Sufism is a mystical form of Islam, a school of practice that emphasizes the inward search for God and shuns materialism. It has produced some of the world’s most beloved literature, like the love poems of the 13th century Iranian jurist Rumi. Its modern-day adherents cherish tolerance and pluralism

Features of Sufism

• Sufis were a religious community that turned to asceticism and mysticism in protest of the Caliphate’s growing materialism as a religious and political entity.
• These Sufis had studied Vedantic philosophy extensively and had met India’s finest sages and seers.
• Sufism placed a strong emphasis on living a modest existence. Sufi saints preached in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, among other languages.
• Sufis were split into twelve orders, each led by a mystic Sufi saint such as Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi, Fariuddin Ganj-i-Shakar, Nizam-ud-din Auliya, and others.
• Sufi saints are on a quest for inner purity.
• They emphasised the need of pursuing salvation via fervent devotion and love for God.
• Devotion is more important than fast (Roza) or prayer (Namaz).
• Sufis helped to overcome the communal gap, as proven by the non-Muslim populace of the Subcontinent’s love for Sufi saints.
• Sufism, both globally and in the Subcontinent, had the depth to link people regardless of caste, creed, or gender.

How they influenced the society

• It does not believe in societal categorizations like caste.
• They instilled a new sense of self-assurance in their followers and strove to redefine social and religious ideals.
• Their emphasis on social welfare resulted in the establishment of charitable activities, orphanages, and women’s service centres.
• The Sufis made a significant contribution to society by serving the impoverished and underprivileged. Nizamuddin Auliya was known for giving gifts to the poor, regardless of religion or caste.
• The Sufi saints reminded men of their moral commitments at a period when the prevalent folly was the quest for political power.
• They attempted to bring peace and harmony to a world ripped apart by strife and conflict.
• Sufism also emphasises meditation, good deeds, remorse for sins, prayer and pilgrimage performance, fasting, charity, and the suppression of desires through ascetic practises.

Relevance today

• Morality: At a period where power struggles are the norm, Sufism reminds men of moral responsibilities.
• It sends a message of peace and harmony to a world ripped apart by strife and conflict
• Sufism emphasizes meditation as another important concept.
• Meditation provides a sense of serenity, peace, and balance that can assist both your mental well-being and your entire health as our bodies and minds become increasingly stressed.
• Sufism is a nonviolent religion that emphasizes love and devotion to God.
• In its order, violence has no place.
• It is diametrically opposed to the Taliban’s violent and extremist interpretation
• Equality of Beings: It rejects all forms of social classification, including religion, caste, class, and gender.
• With increasing social divisions, Sufism preaches the intrinsic equality of all humans
• Social Welfare: It emphasizes social welfare, which has resulted in the establishment of charitable works, orphanages, and women’s service centers.

During the pandemic, the necessity of social welfare activity was highlighted.

Way forward

• India should try to make Sufi Circuit on the lines of Buddhist circuit to be the hub of Sufism and become the centre of religious harmony.
• Popularize Sufi teachings and shrines for better societal cohesion and reduce communal clashes
• Introduce tourist programmes for Sufi shrines for tourism and revenue generation

Sufism has had a lasting impact on the world’s religious, cultural, and social life. Its lessons of humanity service and love for God are still relevant today. Sufis were adamant about avoiding religious and community strife and aspired to be peaceful members of society. Sufism’s teachings can be a guiding beacon for humanity all around the world in these difficult and uncertain times.

Reference:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sufism

How to structure:
1) Start with the definition of Sufism and its origin
2) Explain the relevance of it- give multi-dimensional answer-peace, culture, international
relations etc
3) Mention India’s Sufi heritage- take out examples from History- ex: Qutub Minar
4) Mention any schemes related to it and conclude