was banned ostensibly over concern over the spread of swine flu but also at the urging of Salafis.

Why was the moulid of al-Sayyida Zeinab banned?

In 2009, the moulid of al-Sayyida Zeinab, Muhammad's granddaughter, was banned ostensibly over concern over the spread of swine flu but also at the urging of Salafis. According to Gaber Qassem, deputy of the Sufi Orders, approximately 14 shrines have been violated in Egypt since the January 2011 revolution.

When was the Sufi mausoleum bulldozed?

In 2009 the mausoleum of the 19th century Sufi poet Nasir Ali and an adjoining Sufi prayer house were bulldozed. Between 4 February and March 2018, Iranian Sufis organized the 2018 Dervish protests, protesting the imprisonment of at least 10 of the group's members in Fars province.

Why is Iran harassing the Sufis?

The Islamic Republic of Iran has harassed Sufis, reportedly for their lack of support for the government doctrine of " governance of the jurist " (i. e., that the supreme Shiite jurist should be the nation's political leader).

What is the Sufism?

Sufism, mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God.

Where did the word "sufism" come from?

An abstract word, Sufism derives from the Arabic term for a mystic, ṣūfī, which is in turn derived from ṣūf, “wool,” plausibly a reference to the woollen garment of early Islamic ascetics . The Sufis are also generally known as “the poor,” fuqarāʾ, plural of the Arabic faqīr, in Persian darvīsh, whence the English words fakir and dervish.

What is the Sufi language?

Sufi vocabulary is important in Persian and other literatures related to it , such as Turkish, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, and Punjabi. Through the poetry of these literatures, mystical ideas spread widely among the Muslims. In some countries Sufi leaders were also active politically.

Who was the first Muslim to profess Islam?

According to Muslim historians like Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hazm and scholars like W. Montgomery Watt Ali was the first male to profess to Islam. Encyclopedia of Britannica and John Esposito consider him the second Muslim, after Khadija, to accept Islam.

What was Ali's sword used for?

Ali used the iron and heavy gate of Khyber fort as a shield. According to a narration, Gabriel referred to the battle of Ali and his sword of Zulfiqar, which he had taken from Muhammad, and told Muhammad, "There is no sword but the Zulfiqar, and there is no Hero but Ali".

Why did Muhammad call the Muslim monks to Mubahala?

According to hadith collections, in 631, an Arab Christian envoy from Najran (currently in northern Yemen and partly in Saudi Arabia) came to Muhammad to argue which of the two parties erred in its doctrine concerning 'Isa ( Jesus ). After likening Jesus' miraculous birth to Adam 's creation, Muhammad called them to mubahala (conversation), where each party should bring their knowledgeable men, women and children, and ask God to curse the lying party and their followers. Muhammad, to prove to them that he was a prophet, brought his daughter Fatimah, 'Ali and his grandchildren Hasan and Husayn. He went to the Christians and said "this is my family" and covered himself and his family with a cloak. According to Muslim sources, when one of the Christian monks saw their faces, he advised his companions to withdraw from Mubahala for the sake of their lives and families. Thus the Christian monks vanished from Mubahala. According to Allameh Tabatabaei 's Tafsir al-Mizan, the word "Our selves" in this verse refers to Muhammad and Ali. Then he narrates that Imam Ali al-Rida, eighth Shia Imam, in discussion with Al-Ma'mun, Abbasid caliph, referred to this verse to prove the superiority of Muhammad's progeny over the rest of the Muslim community, and considered it proof of Ali's right to the caliphate due to God having made Ali like the self of Muhammad.

What did Muhammad do for Ali?

Ali undertook several important missions on behalf of Muhammad. Muhammad designated Ali as one of the scribes who would write down the text of the Quran, which had been revealed to Muhammad during the previous two decades. After migration, when Muhammad was creating bonds of brotherhood among his companions, he selected Ali as his brother, claiming that "Ali and I belong to the same tree, while people belong to different trees." In 628 AD, Ali was instructed to write down the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the peace treaty between Muhammad and the Quraysh. In 630 AD, the year before the Conquest of Mecca, when Abu Bakr was leading the Hajj, Muhammad recited Surah Bara'ah Min al-Mushrikin (declaring that Muhammad and the Islamic community no longer bound by agreements made earlier with Arab polytheists .) by Ali to the people of Mecca. One year later, in 631, Ali was sent to Yemen to spread the teachings of Islam there which is known as Expedition of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ali was chosen to break the idols inside the Kaaba and other idols worshiped by the Aws, Khazraj and Tayy tribes. He was also known for settling several disputes and putting down the uprisings of various tribes.

Why did Muhammad ask Ali to sleep in his bed?

