What is Sufism and its Salient Features and Impact

Sufism

The word 'Sufi' is derived from 'suf', which means 'wool' in Arabic, referring to the simple cloaks worn by the early Muslim ascetics. It also means 'purity', and thus the Sufis can be understood as the people who kept their heart pure and through their ascetic practices could communicate with God. It is pertinent to note that the terms Sufi, Darvesh, Wali and Faqir are often used interchangeably for representing Muslim saints who could develop their intuitive faculties through contemplation, ascetic exercises, renunciation and self-denial. 

It is believed that Sufism or mysticism emerged in the 8th century, and the early known Sufis were Rabia-al-Adawiya, Am-Junaid and Bayazid Bastami.

However, it evolved into a well-developed movement by the end of the 11th century. One of the oldest Sufis in the sub-continent was Am-Hujwiri, who has established himself in north India and was buried in Lahore. By the 12th century, the Sufis were organized in Silsilahs (that was orders, which basically represented an unbreakable chain between the Pir, the teacher and the murids, the disciples). Who who passes through maqamat (various stages) in this process of experiencing communion with the divine. The activities of the various Sufi orders were centred around khanqah (the hospice) which was led by the shaikh, pir or murshid (teacher), who lived with his murids (disciples). Gradually, the khanqahs emerged as important centres of learning and preaching. Many Sufis enjoyed the sama or musical congregation in their khanqahs. In fact , qawwali developed during this period only. On the death of the pir, his dargah, i.e., the tomb or shrine, became a centre for his disciples and followers and the ziyarat or pilgrimage to the tombs of the Sufi saints soon emerged as an important form of ritual pilgrimage. The four most popular Silsilahs among these were the Chistis, Suhrawardis, Qadiriyahs and Naqshbandis. 

It is pertinent to note that during the medieval period, while there was a constant tension between the liberal and orthodox views in Islam, the Sufis featured on both sides. For instance, there were the Chistis who held a liberal view and argued in favour of assimilation of local traditions, while there were Naqshbandi Silsilah proponents who held the orthodox view of shariat and argued that through the other Silsilahs, the purity of Islam was being diluted. But the majority of the Sufis found resonance with the liberal opinion that argued against the narrow definition of Islamic laws by the ulema.

Salient Features of Sufism 

• God, man and the relation of love between God and man is fundamental to Sufism. 

• The ideas of ruh (soul), qurbat (divine proximity)and  hulul (infusion of the divine spirit), Ishq (divine love) and Fana (self-annihilation) are central to the theory of Sufism. 

• According to Sufism, love of God meant the love of humanity and thus, they stressed on the fact that service to God is nothing but service to humanity. The Sufi saints, transcending all religious and communal distinctions, have often worked for promoting the interest of humanity at large.

• The Sufis also regard God as the supreme beauty, and draw an analogy between the God and themselves as that of Mashuq and the Ashiqs. They not only admire God, but also take delight in his thought and concentrate their attention on him only. 

• Sufism also lays stress on self-discipline and considers sense of perception as an essential condition to gain the knowledge of God. 

• Other key ideas emphasized by Sufism are good actions, prayers, pilgrimages, meditation, repentance for sins, charity, fasting and suppression by ascetic practices. 

• Unlike orthodox Muslims who lay emphasis on external conduct, the Sufis on the other hand lay stress on inner purity. They, thus represent the inward or esoteric, mystical side of Islam. 

Impact of Sufism 

• The liberal and unorthodox features of Sufism had a profound influence on mediaeval Bhakti saints. In the later period, the Sufi doctrines influenced the religious perspective of the rulers along with reminding them of their moral obligations. For instances, the Mughal emperor, Akbar's religious outlook and religious policies were shaped a lot under Sufism. 

• Sufism took roots in both rural and urban areas and exercised a deep social, political and cultural influence on the masses. It helped create a new world order in which spiritual bliss was the ultimate goal and the masses could raise their voice against all forms of orthodoxy, religious formalism, falsehood and hypocrisy. In a world torn by strife and conflict, the Sufis tried to bring peace and harmony. 

• The most important contribution of Sufism is that it helped to bridge the gap between the Hindu-Muslim prejudices and could bring both these communities closer to each other. Through Sufism and Bhakti cult, a bond of solidarity and brotherhood was forged between these two religious communities. It is pertinent to note that the Sufi saints are revered even today by not only Muslims but by a large number of Hindus also, and their tombs have become popular places of pilgrimage for both communities.