Sufism is the English term for what Islamic texts call Tasawwuf. The article explains Sufism as a spiritual tradition that emphasized salvation through intense devotion and love for God. It also discusses the coming of Islam to India, Sharia, Zimmi, Jizya, the five pillars of Islam, Khanqahs, Silsilas, Chishti saints, Ziyarat, Qawwali, Sama, language and communication.
For exams, this article is important because questions are asked from Tasawwuf, Sufi meaning, Khanqah, Silsila, Pir, Murid, Wali, Ziyarat, Chishti order, Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, Baba Farid, Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusro, Sama, Qawwali and Sufi-Bhakti links.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Sufism and Tasawwuf
The term Sufism is an English word coined in the 19th century.
The word used for Sufism in Islamic texts is Tasawwuf.
slamic tradition offers three primary etymological origins for the term Sufi:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Suf | Wool, referring to the coarse woollen clothes worn by Sufis |
| Safa | Purity |
| Suffa | Platform outside the Prophet’s mosque |
In simple words, Sufism focused on inner purity, devotion and closeness to God rather than only external religious formalities.
Main Ideas of Sufism
The Sufis laid emphasis on seeking salvation through:
- Intense devotion
- Love for God
- Spiritual discipline
- Inner purity
They regarded Prophet Muhammad as a perfect human being.
Sufis actively criticized rigid, overly scholastic methods of interpreting the Quran and Sunna, rejecting purely legalistic debates.
Ismailis, Khojas and Ginan
A notable example of synthesis is seen among the Khojas.
The Ismailis, who belonged to the Shia tradition, developed new forms by including ideas from the Quran.
One important form was Ginan.
Ginan is derived from the Sanskrit word Gyan, meaning knowledge.
These were devotional poems in languages such as:
- Punjabi
- Multani
- Sindhi
- Kachchi
- Hindvi
- Gujarati
This shows how Islamic devotional traditions interacted with local languages and cultures.
Arab Muslims on the Malabar Coast
Arab Muslim traders who settled along the Malabar coast adopted the local language (Malayalam) and social customs like matriliny and matrilocal residence.
- Malayalam
- Customs such as matriliny
- Customs such as matrilocal residence
At the same time, mosques had universal features, such as their orientation towards Mecca.
This means Islam in India had both universal religious features and local cultural adaptations.
Terms Used for Foreign Groups
Ancient and medieval Indian texts used specific terminology to designate foreign migrant groups:
| Term | Meaning / Group |
|---|---|
| Turushka | Used for earlier rulers |
| Tajika | People from Tajikistan |
| Parashika | People from Persia |
| Yavanas | Greeks |
| Mlechchha | General term for migrants |
In certain contemporary literary accounts, early Turkic and Afghan invaders were metaphorically described using hostile terminology.
Muhammad bin Qasim and the Coming of Muslim Rule
In 711 CE, an Arab general named Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sind, which became part of the Caliph’s domain.
Gradually:
- North India and the Deccan became part of the Delhi Sultanate.
- In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire was established.
Ulama and Sharia
Ulama were religious scholars.
Muslim rulers were expected to be guided by the Ulama, who were supposed to ensure that rulers governed according to Sharia law.
Meaning of Sharia
Sharia is the law governing the Muslim community.
It is based on:
- Quran
- Hadis
- Qiyas
- Ijma
| Source | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Quran | Sacred text of Islam |
| Hadis | Traditions of the Prophet, including remembered words and deeds |
| Qiyas | Reasoning by analogy |
| Ijma | Consensus of the community |
Qiyas and Ijma served as vital legal mechanisms when adapting Islamic jurisprudence to cultural contexts outside Arabia.
Zimmi and Jizya
wo central administrative and fiscal concepts under Islamic rule were Zimmi and Jizya:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zimmi | Protected people |
| Jizya | Tax paid by Zimmis under Muslim rulership |
Zimmi is derived from the Arabic word Zimma, meaning protection.
The concept was originally developed for people who followed revealed scriptures, such as Jews and Christians, and lived under Muslim leadership.
In the Indian subcontinent, protected Zimmi status was extended to Hindus, Jainas, and Buddhists.
Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam as:
| Pillar | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shahada | There is one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger |
| Namaz / Salat | Offering prayer |
| Zakat | Giving alms |
| Ramzan / Sawm | Fasting |
| Hajj | Pilgrimage to Mecca |
These universal principles were practiced alongside diverse local traditions influenced by regional customs and sectarian variations.
Khanqahs and Silsilas
Central to the organization of Sufism were the concepts of Khanqahs and Silsilas.
Meaning of Khanqah
Khanqah is a Persian word meaning hospice or lodging.
A Khanqah became the centre of Sufi activity. Sufis organized communities around these hospices.
Important Terms Connected with Khanqah
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shaikh | Arabic word meaning master or teacher |
| Pir / Murshid | Persian words for teacher |
| Murids | Disciples |
| Khalifa | Successor |
The Khanqah was controlled by a Shaikh, Pir or Murshid. The Shaikh enrolled Murids and appointed a Khalifa.
Meaning of Silsila
Silsila means chain.
In Sufi tradition, it refers to the continuous link between master and disciple.
Through this chain, spiritual power and blessings were transmitted to devotees.
The three practices followed during initiation:
- Oath of allegiance
- Wearing a patched garment
- Shaving of hair
Ziyarat, Urs and Dargah
Ziyarat means pilgrimage to the grave of a Sufi saint.
This was usually done on the saint’s death anniversary, called Urs.
Urs signifies the death anniversary of a saint, symbolic of the ultimate union of the soul with the Divine.
The tomb-shrine of a Shaikh is called a Dargah.
It was believed that after death, a saint or Shaikh became closer to God than during his lifetime.
Wali, Auliya, Barakat and Karamat
The Shaikhs were revered as Wali.
Auliya is the plural form of Wali.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wali | Friend of God |
| Auliya | Plural of Wali |
| Barakat | Grace or blessing |
| Karamat | Miracle |
A Wali was a Sufi who claimed closeness to Allah and acquired His grace, or Barakat, to perform miracles, or Karamat.
Ba-Sharia and Be-Sharia Sufis
Sufi orders were broadly divided into two structural categories based on adherence to Islamic law:
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ba-Sharia | Sufis who complied with rituals |
| Be-Sharia | Sufis who ignored rituals and observed extreme asceticism |
Examples of Be-Sharia Sufis include:
- Qalandars
- Madaris
- Malangas
- Haidaris
The Chishti Silsila
Among the Sufi groups who migrated to India, the most influential were the Chishtis.
The Chishti tradition became one of the most important Sufi traditions in India.
Teachers of the Chishti Silsila
| Chishti Teacher | Centre / Place | Death Year |
|---|---|---|
| Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi | Ajmer | 1235 |
| Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki | Delhi | 1235 |
| Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar | Ajodhan, Pakistan | 1265 |
| Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya | Delhi | 1325 |
| Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi | Delhi | 1356 |
These names are very important for exam revision because Chishti saints are repeatedly asked in direct questions.
Futuh and Langar
Futuh means unasked-for charity.
Chishti hospices maintained an open community kitchen (langar) funded entirely by unasked-for charity (Futuh).
This shows that charity and food distribution were important parts of Sufi hospices.
Chishti Devotionalism: Ziyarat and Qawwali
Chishti devotionalism heavily emphasized Ziyarat (pilgrimage) and Qawwali (devotional music).
Ziyarat meant pilgrimage to the tombs of Sufi saints.
Among the foreign Sufi orders that established roots in India, the Chishti Silsila became the most influential.
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti’s Shrine
Historical milestones associated with the Ajmer Dargah include:
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the first Sultan to visit his shrine.
- The earliest construction to house the tomb was funded in the late 15th century by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khalji of Malwa.
- Akbar visited the shrine 14 times in the 16th century.
- Sometimes Akbar visited two or three times a year.
- In 1568, Akbar offered a huge cauldron, or Degh, for cooking food for pilgrims.
- Akbar also constructed a mosque within the Dargah compound.
Zikr and Sama
The Sufis remembered God through Zikr and Sama.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zikr / Zikra | Recitation of Divine Names |
| Sama | Audition; performance of mystical music |
Languages and Communication
Sufi masters adopted local languages to communicate complex spiritual concepts directly to the masses.
Hindavi is described as the language of the people.
Baba Farid composed verses in the local language, which were later incorporated into the Guru Granth Sahib.