In the year 622, which is known as the migration year, Muhmammad's enemies were plotting to kill him, thus he asked Ali to sleep in his bed, so that he could escape to Yathrib. Ali risked his life by sleeping in Muhammad's bed to impersonate him, in a night called Laylat al-Mabit. In the same night, Muhammad and Abu Bakr secretly left Mecca and arrived to Yathrib (now Medina), a few days later. This migration became the beginning of the Islamic calendar .When the enemies entered Muhammad's house with drawn daggers, they were surprised to see Ali, however, did not harm him. According to Tabatabaei 's exegesis, Tafsir al-Mizan, the verse (2:207) refers to this event:"And among men is he who sells his nafs (self) in exchange for the pleasure of Allah ." Ali stayed with Muhammad's family for a few more days, to carry out Muhammad's instructions: to restore to their owners all the goods and properties that had been entrusted to Muhammad for safekeeping. Ali then went to Medina with Fatimah bint Asad (his mother), Fatimah bint Muhammad (Muhammad's daughter), and two other women. At Muhammad's command, Ali went to Quba on the outskirts of Medina. According to some sources, Ali was one of the first emigrants to Medina. He was 22 or 23 at the time.

How did Ali's caliphate affect the mood in Kufa and Basra?

In the last year of Ali's caliphate, the mood in Kufa and Basra changed in Ali's favour as the people became disillusioned with Muawiyah's reign and policies. However, the people's attitude toward Ali differed deeply.

Who killed Ali in the mosque?

Ali was eventually killed in the mosque of Kufa by the sword of one of the Kharijites, Ibn Muljam Moradi, and was buried outside the city of Kufa.

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Origins

  • At first, Sufism only meant making Islam more personal and internal. Some say it first came from constantly reciting the Qur'an, meditating, and through experience. Others believe that Sufism is trying to live as the Islamic prophet Muhammad did, to be closer to God. This is how the Prophet taught his disciples. Additionally, the Muslim conquests h...
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Sufi Ideas and Principles

  • The main idea in Sufism is that people can have 'personal knowledge' or oneness with God in their lives. In order to be one with God, you have to destroy your idea of yourself, or your ego. This is known as fanaa (annihilation).Apart from saying Sufi prayers, that vary according to different orders, you should be humble, considerate, and only act in order to control your desires. After fa…
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Sufic Orders

  • In Sufism there exist many different orders (tarikas), that were founded from the 12th and 13th centuries until today/contemporary times. Some of the major Sufi orders are: 1. Qadiri or Qadiriyya; 2. Chishti or Chishtiyya; 3. Suhrawardi or Suhrawardiyya; 4. Naqshbandi or Naqshbandiyya; 5. Mevlevi or Mevleviyya; 6. Rifai or Rifaiyya; 7. Saifia or Saifiya; 8. Bektashi or B…
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Notable Sufis

  • Some of the major, notable Sufis in history, from the 'classical age' of Sufism, include: 1. Uwais al-Qarni 2. Dhul Nun Misri 3. Junaid of Baghdad 4. Rabia Basri 5. Hasan Basri 6. Bayazid Bastami 7. Ibn ul-Arabi 8. Al-Ghazali 9. Abd al-Qadir al-Gillani 10. Ahmed Ar-Rifai 11. Shahab-ud-din Suhrawardi 12. Farid-ud-din Attar 13. Baha-ud-din Naqshband 14. Ali al-Hajvery 15. Jalal-ud-din …
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Sufism and Islamic Orthodoxy

  • Sufi practices are usually defined within the basic tenets of Islam, the Sharia (or Shariah) although some orders include singing and dancing in the love of God, something some Muslims frown on. Hence some Muslims of a more orthodox mind-set believe that any actions outside the scope of Sharia, or Sufi activities practised by non-Muslims are 'wrong'. However the underlying message …
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Further Reading

  • Some volumes for further reading on Sufism include: 1. Abu-Nasr, J (2007) Muslim Communities of Grace:Sufi Brotherhoods in IslamLondon; 2. Burckhardt, T (1963) An Introduction to Sufi DoctrineLahore; 3. Godlas, A (2000) Sufism's Many PathsU of Georgia Press; 4. Shah, Idries (1971) The SufisNew York; 5. Schimmel, A (1983) Mystical Dimensions of IslamChapel Hill: U of North …
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Overview

Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam. A Sufi is a Muslim who seeks annihilation of the ego in God.

