Atir Khan

Tasawwuf or Sufism, represents the pinnacle of Islamic learning and a vital pathway for cultivating a strong, moral character among Muslims.

Historically, India has been a fertile ground for Sufism, nurturing its growth and development. However, over time, many Sufi tariqas have degenerated, reducing the rich tradition of Sufism to mere mystic rituals.

Sufism is often described as a profound love affair with God, embodying the highest form of spiritual study. Esteemed Sufi scholars assert that one should only engage in Sufism after acquiring a deep understanding of Ilm (knowledge of the Quran and Hadith) and Fiqh (jurisprudence).

True Sufism transcends superficial elements such as whirling dervishes or qawwalis. It is not confined to wearing traditional attire or performing rituals; rather, it is about attaining genuine understanding and inner peace.

There is a common misconception that Sufism involves merely reading the poetry of Sufis like Rumi and engaging in recreational activities. In reality, Sufism is a demanding spiritual discipline, as elucidated by notable Islamic scholars such as Ibn-Arabi and Imam Ghazali.

Mulla Sadr, a prominent philosopher during the Safavid period, asserted that the essence of reality lies in its inherent simplicity. Sufism aims to control the Nafs (senses) and the Kalb (heart), achievable only through advanced levels of spiritual enlightenment.

Regrettably, contemporary practice often reduces Sufism to ritualistic acts driven by materialistic motivations. The true objective of Sufism is to prepare individuals for the afterlife (akhirah) while fostering goodness in the present world.

Rene Guenon, a French philosopher who extensively studied Hinduism and Islam, among other religions explored the intersections of these religions in his influential work, The Reign of Quantity and the Signs of the Times.

Guenon, a contemporary of the English poet T.S. Eliot, who reflected on spiritual desolation in his post-World War I poem The Waste Land, similarly critiqued the modern emphasis on quantity over quality.

He argued that returning to the metaphysical principles of Hinduism and Islam is crucial for achieving inner peace. Guenon emphasized that in the current age (Kalyug), liberation is found through invocatory prayer and the cultivation of inner disciplines.

India remains a vibrant landscape for Sufi and Bhakti thought and practices, with a rich heritage of Sufi and Hindu saints across regions such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Bihar, West Bengal, and South India. Prominent Sufi figures include Moniuddin Chishti, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Kalyar Sharif.

Despite its significance, Sufism is not taught as a distinct subject in Indian madrasas. Instead, it is often pursued voluntarily in Khanqahs—spiritual centers where Murshids (spiritual leaders) and Murids (students) interact.

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Strengthening these institutions is crucial for preserving and nurturing Sufi traditions. Sufism, with its inclusive and forward-thinking approach, offers a meaningful counter to radical ideas and violence, promoting peace and understanding in a tumultuous world.