What were the similarities between Sufism and Bhakti Movement?

Or

Explain the concept of Sufism and its main features.

There is no denying the fact that there was a remarkable similarity between the ideologies of Sufism and Bhakti Movement which exhibits a clear reflection of the contemporary social and religious life of the people. The following facts confirm this statement:

1.    Development of Goodwill amongst Hindu and Muslims : Both the communities sternly opposed the discrimination of castes, religions and divisions. They stressed the same before the people that basically there are no differences between the Hindus and Mohammedans. They are both the children of God. They told that the simple route to the attainment of Godlihood lies in the love for humanity. Both the Hindus and the Mohammedans treated Kabir, Farid and Noor-ud-din as their ideals.

2.    Religious Tolerance : As a result of influence of the sermons of the saints of Bhakti Movement and Sufism, religious fanaticism grew less among the people. Even Sultans of Delhi and the Mughal rulers too were influenced by their sermons and they followed liberal policy.

3.    Encouragement to the Regional Literature : The Bhakti saints compose their compositions in local languages. Guru Nanak wrote in Punjabi, Kabir in Hindi, Chaitanya in Bangla whereas the sufi saints and the Faqirs wrote in Urdu.

4.    Feelings of Social Service : The sufi saints and the Bhakti poets appealed to the helpless that they should serve the poor, helpless and the orphans. Most probably many Sultans of Delhi had opened orphanages and charity houses under the influence of the sufi saints.

5.    Increase in Pilgrimages : Both the sufi and the Bhakti saints were popular among the people. Hence their tombs and shrines became the places of pilgrimages. Both the Hindus and Mohammedans visited those places.