Early history

The exact origin of Sufism is disputed. Some sources state that Sufism is the inner dimensions of the teachings of Muhammad whereas others say that Sufism emerged during the Islamic Golden Age from about the eighth to tenth centuries. According to Ibn Khaldun Sufism was already practiced by the Sahaba, but with the spread of material tendencies, the term Sufi was just applied to th…

13th to 16th Centuries

Between the 13th and 16th centuries CE, Sufism produced a flourishing intellectual culture throughout the Islamic world, a "Golden Age" whose physical artifacts are still present. In many places, a lodge (known variously as a zaouia, khanqah, or tekke) would be endowed through a pious foundation in perpetuity (waqf) to provide a gathering place for Sufi adepts, as well as lodging for itiner…

Sufism in Bangladesh

Sufism in Bangladesh is more or less similar to that in the whole Indian subcontinent. India, it is claimed, is one of the five great centers of Sufism, the other four being Persia (including central Asia), Baghdad, Syria, and North Africa. Sufi saints flourished in Hindustan (India) preaching the mystic teachings of Sufism that easily reached the common people, especially the spiritual truth seekers in India. Sufism in Bangladesh is also called pirism, after the pirs or teachers in the Sufi t…

Modern history

Current Sufi orders include Ba 'Alawiyya, Chishti, Khalwati, Naqshbandi, Nimatullahi, Oveyssi, Qadria Noshahia, Qadiria Boutshishia, Qadiriyyah, Qalandariyya, Sarwari Qadiri, Shadhliyya, Tijaniyyah, and Suhrawardiyya.
Sufism is popular in such African countries as Morocco and Senegal, where it is seen as a mystical expression of Sunni Islam. Sufism is traditional in Morocco but has seen a growing revival with t…

Orientalism

Orientalists proposed a variety of origin theories regarding Sufism, such as that it originated as an Aryan response to Semitic influence, Buddhism, Neo-Platonism, and Christian ascetism or Gnosticism. Modern academics and scholars, however, have rejected early Orientalist theories asserting a non-Islamic origin of Sufism, Carl Ernst states that the tendency to try and disassociate Islam from Sufism was an attempt by Orientalists to create a divide between what they found att…

See also

• Ashraf Jahangir Semnani
• Moinuddin Chishti
• Nizamuddin Awliya

Notes

1. ^ Titus, Murray T., Indian Islam, 1979, p 117.
2. ^ Markovitz, Claude (ed), A History of Modern India, Anthen Press, 2002, p 30.
3. ^ Contemporary Relevance of Sufism, 1993, published by Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Overview

  • Sufism has a history in India evolving for over 1,000 years. The presence of Sufism has been a leading entity increasing the reaches of Islam throughout South Asia. Following the entrance of Islam in the early 8th century, Sufi mystic traditions became more visible during the 10th and 11th centuries of the Delhi Sultanate and after it to the rest o...
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Early history

  • Influence of Islam
    Muslims entered India in 712 AD under the Arab commander Muhammad bin Qasim, by conquering the regions of Sindh and Multan. This historical achievement connected South Asia to the Muslim empire. Simultaneously, Arab Muslims were welcomed along the Hindustani sea por…
  • Delhi Sultanate
    The period of 1206 – 1526 is labeled as the Delhi Sultanate of Raftaar. This time frame consists of five separate dynasties that ruled territorial parts of India: the Mamluk or slave, Khaljis, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasty. In history, the Delhi Sultanate is usually ...
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Development of Education

  • Traditional Culture
    During 901 - 1151, the Ghaznawids began to build numerous schools called madrasa that were attached and affiliated with masjids. This mass movement established stability in India's educational systems. Existing scholars promoted the study of the Qu'ran and hadith, beginning i…
  • Sufi Khanqah
    One reason why Islam became more favorable in India was due to the establishment of khanqah. A khanqah is commonly defined as a hospice, lodge, community center, or dormitory ran by Sufis. Khanqahs were also known as Jama'at Khana, large gathering halls. Structurally, a khanqah c
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Sufi Tariqahs

  • Sufis originated from numerous orders, lineages or chains of succession, known as silsilas and formed distinct orders – tariqas. Sufi masters, known as shaiks or murshids, many of whom were later considered as saints, lived in khanqahs and madrasas. Devotees came to these khanqahs to seek their blessings and to receive instructions.
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Sufi Culture

  • Syncretic Mysticism
    Islam was not the only religion in India contributing the mystical aspects of Sufism. The Bhakti movement also gained respect due to popularity of mysticism spreading through India. The Bhakti movement was a regional revival of Hinduism linking language, geography, and cultural i
  • Rituals
    One of the most popular rituals in Sufism is the visiting of grave-tombs of Sufi saints. These have evolved into Sufi shrines and are seen among cultural and religious landscape of India. The ritual of visiting any place of significance is called ziyarat; the most common example
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Impact of Sufism

  • The massive geographic presence of Islam in India can be explained by the tireless activity of Sufi preachers. Sufism had left a prevailing impact on religious, cultural, and social life in South Asia. The mystical form of Islam was introduced by Sufi saints. Sufi scholars traveling from all over continental Asia were instrumental and influential in the social, economic, and philosophic devel…
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