What do you understand by Sufism?

Sufism, mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God.

What is the purpose of Sufism?

The purpose of Sufism is to purify the inner or spirit to highest maximum level and prepare yourself to be very close to God (Allah). According to sufi system, one has to select a spiritual teacher called Shaikh or Peer who will lead and guide him throughout all the way.

Which ideas of Sufism do you think are relevant in today’s time and why?

By educating the masses and deepening the spiritual concerns of the Muslims, Sufism has played an important role in the formation of Muslim society. Opposed to the dry casuistry of the lawyer-divines, the mystics nevertheless scrupulously observed the commands of the divine law.

What are the main teachings of Sufism?

The main teachings of Sufism are:

• There is only one God.
• All people are the children of God.
• To love one’s fellow men is to love God.
• Different religions are different ways to reach God.
• Devotional music (qawwali) is one way of coming nearer to God.
• Fasts and rituals are not essential to reach God.

Why do Sufi dance?

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes universal love, peace, acceptance of various spiritual paths and a mystical union with the divine. Their dance is a traditional form of Sufi worship, a continuous twirling with one hand pointed upward reaching for the divine and the other hand pointed toward the ground.

What relevance does Sufism have in today’s world?

Today’s modern world sufism offers support to the individual by training him in the needed values such as respect for relations and living, appreciation for love. Sufism (tasawwuf) ought to be just as important today as it has ever been throughout its long history.

What is the history of Sufism?

Sufism originated after the death of Mohammed in 632, but it did not develop into orders until the 12th Century. The orders were formed around spiritual founders, who gained saint status and shrines built in their names. There are dozens of Sufi orders and offshoots.

What is the similarities between Bhakti movement and Sufism?

Both Sufi and Bhakti movements emphasised on the feeling of universal brotherhood and religious tolerance. As a result, an environment of mutual love and respect was created among different sections of society. The Bhakti and Sufi saints preached their teachings in the local language.

Why was Sufism popular in India?

Sufism helped the assimilation of the Afghani Delhi Sultanate rulers within mainstream society. By building a syncretic medieval culture tolerant and appreciative of non-Muslims, Sufi saints contributed to a growth of stability, vernacular literature, and devotional music in India.

Why do Sufis dance?