Sufi movement in Medieval India

1. SUFI MOVEMENT IN
MEDIEVAL INDIA
LÊ MINH PHƯƠNG
K67 INDIAN STUDIES

2. Content
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1. Introduction
2.OVERVIEW OF SUFI ITS ORIGINS, ITS
INFLUENCE ON INDIA
3. SOME PROMINENT
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUFI
MOVEMENT IN INDIA AND SOME SUFI
SAINTS
4.SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS
CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUFISM IN INDIA
5. Conclusion

3. 1. Introduction
● India is an intricate tapestry which is weaven by
varied topography, ethnics, languages, religions, etc.
● India is home to the most – followed religions in the
world including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism,
Sikhism
● The appearance of Islam had strong influence on
India in terms of social and religious terms. With
the existence of native religions in India, the emerge
of Islam became a counterbalance of Hinduism
putting a thread on prominence of Hinduism.
● In Medieval period, Indian history witnessed the
emergence of two religious movements
encompassing Bhakti and Sufi movement.
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4. BHAKTI MOVEMENT
Devotional trends that emerged during the medieval period. They emphasized personal
devotion (bhakti) to a single deity over ritualistic practices and caste distinctions. These
movements promoted spiritual equality and sought to democratize religious experience.
They allowed individuals from all social backgrounds, including women and lower castes,
to express their devotion directly to God.
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5. NEXT
Overview
of Sufi’s
origins and
influence
in India
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6. ETYMOLOGY
DEFINITION
Origins of Sufi
● The term Sufi stem from the Persian word ‫صوف‬
meaning coarse wool.
Sufism is a mystical form of Islam, a school of
practice that focuses on the spiritual search
for God and shuns materialism. There is a lot
of emphasis on love and devotion towards
God. There are many schools of Sufism all over
the world and in India too. Most of them trace
their lineage to early Islamic history, from the
time of Prophet Muhammad himself.
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7. Essential
characteristics
of Sufism
Insan-e-kamil: perfect
human with all good virtues
Fana: spiritual merger of
devotee with Allah
Zikr - tasbih: remembrance
of god all the time
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Wahdatul-wajood: one
god for entire universe;
unity of god and being
Sama:spiritual dance and
music to promote their
concepts

8. EMERGENCE
OF SUFI IN
INDIA
Islam entered India in the 7th
century CE in the form of
merchants from Saudi Arabia
who traded with the western
coastal regions of India.
It gained prominence in the 10th
and 11th centuries during the
reign of the Delhi Sultanate.
F

9. NEXT
Rise of Sufi
movement in India
● The Sufi movement in India began around
the 11th and 12th centuries CE and
gained prominence during the Delhi
Sultanate (1206–1526) and the Mughal
Empire (1526–1857). It arrived in India
through Arab traders, Persian and Central
Asian mystics, and Turkish conquerors.
● two types of Sufi sects: Ba-Shara and Be-
Shara. Ba-shara was in accordance with
Islamic law (shara), while be-shara was not
in accordance with (shara).

10. Characteristics of
Sufism in India
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Characteristics of the Sufi Movement in Medieval
India
1. Mysticism and Love for God
○ Sufism focused on direct personal experience
with God rather than rigid religious rituals.
○ Practiced self-discipline, meditation (Zikr), and
asceticism to attain divine love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi).
2. Religious Tolerance and Hindu-Muslim Unity
○ Sufis believed that all religions led to the same
ultimate truth.
○ Encouraged interfaith harmony and had close
interactions with Bhakti saints.
○ Some Sufi practices incorporated Indian traditions,
such as yoga and devotional music.
3. Rejection of Religious Orthodoxy
○ Sufis opposed rigid Islamic laws (Sharia) and the
power of Ulema (Islamic scholars).
○ Focused on inner purity, love, and devotion rather
than formal prayers and rituals.

11. 4. Simple Living and Social Services
Lived in Khanqahs (hospices or monasteries), which became centers of charity, education, and spiritual
guidance.
Provided food, shelter, and help to the poor, promoting social equality.
5. Role of Sufi Orders (Silsilas)
Different Sufi orders (tariqas) spread throughout India, each with unique teachings:
■ Chishti Order (love, music, service to humanity) – Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer).
■ Suhrawardi Order (law and discipline) – Bahauddin Zakariya (Multan).
■ Naqshbandi Order (strict Islamic law) – Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
■ Qadiri and Shattari Orders (meditation, miracles, and Sufi poetry).
6. Use of Music, Poetry, and Dance
Qawwali (devotional Sufi music) was a major part of Sufi traditions.
Sufi saints like Amir Khusrau combined Persian, Arabic, and Indian musical styles.
Sufi poetry (in Persian, Urdu, and Hindi) expressed love for God and humanity.
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12. Major Sufi saints
Art
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Design
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Year
2023
Thesis
Defense
● Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti
was a great Sufi Saint of
India.
● He had a large number of
followers.
● By leading a very simple
ascetic way of life and
spreading the message of
love and equality, to wipe
out ill- feelings from the
minds of the people of two
communities Hindus and
Muslims.
01
Khwaja Muinuddin
Chisti (1143-1234)
● He was deeply respected
in Delhi. He was
surrounded by a large
number of people
whenever he visited
Delhi.
● His outlook was so broad
and humane. He avoided
the company of the
Sultan and the Amirs.
02
Farid-ud-din Ganj-i-Shakar
(1176-1268) ● He laid much emphasis on
love which leads one to
the realization of God.
● love of God means love of
humanity.
● He spread the message of
universal love and
brotherhood. love god for
the sake of human beings
and those who love
human beings for the
sake of God are favorite to
God.
03
Nizam-ud-din Auliya
(1235-1325)
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13. Social and religious
contribution
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14. Art
And
Design
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● The liberal and unorthodox elements of Sufism had a profound impact on medieval
Bhakti saints.
● In the later period, the Sufi doctrines influenced the religious perspective of the rulers
along with reminding them of their moral obligations. For example, the Mughal
Emperor, Akbar’s religious outlook and religious policies were shaped a lot under
Sufism.
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15. NEXT
Sufism influenced both rural and
urban regions and had a deep
political, cultural and social
influence on the masses.
Spiritual bliss became the
ultimate aim and the people could
raise their voice against all forms
of orthodoxy, falsehood, religious
formalism and hypocrisy. In a
world torn by strife and conflict,
the Sufis tried to bring peace and
harmony.

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The most important contribution of
Sufism is that it helped to develop a
bond of solidarity and brotherhood
between Hindu and Muslim
communities.
The Sufi saints are revered not only
by Muslims but also by a huge
number of Hindus and their tombs
have become a common place of
pilgrimage for both communities.

17. ● The Sufi movement in medieval India played a significant role in
shaping Indian society, culture, and religious thought. It emerged as a
mystical Islamic movement that emphasized devotion, love for God,
and spiritual enlightenment over rigid religious formalism.
● Spread of Islam in a peaceful manner – Unlike military conquests,
Sufism spread Islam through love and devotion.
Religious harmony – Helped in bridging the gap between Hindus and
Muslims.
Cultural and Literary Development – Inspired music, poetry, and art
(e.g., Qawwalis, Ghazal, Persian poetry).
Social Reforms – Worked for the welfare of the poor, orphans, and
marginalized communities.
● The Sufi movement left a lasting impact on Indian culture,
contributing to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
CONCLUSION

18. THANK YOU!

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