Question

discuss the growth of sufi movement in India.what were it's salient features?

Answer 1

Origin of Sufism:

It is generally believed that Sufism is derived from two Arabic words i.e. ‘Saf’ and ‘Suf. The word ‘Saf means a carpet. Since the Sufis meditated upon God on a carpet, Sufism took its birth i.e. pure people who meditated on a carpet.

The word ‘Sufi’ derives its name from another Arabic word ‘Suf which means wool. The Muslim saints who wore garments of coarse wool began to be called Sufi saints. The first epoch of Sufism is said to have begun in the seventh century A.D.

Sufism entered India in the 12th century with Muslim invaders and became popular in the 13th century.

Main Features of Sufism:


1. Sufism derives is inspiration from Islam. While the orthodox Muslims depend upon external conduct and blind observance of religious rituals, the Sufi saints seek inner purity.

2. According to Sufi saints, God is the beloved of the lover (‘Mashook”) i.e. the devotee and the devotee is eager to meet his beloved (God).

3. The Sufis think that love and devotion are the only means of reaching God.

4. Along with Prophet Muhammad, they also attach great importance to their ‘Murshid’ or ‘Pir’ (Guru).

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5. Devotion is more important than fast (Roza) or prayer (Namaz)

6. Sufism does not believe in caste system.

7. Sufism emphasizes upon leading a simple life.

8. Sufi saints preached in Arabic, Persian and

9. The Sufis were divided into 12 orders each under a mystic Sufi saint. Prominent Sufi Saints.

I hope this helps

Answer 2

the arrival of Islam in India marked a turning point in history,as changes and innovations occurred in the fields of art, Architecture,music, literature and social relations.along with these a large number of Sufi saints migrated to India after the establishment of Turkish empire.