History of India

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HISTORY
Subject

History
(For under graduate student)

Paper No.

Paper - II
History of India

Topic No. & Title

Topic - 17
Sufism During The Delhi Sultanate

Lecture No. & Title :

Lecture - 1
Sufism During The Delhi Sultanate
FAQs

1.

Highlight the features of the Mutazila School.

The Mutazila School also known as the Rationalist School
of Islam believed that they should not follow the Shariat
literally. They should interpret Shariat according to
changing circumstances. They claimed that the Quran
was not the Word of God but was created. Actually they
applied Aql or reason while interpreting scriptures. Thus
they were labeled as skeptics within the Islamic world.

History of India

2.

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What belief did the Sufi saints propagate?

These early mystics were annoyed to see the vulgar
display of wealth in the Islamic world in the aftermath of
political and military triumph in the Islamic world. They
reminded the Muslim community to emulate the Prophet
and lead a life of simplicity and austerity and should not
indulge in pomposity and gay and colorful life. Hasan
Basri and Rabia Basri put emphasis on Namaz or prayer,
fasting and continuous recitation of the name of God or
Allah.

3.

How did the pilgrims of Hijrat sleep and why?

The early followers of the Prophet who performed Hijrat
or those who migrated from Mecca to Medina used to lie
down on long benches known as suffa as there were no
shelters found easily. This is symbolic; since they used to
lie down on benches at night, it implied that they were
prepared to lead a life of simplicity and austerity
emulating their holy Prophet.

4.

Why did Sufism become popular in small towns?

Moinuddin Chisti believed that if Sufism flourished in a
place that constituted the periphery of the Sultanate or

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political power, it would be easier to carry out spiritual

activities in the quiet environment of a place that is
remote from the heart of political power. So they picked
out small towns known as Kasbahs for their activities.
Moinuddin Chisti worked in Ajmer and Firiduddin Ganj-iShakkar worked Hansi.
5.

Discuss the evolution of the Darga.

The Sufi movement revolved around the institution
known as Khanka or Sufi hospice. But later when there
were no learned or charismatic Sufis, the place of Khanka
was converted to a Darga or a Sufi shrine. On the grave
a tomb was erected. So the grave was institutionalized.
So when the charismatic, learned Sufi was not around
the grave took his place.

6.

Define Zikr and Fikr in Sufism.

In Islam, continuous recitation of Gods name is known
as Zikr and constant remembrance of the name of God
is Fikr. So zikr and fikr became an integral part of the
Sufi life.

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7.

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Who is Amir Khusrau?

Ab'ul Hasan Yamin al-Din Khusrau (1253-1325 CE),
better known as Amir Khusrau, was a musician, scholar
and a poet. A Sufi mystic, Amir Khusrau wrote devotional
poems in Persian and put them to music. He is often
called the father of qawwali.

8.

Why did Iltutmish welcome Sufism?

Iltutmish

was

quite

aware

of

the

importance

of

heterogeneity as a part and parcel of building empire in

the Indian sub-continent where the majority population
was non-Muslim. Under such circumstances the Sufis
were more welcome than the orthodox ulemas as it
patronized composite culture and appeased the nonmuslim population.
9.

How did the Sufi Silsilahs help the Sufis?

The emergence of Silsilahs provided the Sufis with the
opportunity to sustain themselves against the assault of
the orthodox elements within Islamic civilization and
culture. Also it characterized heterogeneity; all the Sufi

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Silsilahs did not speak in the same voice which endeared

them to many sections of society.
10. How was the Chisti philosophy critiqued?
The Surawardis, the Qadris and even the Nuxbandis
believed that it is useful to maintain a close relationship
with state power because by receiving state patronage
they can carry forward their munificent activities. They
also claimed that if they accepted wealth it is useful
because they can spend that wealth to help others.