Masnavis and Padmavat
Masnavis were long poems used to express divine love through human love as an allegory.
Examples:
- Padmavat, a Prem-Akhyan or love story
- Composed by Malik Muhammad Jayasi
This shows how Sufi ideas were expressed through local poetic forms and popular love stories.
Dakhani, Lurinama and Shadinama
Dakhani was a variant of Urdu popular in South India during the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the Deccan, short devotional poems in Dakhani were routinely sung by women during daily household tasks.
These compositions were in the form of:
- Lurinama — lullabies
- Shadinama
Munis al-Arwah
Munis al-Arwah is mentioned as the biography of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti.
It was written by Jahanara.
Sufi-Bhakti Influence
Regional Sufi literature drew spiritual inspiration from contemporary Bhakti movements, including the Kannada Vachanas and Marathi Abhangas.
- Kannada Vachanas of the Lingayats
- Marathi Abhangas of the saints of Pandharpur
This cross-pollination reflects a shared devotional environment where mystical poetry, music, and vernacular idioms flourished together
Qaul, Qawwali and Amir Khusro
Qaul means saying.
It was a hymn sung at the opening or closing of Qawwali.
The Qaul format was pioneered by Amir Khusro, integrating Persian musical modes with Indian classical traditions.
Amir Khusro lived from 1253 to 1325. He was a great poet, musician and disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya.
Charmkhanama
Charmkhanama was a song set to the rhythm of the spinning wheel.
This shows how devotional and musical forms were connected with everyday life and labour.
Chishti Tradition and Worldly Power
The major feature of the Chishti tradition was austerity.
The Chishtis maintained distance from worldly power. However, austerity did not imply absolute isolation from political authority.
They accepted donations in cash and kind, but they preferred:
- Food
- Clothes
- Living quarters
- Ritual necessities such as Sama
They did not prefer accumulating wealth.
Auqaf and Inam
Sufi institutions received economic support through two primary mechanisms:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Auqaf | Charitable trusts as endowments for hospices |
| Inam | Tax-free land granted to Sufis |
These terms are important for understanding how Sufi institutions were supported economically.
Sultans, Ulama and Sufis
When the Turks established the Delhi Sultanate, they resisted the insistence of the Ulama on imposing Sharia as state law.
Sultans refrained from enforcing strict Sharia across the state out of pragmatism, recognizing that the vast majority of their subjects were non-Muslims.
The Sultans then sought out the Sufis, whose authority was believed to come directly from God.
People also believed that the Auliya could improve their material and spiritual conditions by interceding with God.
While Sultans sought political legitimacy through association with Sufi saints, periodic conflicts over state authority also occurred.
Sufis were given high titles. For example:
- Nizamuddin Auliya was called Sultan-ul-Mashaikh.
FAQs on Sufism
What is Sufism?
Sufism is the English term for Tasawwuf, a mystical and devotional tradition within Islam that emphasizes love for God, inner purity and spiritual enlightenment.
What does Tasawwuf mean?
Tasawwuf is the word used for Sufism in Islamic texts.
What are the possible meanings of Sufi?
Suf, meaning wool; Safa, meaning purity; and Suffa, meaning the platform outside the Prophet’s mosque.
What was the main goal of Sufism?
The main goal of Sufism was spiritual enlightenment and salvation through intense devotion and love for God.
What is Khanqah?
Khanqah is a Persian word meaning hospice or lodging. It was the centre where Sufi communities gathered around a Shaikh or Pir.
What is Silsila?
Silsila means chain. It refers to the continuous link between master and disciple through which spiritual power and blessings were transmitted.
Who was a Pir or Murshid?
A Pir or Murshid was a spiritual teacher in Sufi tradition.
Who were Murids?
Murids were disciples of a Sufi Shaikh or Pir.
What is Ziyarat?
Ziyarat means pilgrimage to the grave or tomb-shrine of a Sufi saint.
What is Urs?
Urs is the death anniversary of a Sufi saint. The union of the saint’s soul with God.
What is Dargah?
A Dargah is the tomb-shrine of a Sufi saint.
What is Wali?
Wali means friend of God. The plural is Auliya.
Who were the Chishtis?
