compare and contrast between bhakti and sufism.?
Answers
Bhakti and Sufi Movement in India was establish to maintain harmony between the Hindus and the Muslims. Bhakti Movement: It was a reform movement in Hinduism. It started in the 7th-8th century, in South India in order to break the difference between the Vaishnavas and the Shaivas . After the entrance of Islam, some Hindus were attracted to Islam by its concept of one god because in Hinduism, there existed multiple caste, rituals and untouchability. They thought that Islam would raise their social standard. It was at this this time Bhatism took a new dimension. Its supporters preached the ‘unity of the god-head’ and also insisted ‘devotion to God’ will bring salvation. Equality of all human beings became a stand. They followed universal brotherhood. It took its birth in India in the 12th century A.D and reached a great level during the 13th and 14th century. The ethics of sufi movement were to make their own spiritual progress and to serve the mankind. It was motivated during the reign of Akbar under the guidance of Sufi saints. It was based on free-thinking, liberal ideas and toleration. They also believed in universal brotherhood and the humanitarian. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti established Chisti order. His dargah at Ajmer became a centre of veneration for both the Muslims and Hindus. This helped to bring peace and amity among the Hindus and Muslims. People were attracted by the enlightened ideas and unorthodox principles of Sufism. Muslim saints taught muslim ruler to tolerate non-muslim subjects. They also preached in different common languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Hindi.