Question

'In the early centuries of Islam a group of religious minded people called Sufis turned to asceticism and mysticism.' Explain the statement in reference to their tradition.

Answer 1

In the early centuries of Islam a group of religious minded people called Sufis turned to asceticism and mysticism in protest against the growing materialism of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution.

1. They were critical of the dogmatic definitions and educational methods of interpreting the Qur’an and sunna (traditions of the Prophet) adopted by theologians.
2. They emphasized seeking salvation through intense devotion and love for God.
3. The Sufis began to organize communities around the hospice or khanqah (Persian) controlled by a teaching master known as Shaikh.
4. When the shaikh died, his tomb-shrine (dargah, a Persian term meaning court) became the centre of devotion for his followers. This encouraged the practice of pilgrimage or ziyarat to his grave, particularly on his death anniversary or yours (or marriage, signifying the union of his soul with God).
5. The Sufis promoted the idea that love and devotion were sufficient to approach God and were opposed to performing any ritual.
6. The Sufis upheld the notion of equality by not making distinctions based on race, religion, or creed. They became much more well-liked in society as a result.