SUFISM TO WIPE OUT THE IDEOLOGICAL HETERODOXY

It is unfolded as well as the glazing of the sun, that the Sufi saints had a prominent role in the propagation and dissemination of holy religion, Islam. Because, since the end of the Abbasid caliphate, the proud of Islam began to degrade due to the rise of Wahabism and Shiism.

Thus, in this particular scenario, after the ninth century, the Sufi saints who lived in several parts of the world began to think seriously and deeply about the viable solutions to curb the growth of innovations (bidath) and understand people the truth (orthodoxy) of Islam.

Henceforth, small thareeqas (Sufi paths) were organized at every corner which, later contributed number of celebrated Sufi saints. Everything happened at the end of 12th century. People were deeply influenced and pleased in these Sufi orders. There occurred a flow of people of different religion to Islam. Among these, the major Sufi-philosophical thoughts during the era were two, mairooful kharkee’s “the individuality/Unity” (vahdanittath) and of Junaidul Baghdadi.

It is to be noted that, along with the rise of those Sufi thareeqas, the was a strong need for certain Sufi centers so as to make people aware and teach them the Islamic laws and Sufi paths. Those centers were called ‘Zaviya’ and ‘Qanqavis’. Then the first Zaviya was set up in Turkey in the memory of Rabiyathul Adabiyya.

In the history of Islam, 1258 has plenty of significance. It was in this year Mongols conquered Bagdad which was known for the circle of Sufi engagements. The condition compelled the Sufis travel to neighboring countries. Thus, a lot of regions became empty of Sufis. Some of these Sufis reached North India, Aleppo, Yemen etc.

It must be pointed out that while Sufism expanded all over the world, Shiism began to disintegrate. The outstanding works of Sufis then were, mesnevi of Jalaludhin Rumi, manthiqu their of Fareedudheen Athur and many other also. These contributions had greatly influenced the culture of people.

The period from 13th to 18th century was golden era of Sufis also. Although, by the end of 18th century, people following thareeqas started considering maqams (Sufi shrines) for mere economic benefit. It enabled Shiites and Wahabis grow up into the public sphere more as extreme powers throughout the world. Another important factor that led to the destruction of Sufi thareeqas was the westernization dissolved in the daily lifestyle of people.

If we open our eyes into the contemporary situations of Middle East, we could notice the Islamic countries of here being victimized for terrorist activities. The reality is that the root of every terrorist group like Islamic state, Al-Qaida and other factions lies in the concepts of Wahabism. So it is to be realized that the organization and works of Sufis can only prevent the terrorist and Wahabi ideologues. Hence, the assemblies like the Sufi conference held at New Delhi are to be appreciated. Even though we can dream a better future of Islamic world defeating the Wahabism, terrorism, Shiism and similar ones, “change is only one thing which cannot change”.

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