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Bhakti-Sufi Traditions
Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.
Major beliefs and practices of Sufism : In the early centuries of Islam, a group of religous minded people turned to asceticism and mysticism. They were called as Sufis. Major beliefs and practices of Sufism are given below:
(i) Sufis criticised the dogmatic definitions and scholastic methods of interpreting the Quran and Sunna (traditions of the Prophet) given by theologians. Sufis thus interpreted the Quran on the basis of their personal experiences.
(ii) They gave emphasis on seeking salvation through great devotion and bhakti of God.
(iii) They regarded Prophet Muhammad as a perfect human being and preached to follow the Prophet Muhammad.
(iv) They were in favour of zikr, sama, singing, dance and training of mind, through different methods under the guidance of any Auliya or Pir.
(v) They gave stress on mendicancy and celibacy. They ignored rituals and observed extreme forms of asceticism.
(vi) They used to go for ziyarat, to tombs of Sufi saints. Music and dance were also parts of ziyarat. The Sufis remember God either by reciting the Divine Names or evoking his presence through sama or performance of mystical music. Sama was integral to the Chishtis, and exemplified interaction with indigenous devotional traditions.
(vii) According to Sufis God is one and is all-powerful. Every one is his creation. That’s why all are equal.
(viii) According to Sufism service of mankind and needy people is as equal to the devotion of God. That’s why a common kitchen (langar) was being run in Khanqah of Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia which was being run on ‘futuh’ (unasked for charity). From morning till late night this kitchen was being run to provide food for all sections of society.
(ix) A major feature of Sufism was austerity including maintaining a distance from worldly power.
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Explain with examples what historians mean by the integration of cults.
To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions?
What were the similarities and differences between the be-sharia and 6a-sharia sufi traditions?
Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.
Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.
Discuss the major beliefs and practices that characterised Sufism.
Examine how and why rulers tried to establish connections with the traditions of the Nayanars and the Sufis.
Analyse, with illustrations, why Bhaktland Sufi thinkers adopted a variety of languages in which to express their opinions.
Read any five of the sources included in this chapter and discuss the social and religious ideas that are expressed in them.
On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).
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