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List of Sufi Saints, Their Contributions, Beliefs and Ideas
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The Sufis saints were Persian mystics or Muslims who organized themselves into various groups and traveled to far-off places in different countries, including India. Sufi Saints first arrived in India in the 12th century and gained popularity in the 13th century. They practice and preach Sufism as a way of life.
India’s art and culture are broad and diversified subjects. The topics related to themes of religious movements like Sufism are very important for the UPSC Civil services exam under the syllabus of Art and Culture in Prelims exam and General Studies (GS – 1) paper. Direct factual and analytical questions have been repeatedly asked about these topics. This article on Sufi Saints will help you to prepare for the Prelims and the Mains stage of the UPSC IAS/IPS exam.
This article will discuss, in a detailed way about Sufism, the background and beliefs of Sufi Saints. We will also learn the List of Famous Sufi Saints & their important Contributions.
What is Sufism?
The Meaning of Sufism is Islamic Mysticism. In Islamic texts and writings, it is known as Tasawwuf. Sufism is the way of life practised and preached by Islamic mystics known as Sufi Saints. The philosophy of Sufism believes in one God and regards every individual and everything else as part of Him.
The Sufi saints preached that ‘God is one, all is in God, ‘nothing is beyond Him’ and ‘one can find God by renouncing everything except loving devotion to God.’ It should be noted that the Sufi saints were seeking to establish a more liberal movement within the confines of Islam rather than a brand-new religion.
Some Important terms related to Sufi Saints and Sufism
- Silsila – The word Silsila means Sufi order which signifies a continuous lin between master and disciple. Examples of Silsila are – Chisti, Suhrawardi, etc.
- Dargah – The word Dargah means tomb of a Sufi Saint. Example – Ajmer Sharif is the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
- Pir Murid – ‘Pir’ means Master or Teacher, and ‘Murid’ means disciple or Student.
- Khanqah – The word Khanqah means residence of Pir(Master) living with his disciples.
- Sama – The word Sama signifies music and dance performed by Sufi Saints.
Who are Sufi Saints?
Sufi Saints are also known as Muslim saints. They entered India in the 12th Century and gained popularity in the 13th century. The Sufis were Persian saints or mystics who organised themselves into several orders and travelled far away. Some of them were homemakers. Nizam-ud-din Auliya, Fariuddin Ganj-i-Shakar, and Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti were leading Sufi saints.
Liberal Ideas of Sufi Saints
Some of the liberal ideas of sufi saints are listed below.
- They seek inner purity
- Devotion and love: the only way to reach god
- They respected their "Murshid" or "Pir" and adhered to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (Guru).
- Prayers are given less importance than dedication.
- Saints of the Sufis were divided into 12 orders. A notable Sufi saint belongs to each of the 12 orders.
List of Famous Sufi Saints & Their Contributions
Some of the famous Sufi Saints of India and their contributions to Indian society are tabulated below. Students are advised to learn this table thoroughly.
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List of Famous Sufi Saints |
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|
Sufi Saint |
Silsilah (Order) |
Contribution |
Picture |
|
Khwaja Muinnudin |
Chishti |
|
|
|
Sheikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi |
Suhrawardi |
|
|
|
Sheikh Nizamat Ullah |
Qadri |
|
|
|
Khwaja Pir Mohammad |
Naqshbandi |
|
|
|
Sheikh Sarfudin Yahya |
Firdausi |
|
|
|
Mullah Mohammad Mahdi |
Mahadawi |
|
|
|
Miyan Bayazid Ansari (Pir Roshan) |
Rashaniya |
|
|
|
Nuruddin Noorani (Wali) |
Risi |
|
|
|
Abu Wali Qalander |
Qalandaria |
|
|
|
Abdullah Shattari |
Shattari |
|
|
|
Baba Farid |
Chisti |
|
|
Beliefs Of Sufi Saints
The beliefs of prominent Sufis and medieval mystic saints are discussed below:
- They advocated strongly liberal ideas and free thought among the followers, unlike the fundamental beliefs.
- They were against formal worship and condemned rigidity and fanaticism in religion in the name of God, which occurred in Islam during the medieval period.
- Similar to the Bhakti Saints in India, Sufi Saints also adopted the way of meditation to achieve spiritual attainment.
- Like the prominent Bhakti saints of the 10th century CE, Sufi saints also interpreted religion as a ‘love of god’ and service of humanity.
- They gave more priority to devotion rather than prayers.
- They believed in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, gave importance to their ‘Murshid’ or ‘Pir’ (Guru), and practiced the Guru-Shishya theory.
सूफी संत – यूपीएससी परीक्षा के लिए सूफीवाद और उनके योगदान के बारे में यहां जानें!
Conclusion
- Sufism has had a lasting impact on religious, cultural, and social life around the world. Its lessons of service to humanity and love for God are still relevant today.
- Sufis were adamant about avoiding religious and communal conflict and aspired to be peaceful members of civic society.
- Sufis helped spread Islam in India by emphasizing the social equality of all people. Sufis were guided to the good life. They bridged the gulf between our societies.
mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. [UPSC Civil Services Mains 2014]
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Sufi Saints FAQs
Who is the first Sufi saint?
The first Sufi Saint was Abu Hashimi also known as Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah according to medieval mystic Jami.
Who is the biggest Sufi?
The Biggest and Greatest Sufi Saints were Khawja Moin-ud-Din Chisti, Baba Farid-ud-Din Ganj-i-Shakar and Nizam-ud-Din Aulia.
Does Sufism have saints?
Yes, Sufism has saints. They practice and preach Sufism as a way of life.
What do Sufi saints believe?
Sufi saints believe in liberal ideas and free thought. They believe more in devotion rather than prayers.
Who founded the Chisti order?
The Chisti order was founded by Khwaja Muinnudin. He is also known as ‘Gharib Nawaaz’ and ‘Benefactor of the poor’. He was contemporary to Delhi sultanate rulers Qutub-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish.