This book is a historical study of Sufism (
Tasawwuf
) with specific reference
to its spread throughout the Indian subcontinent. It deals with the major
Sufi orders, their distinguishing features and the ideology and method of
Sufism. The aim of
Tasawwuf
, to put it briefly, is to attain the realization of
God.The realization of God produces all kinds of spiritual qualities.Although
the term
Tasawwuf
came into vogue as late as the 2
nd
century A.H.,
Tasawwuf
was actually integral to the believer’s life from the very beginning.
Tasawwuf
is, in fact, another name for the Islamic realization of God.
In later periods of Islamic history, the propagation of Islam all over the
world was due less to the spread of the Muslim empire than to the efforts
made by the Sufis..The greatest feat of the Sufis has been the development,
by dint of great striving, of a version of Islamwhich has been found acceptable
to all. This version of Islam is free of all negative features such as hatred,
the desire for revenge, and the urge to perpetrate violence. It is
characterized rather by love, compassion and charitableness. This is why
Sufism became so popular in the medieval world. If the ruling class can
take credit for the political expansion of Islam, the Sufis can take credit for
the spiritual spread of Islam.
In respect of method,
Tasawwuf
places great emphasis on meditation.
The Sufis held that, in reality, meditation existed in the form of reflection,
contemplation and pondering in the days of the Prophet and his companions.
However, the Sufis developed it into a discipline. Generally, religious scholars
I n t r o du c t i o n
