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Mystical World of Sufism Part 2
by Dr. Shamim Zaidi | Published July 31, 2024
Sufism has shown the world the mystical face of Islam and has helped reduce religious prejudices. This is the point that forms a bridge between various cultures and religions and connects mankind in a single bond of common legacy. Their method was through humanism, love, tolerance and forgiveness. Spiritualism does not have a theory it is direct dialing with God. Spiritual masters always burn in the flames of love consumed by the love of God, but to others they serve as soothing beacons of light. Sufism has no language.
Says Rumi "God speaks in every language. He speaks in the language which human heart can understand". Perhaps that is why the core message of all true men of contemplation- the sages, Saints, Budhistavas and Shaikhs of all nations and ages has pointed men towards the truth that is Ishq-i-Haqiqi (love of the enlightened truth) that brought man to the realization of Divine oneness.
Leonard Lewisohn in The Heritage of Islam says, “The classical Sufi masters extended their respect to the followers of all other religions, rejecting sectarian infighting, fanaticism, bigotry and the persecution of others in the name of religion." We can see that the gnostic view of Sufism has been very popular with modern scholars, bask all over the world. They describe Sufism as Islamic mysticism, meaning it is an attempt of the people believing in Islam to know the mysteries of life and the world.
The landscape of Sufi orders today is vast, with many notable and influential ones existing across the subcontinent. Sufism has played a crucial role in the dissemination of Islamic teachings in South Asia, beginning with the Arab invasion of Sindh in the 8th century A.D. When Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi, whose shrine is located in Karachi, arrived in Sindh, an additional influx of Sufis occurred alongside the expansion of Turkish dynasties into North India during the 2nd millennium.
Sufis migrated to the subcontinent from Central Asia around the 13th century, following the devastation wrought by Genghis Khan across the region, including Iran and Iraq. The spread of Islam in the subcontinent is largely attributed to the relentless efforts of countless Saints and Sufis who devoted their lives to serving humanity.
God speaks in every language. He speaks in the language which human heart can understand
Rumi
Sufis migrated to the subcontinent from Central Asia around the 13th century, following the devastation wrought by Genghis Khan across the region, including Iran and Iraq. The spread of Islam in the subcontinent is largely attributed to the relentless efforts of countless Saints and Sufis who devoted their lives to serving humanity.
In this region, the Chishti and Suhrawardi orders are particularly renowned, though followers of the Qadiri and Naqshbandi orders are also present. The Qadiri order, founded by Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, has followers spanning from Morocco to Malaysia. The Suhrawardi order, established by Sheikh Shahab-ud-Din Suhrawardi, was popularized in the subcontinent by Sheikh-ul-Islam Sheikh Baha-ud-Din Zakariya Multani. The Chishti order was founded by Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chishti, and the Naqshbandi order gained royal patronage from Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh.
The Sufi movement produced remarkable intellectuals, scholars, poets, and philosophers who created a perfect synthesis of human and divine virtues. Sufis are pragmatic, humanitarian thinkers, moralists, and religious preachers. Notable Sufi poets include Sanai, Attar, Mansur Hallaj, and Jalal-ud-Din Rumi. Rumi established the Mevlevi order of whirling dervishes in Konya, Turkey, and his mystical Persian poetry had a profound influence on the Sufis of the subcontinent.
The Sufi saints of the Indus Valley played a significant role in the evolution of Pakistan's composite culture, with love for God and mankind as their guiding principles. They used local languages such as Sindhi, Saraiki, and Punjabi, helping Islam become integrated into popular religious activities with minimal conflict. The traditions of Sufi devotees created ties to the broader Islamic world, facilitating the integration of new believers into the Islamic identity.
As Dr. Shemell aptly states, "The journey on the mystic's path is the journey of love and union." By the end of the 13th century, Sufism was well-established, and Sufi orders had adapted to various social levels and races within Islam. This adaptability made them ideal for spreading Islamic teachings.
As T. Arnold acknowledges, the tireless and active efforts of Sufis led to the Islamization of large parts of India, Indonesia, and Black Africa. Sufis embodied the basic obligations of Islam: simple love for and trust in God and love for the Holy Prophet.
Islam emphasizes personal character, as exemplified by the lives of Prophet Muhammad and the Saints. The role of a Sufi includes protecting the people, advising rulers, preventing oppression, and reminding rulers of their responsibilities. Sufis often opposed oppressive systems of their time, earning widespread recognition and followers from distant regions. They protected the poor from tyrannical state policies, prevented acts of cruelty, and stopped many purposeless battles.
Through the relentless efforts of countless Sufi saints and scholars, Islam was propagated with a focus on love, humanity, and divine connection. The legacy of Sufi poets, intellectuals, and mystics continues to inspire, promoting universal love, respect, and a synthesis of human and divine virtues. Sufism remains a powerful force for spiritual and moral guidance, transcending boundaries and fostering unity.
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