Page 55 - Seekers Guide Book

The Seeker’s Guide
Khanam 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 8th
century AD, Tasawwuf, in its spirit, was actually integral
to the believer’s life from the very beginning. Tasawwuf
is, in fact, another name for one’s spiritual journey of
the discovery and 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 Islam which 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. Originally, the Sufis held that
meditation was a form of reflection, contemplation and
pondering over the world and nature, as was the case in
the days of the Prophet and his Companions. However,
later the Sufis developed it into a discipline. Generally,
religious scholars regard it as a deviation from real Islam,

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