Explore the Sufi Movement in Medieval India, highlighting the rise of Sufism, changes in Islamic thought, organization of Sufi orders, and the influence of Chishti and Suharwardi orders.
The Sufi Movement in Medieval India
Rise of Sufism and Changes in Islamic Thought
The tenth century marked significant changes in Islamic history:
It saw the rise of the Turks in North India, replacing the Abbasid Caliphate.
It marked the decline of the Mutazilarationalist philosophy and the ascendancy of orthodox schools based on the Quran and Hadith.
The Sufimystic orders emerged as a reaction to materialism and moral decline in the Islamic empire.
Sufis emphasized deep devotion and sought spiritual purity outside the influence of the state.
Early Sufis like Rabia and Mansur bin Hallaj emphasized love as the connection between God and the soul, often facing conflict with orthodox elements.
Al-Ghazzali reconciled mysticism with Islamic orthodoxy, asserting that knowledge of God comes through revelation, not reason.
Organization of Sufi Orders
Around this time, Sufis organized into 12 orders or silsilahs:
Each order was led by a prominent mystic in a khanqah (hospice) with disciples.
Teachers (pirs) nominated successors (walis) to continue their teachings.
Sufis adopted practices like penance, fasting, and yogic exercises, influenced by Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
They absorbed Hindu and Buddhist rituals into their practices before arriving in India.
Chishti and Suharwardi Orders in India
The Chishti and Suharwardi orders had significant influence in medieval India:
The Chishti order, introduced by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti around 1192, centered in Ajmer.
Key figures included Nizamuddin Auliya and Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi, known for their simplicity and acceptance among Hindus.
Nizamuddin Auliya adopted yogic practices and integrated Hindi verses into his teachings.
The Suharwardi order, active in Punjab and Multan, accepted state service unlike the Chishtis.
Both orders contributed to social harmony and mutual understanding among different religious communities in India.
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