Best History Notes on Sufism in India and Bihar available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

Best History Notes on Sufism in India and Bihar available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History of Bihar-9

Sufism in India and Bihar

1. Introduction to Sufism

What is Sufism?

Sufism is the mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam. It focuses on the inner, personal connection between the individual and God, emphasizing love, compassion, devotion, and self-discipline. Sufism encourages the soul’s journey toward divine truth and ultimate union (fanaa) with God.

Entry of Islam and Sufism into India

• Islam entered India as early as the 7th century CE, mainly through Arab traders on the western coast.
• In the 8th century, it spread further with Muhammad Bin Qasim’s conquest of Sind and Multan.
• Sufism gained popularity in the 10th–11th centuries, especially during the Delhi Sultanate.

Adaptation in India

• Sufism in India absorbed native Indian traditions—like yoga, local music, dance, and dialects.
• It appealed to both Hindus and Muslims due to its liberal, inclusive, and humanistic approach.

2. Key Features of Indian Sufism

• Inner Purity over Rituals: Unlike orthodox Islam, Sufism stresses the heart’s purity rather than strict adherence to rituals.
• Love and Devotion: Love is seen as the link between the soul and God. Serving humanity is considered serving God.
• Spiritual Discipline: Sufis practice asceticism, meditation, charity, fasting, and zikr (recitation of God’s name).
• Musical Expression (Sama): Music (especially qawwali) is used to achieve spiritual ecstasy and closeness to God.
• Language: Sufis often spoke in local dialects such as Hindawi, which helped them connect with the masses.

3. Classification of Sufi Orders

Sufi orders (called Silsilas) were generally led by a spiritual guide (Pir or Murshid) and followed by disciples (Murids). Each Silsila had unique methods of spiritual training.

Two Broad Types of Sufis:

1. Bashara Sufis – Followed Islamic law (Shariah) strictly.
2. Beshara Sufis – More liberal, wandering saints known as Mast Kalandars, often without written texts.

4. Major Sufi Silsilas in India

A. Chisti Silsila

• Founder in India: Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti (arrived in India c.1192 CE).
• Main Centers: Ajmer, Delhi, Hansi, Ajodhan, and Deccan.
• Key Saints:
  • Baba Farid (Farid-ud-din Ganj-i-Shakar) – His poetry is included in the Sikh Adi Granth.
  • Nizamuddin Auliya – One of the most revered Sufi saints of Delhi.
  • Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi – Disciple of Nizamuddin.
  • Sheikh Burhanuddin Gharib – Spread Chisti teachings in the Deccan.
  • Muhammad Banda Nawaz – Important saint in Bijapur.
• Core Teachings:
  • Advocated simplicity, service, and tolerance.
  • Rejected political power and royal patronage.
  • Used sama (spiritual music) and even adopted yogic breathing practices.
  • Did not actively seek converts but gained followers due to their humility and compassion.

B. Suhrawardi Silsila

• Founder: Shihabuddin Suhrawardi (Baghdad).
• Established in India by: Bahauddin Zakariya (based in Multan).
• Characteristics:
  • Accepted state patronage and political involvement.
  • Emphasized a balance between mysticism and scholarship (ilm).
  • Believed in a Sufi possessing wealth, knowledge, and mystical insight.
  • Less austere than the Chistis.

C. Naqshbandi Silsila

• Founder: Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi.
• Propagated in India by: Sheikh Baqi Billah and Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
• Beliefs and Practices:
  • Focused on silent zikr (meditation) – hence called “silent Sufis”.
  • Saw the relationship with God as master-slave, not lover-beloved.
  • Strictly adhered to Shariah and rejected religious innovations (biddats).
  • Opposed Akbar’s liberal religious policies and sama music.
• Later Leaders:
  • Shah Waliullah (conservative).
  • Mirza Mazhar Jan-i-Jahan (liberal).

D. Qadri Silsila

• Founder: Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Baghdad).
• Introduced in India by: His descendants and saints like Miyan Mir.
• Famous Followers: Mughal prince Dara Shikoh and Jahanara Begum.
• Beliefs:
  • Emphasized Wahdat-al-Wajood (Unity of Existence) – God and His creation are one.
  • Rejected orthodoxy and embraced spiritual liberalism.

5. Impact of Sufism in India

1. Religious Tolerance and Harmony:
   • Bridged gaps between Hindus and Muslims.
   • Influenced Bhakti saints like Kabir and Guru Nanak.
2. Social Influence:
   • Opposed rigid caste systems and orthodoxy.
   • Promoted human dignity, compassion, and equality.
3. Cultural Contributions:
   • Enriched Indian art, music (qawwali), and literature.
   • Introduced composite traditions like shrine pilgrimages by people of all faiths.
4. Political Influence:
   • Advised rulers and reminded them of their moral duties.
   • Emperor Akbar’s religious tolerance was shaped by Sufi ideas.

6. Sufism in Bihar

Historical Context

• Sufism in Bihar predates the Turkish conquest.
• Early presence of Chisti and Suhrawardi orders.
• The Firdausi order, especially the Maneri branch, played a leading role.

Key Sufi Orders and Saints in Bihar

Firdausi Order

• Offshoot of Suhrawardis.
• Most prominent figure: Hazrat Sharfuddin Ahmad Maneri.
  • Known for spiritual writings and Quranic interpretation.
  • Promoted unity, compassion, and spiritual service.

Suhrawardi and Qadri Orders

• Syed Muhammad of Amjhar Sharif was linked to both orders.
• Prominent in spiritual teachings and shrine-based worship.

Female Saint – Bibi Kamal

• Hazrat Makhdooma Bibi Kamal (Kako, Jehanabad).
  • Revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
  • Her shrine is believed to have healing powers.

Pir Muzibullah Quadri

• Founded Khanqah Mujibia in Phulwari Sharif.
• Preserved relics of Prophet Muhammad.
• The site remains an important Sufi and cultural center.

Notable Shrines and Sufi Sites

• Maner Sharif – Oldest and most prominent Sufi center in Bihar.
• Kako Sharif (Bibi Kamal) – Female saint’s shrine, healing legacy.
• Phulwari Sharif (Khanqah Mujibia) – Houses relics and an old mosque.
• Dargah of Shah Nafees – Major stop on Bihar’s Sufi tourism circuit.

Impact of Sufism in Bihar

• Promoted social reform, interfaith unity, and spiritual awareness.
• Influenced local culture, literature, and folk practices.
• Continues to attract pilgrims from multiple faiths through the Bihar Sufi Circuit.

7. Important Sufi Terms (Glossary)

Conclusion

Sufism played a crucial role in shaping India’s spiritual, cultural, and social landscape**. It stood for love, humility, and inclusiveness. In Bihar, Sufism contributed to religious harmony, social equality, and became part of the state’s rich spiritual heritage. Even today, Sufi saints and their shrines are symbols of unity in diversity, attracting followers across religions.