Consider the following statements about Sufism -1. They talked about ...
The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.
Key-Points - The Sufis tried to purify their inner self by rigid introspection and mental struggle to remove even the smallest sign of selfishness and attain ikhlās.
- The ultimate goal of Sufism is Union with God.
- According to Sufism, Love of God meant love of humanity. They believe service to humanity equals service of God.
- Sufism inculcated a spirit of tolerance among its followers.
The essential characteristics of Sufism are - Fana: Spiritual merger of devotee with Allah
- Insan-e-Kamil: Perfect human with all good virtues,
- Zikr-Tauba: the remembrance of god all the time(zikr),
- Wahdatul-wajood: one god for the entire universe; unity of god and being.
- Sama: spiritual dance and music to promote their concepts, though music is un-Islamic.
They rejected elaborate rituals but didn’t promote strict asceticism like the Bhakti saints. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
- Their religious outlook borrowed not only from Islam but Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism etc. Most of the Sufis in India conceived and preached divine unity in idealistic monism, and many Hindus found the Sufi ideas very similar to those of Vedantic philosophy.
They believed in the essential unity of all religions. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
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Consider the following statements about Sufism -1. They talked about ...
Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes the inward search for God and the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Divine. It has had a significant influence on the development of Islamic spirituality and has contributed to the rich heritage of Islamic thought and practice.
1. They talked about remembrance of God all the time:
Sufism places great importance on the remembrance of God, also known as dhikr. The concept of dhikr is central to Sufi practice and involves the repetition of sacred names, phrases, or prayers as a means of focusing the mind and heart on God. Sufis believe that constant remembrance of God not only deepens their spiritual connection but also helps them attain a state of inner peace and enlightenment. This practice of continuous remembrance is aimed at fostering a sense of mindfulness and awareness of God's presence in every aspect of one's life. Therefore, the first statement is correct.
2. They rejected elaborate rituals but didn’t promote strict asceticism like the Bhakti saints:
Sufism adopts a more flexible approach towards rituals and asceticism compared to other religious movements. While some Sufi orders may engage in certain rituals, Sufism as a whole tends to focus more on the inner dimensions of worship rather than the external forms. Sufis believe that rituals should not be performed merely as a mechanical exercise but should be accompanied by a sincere and heartfelt devotion to God. They emphasize the importance of the inward aspects of worship, such as purity of intention and spiritual awareness, rather than the outward display of rituals. Unlike the Bhakti saints, who often embraced strict asceticism as a means of renouncing worldly attachments, Sufis adopt a more moderate approach towards asceticism. While some Sufis may choose to live a simple and austere life, it is not a requirement or a central aspect of their practice. The focus of Sufism is on attaining spiritual purification and union with God, rather than on extreme ascetic practices. Therefore, the second statement is also correct.
In conclusion, both statements about Sufism are correct. Sufis emphasize the remembrance of God and reject elaborate rituals while not promoting strict asceticism like the Bhakti saints. Sufism offers a unique perspective on Islam, emphasizing the inner dimensions of spirituality and the pursuit of a direct personal experience of the Divine.
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