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The Sufis have selflessly given guidance to those who have sought spiritual growth, offered support to the less fortunate, and provided food to the hungry, transcending religious boundaries by welcoming both Hindus and Muslims into their midst
Joseph Victor Edwin SJ
The Islamic Studies Association recently hosted a webinar titled, ‘Sufism in the Indian Landscape’, featuring Professor Khurshid Khan from Delhi University as the main speaker on July 30, 2024. During her opening remarks, Khan shed light on Sufism, a spiritual path followed by Muslim mystics dedicated to connecting with God and serving humanity. She emphasized that while Sufism is a term of colonial origin, Tasawwuf, an Arabic term, denotes a living tradition where extraordinary seekers undergo a spiritual journey to embrace a Sufi identity.
She highlighted that the ultimate aim of a Sufi is to attain union with God. Tasawwuf implies the process of becoming a Sufi, wherein, an aspirant on this path endeavours to embody at least some of the virtues embodied in the 99 names of God. She explained that Sufis strive to live a life characterized by genuine inner struggle and humility, expressing their belief through the phrase: ‘I die to myself to live in God’ — signifying their conviction that only God truly exists.
The Sufi way of life revolves around love. Its practitioners like Hazrat Nizamuddin are known as ‘Mahboob-e-Illahi’ (beloved of God) or, a friend of God. Since the journey to connect with God is challenging, seekers rely on a spiritual master to guide them along the way.
Khan emphasized that seekers must progress through various stations (maqamat) to overcome barriers to God’s grace and encounter different States (hal/ahwal) — special favors bestowed by God. According to her, through gradual steps, the murid (disciple) reaches the ultimate objective of his spiritual life — union with the divine.
The Sufis are dedicated and devout followers of Islam. They are committed to upholding the principles of Sharia in all aspects of their lives. They seek to purify their soul through atonement of their sins, and by combating their base desires, in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Central to their teachings has been the emphasis on the unity of God and the unity of humanity, promoting a message of compassion, understanding and tolerance. They have selflessly given guidance to those who have sought spiritual growth, offered support to the less fortunate, and provided food to the hungry, transcending religious boundaries by welcoming both Hindus and Muslims into their midst, Khan said.
The Sufis carefully tailored their teachings so that they are accessible to people from all walks of life, imparting wisdom in simple language, so that all could comprehend their profound message. Their fundamental teachings revolved around the importance of placing trust in God, detaching oneself from material desires, embracing poverty and enduring hardships, and finding contentment in whatever one receives from God.
Furthermore, she explained the cultural aspects of the Sufi way of life, emphasizing the significance of their music and poetry as powerful expressions of devotion that ultimately led them closer to God, who they perceived as both transcendent and immanent.