The Chishtis were the most influential Sufi group in India. Their important saints included Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Farid, Nizamuddin Auliya and Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi.
Who was Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti?
Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti was a major Chishti saint associated with Ajmer. He is known as Gharib Nawaz.
Who was Nizamuddin Auliya?
Nizamuddin Auliya was a major Chishti saint associated with Delhi, honored with the title Sultan-ul-Mashaikh.
Who was Amir Khusro?
Amir Khusro was a poet, musician and disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya. Amir Khusro introduced Qaul, a specialized hymn performed at the opening or closing of Qawwali.
What is Sama?
Sama means the performance of mystical music. It was used by Sufis to evoke the presence of God.
What is Zikr?
Zikr means remembrance of God through recitation of Divine Names.
What is Futuh?
Futuh means unasked-for charity. An open langar was run on Futuh.
What is Inam?
Inam means tax-free land granted to Sufis.
What is Auqaf?
Auqaf means charitable trusts used as endowments for hospices.
What did the Chishti tradition emphasize?
The Chishti tradition emphasized austerity and distance from worldly power, while accepting donations mainly for basic needs and ritual necessities.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – Sufism
- Sufism is an English word coined in the 19th century.
- Islamic texts use the word Tasawwuf for Sufism.
- Suf means wool, linked with coarse woollen clothes of Sufis.
- Safa means purity.
- Suffa means the platform outside the Prophet’s mosque.
- Sufis emphasized salvation through intense devotion and love for God.
- Sufis regarded Prophet Muhammad as a perfect human being.
- Ginan comes from Sanskrit Gyan, meaning knowledge.
- Arab Muslims on the Malabar coast adopted Malayalam and local customs.
- Mosques had universal features like orientation towards Mecca.
- Mlechchha was used as a general term for migrants.
- In 711 CE, Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sind.
- Ulama were expected to guide Muslim rulers according to Sharia.
- Sharia was based on Quran, Hadis, Qiyas and Ijma.
- Qiyas means reasoning by analogy.
- Ijma means consensus of the community.
- Zimmi means protected people.
- Jizya was the tax paid by Zimmis.
- In India, Zimmi status was extended to Hindus.
- Five pillars are Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj.
- Khanqah means hospice or lodging.
- Shaikh means master or teacher.
- Pir / Murshid means teacher.
- Murids are disciples.
- Khalifa means successor.
- Silsila means chain.
- Silsila links master and disciple.
- Initiation included oath of allegiance, patched garment and shaving of hair.
- Ziyarat means pilgrimage to the grave of a Sufi saint.
- Urs means death anniversary and union of the soul with God.
- Dargah means tomb-shrine.
- Wali means friend of God.
- Auliya is the plural of Wali.
- Barakat means grace.
- Karamat means miracle.
- Ba-Sharia Sufis complied with rituals.
- Be-Sharia Sufis ignored rituals and followed extreme asceticism.
- Qalandars and Madaris are examples of Be-Sharia Sufis.
- The most influential Sufis who migrated to India were the Chishtis.
- Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi was associated with Ajmer and died in 1235.
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki was associated with Delhi and died in 1235.
- Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar was associated with Ajodhan and died in 1265.
- Nizamuddin Auliya was associated with Delhi and died in 1325.
- Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi died in 1356.
- Futuh means unasked-for charity.
- Langar was run on Futuh.
- Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti was known as Gharib Nawaz.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the first Sultan to visit Khwaja Muinuddin’s shrine.
- Akbar visited the shrine 14 times.
- In 1568, Akbar offered a huge Degh for cooking food for pilgrims.
- Zikr means recitation of Divine Names.
- Sama means mystical music.
- Hindavi was the language of the people.
- Baba Farid’s verses were included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Masnavis were long poems expressing divine love through human love.
- Padmavat was composed by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
- Dakhani was a variant of Urdu popular in South India.
- Munis al-Arwah was written by Jahanara.
- Qaul means saying and was sung at the opening or closing of qawwali.
- Qaul was introduced by Amir Khusro.
- Amir Khusro was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya.
- Chishti tradition emphasized austerity and distance from worldly power.
- Auqaf means charitable trusts as endowments for hospices.
- Inam means tax-free land granted to Sufis.
- Nizamuddin Auliya was given the title Sultan-ul-Mashaikh.