Sufi Movement in India: A Detailed Summary
The term Sufi derived from Arabic word Safa which has two distinct meaning - One who wear woollen clothes; and Symbolises purity and sacredness. The Sufi Mysticism is associated with the liberal interpretation of Quran called Tarikat. Shariat is the conservative interpretation of Quran. It is believes that Haq (God) and Khalaq (Soul) are the same.
The doctrine of Sufism was based on union with God which can be achieved through love of God, prayers, fasts and rituals without reference to Hindu or Muslims. It stressed that cultivation of religious experience should be based on the direct perception of God.
List of the Great Mughal Emperors of India
Summary on Sufi Movement in India
• Synthesises variety of ideas and practices from Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.
• It aimed at service of mankind through spiritual self development
• Eager for Hindu-Muslim unity and cultural synthesis
• Opposed to orthodoxy preached faith and devotion to the God.
• Opposes the materialistic life but not in favour of complete renunciation.
• Organised in different orders (Silsilas)
• The Sufi orders were divided into two: Ba-shara those who followed the Islamic law; and Be-shara those who were not bound by Islamic law.
List of Sufi order, founder and principle:
| Order |
Founder |
Principle |
| Chisti |
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
|
Keep aloof from royal court. Popularised music recitations called Sama (Mehboob-i-ilahi) |
| Suhrawardi |
Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi |
Accepted royal Service |
| Qadri |
Sheikh Nizamat Ullah |
Relies strongly upon adherence to the fundamentals of Islam. |
| Naqshbandi |
Khwaja Pir Mohammad |
Orthodox Sect. Mujaddid opposed Shia, philosophy of Wahadat-ul-Shahdud , wrote ‘Red-i-Khafid’ arrested by Jhangir |
| Firdausi |
Sheikh Sarfudin Yahya |
Branch of Suhrawardi |
| Rashaniya (Akbar’s reign) |
Miyan Bayazid Ansari (Pir Roshan) |
Wrote the bookKhai-ul-Byan |
| Mahadawi |
Mullah Mohammad Mahdi |
Opposed orthodox muslims |
| Risi |
Nuruddin Noorani (Wali) |
Oposed orthodox muslims |
| Qalandaria |
Abu Wali Qalander |
Wandering monks were called Darveshes |
| Shattari |
Abdullah Shattari |
Claimed direct contact with God |
Term relate to the Sufism
| Sufi Word |
Meaning |
| Tasawwuf |
Sufism |
| Sheikh/Pir/Murshid |
Spiritual leader |
| Murid |
Disciple |
| Khalifah |
Successor |
| Khanqah |
The Hospice (especially one kept by a monastic order) |
| Sama |
Musical Recital |
| Raksa |
Dance |
| Fana |
Self Annihilation |
Sufism is the mystical movement against orthodox practice in Islam with an aim to adhere the direct perception of mankind to God without any mediator.
