Discuss the major beliefs and practices …

Major beliefs and practices of Sufism : In the early centuries of Islam, a group of religous minded people turned to asceticism and mysticism. They were called as Sufis. Major beliefs and practices of Sufism are given below:

(i)    Sufis criticised the dogmatic definitions and scholastic methods of interpreting the Quran and Sunna (traditions of the Prophet) given by theologians. Sufis thus interpreted the Quran on the basis of their personal experiences.

(ii)    They gave emphasis on seeking salvation through great devotion and bhakti of God.

(iii)    They regarded Prophet Muhammad as a perfect human being and preached to follow the Prophet Muhammad.

(iv)    They were in favour of zikr, sama, singing, dance and training of mind, through different methods under the guidance of any Auliya or Pir.

(v)    They gave stress on mendicancy and celibacy. They ignored rituals and observed extreme forms of asceticism.

(vi)    They used to go for ziyarat, to tombs of Sufi saints. Music and dance were also parts of ziyarat. The Sufis remember God either by reciting the Divine Names or evoking his presence through sama or performance of mystical music. Sama was integral to the Chishtis, and exemplified interaction with indigenous devotional traditions.

(vii)    According to Sufis God is one and is all-powerful. Every one is his creation. That’s why all are equal.

(viii)    According to Sufism service of mankind and needy people is as equal to the devotion of God. That’s why a common kitchen (langar) was being run in Khanqah of Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia which was being run on ‘futuh’ (unasked for charity). From morning till late night this kitchen was being run to provide food for all sections of society.

(ix)    A major feature of Sufism was austerity including maintaining a distance from worldly power.