The role of Islamic mysticism in unity and peaceful coexistence of Indian people

Sufis in India spread all over the India the message of love and compassion between both Muslims and Hindus. Their attempt to balance the religious harmony was immemorial. Their preaching of Islam was in very systematic style and manner which inclined the love to the objective. Considering the existing life style and religious and cultural differences, These Muslim saints behaved in a pluralistic way. By their social interaction the Hindu society welcomed them and accommodated with great respect. From the royal family to common people gave them whatever they wanted and the kings especially in Kerala ordered the people to give these saints the lands and helped to build up the mosques.
Sufism had an important part in the formation of Muslim societies as it educated the masses and met their felt needs, giving spiritual meaning to their lives and channeling their emotions. Sufis were also great missionaries who converted new regions to Islam. Its cultural contribution was a rich poetry in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Sind, Pashto and Punjabi, which spread its mystical ideas all over the Muslim world and enriched local literature and identity.
Social situation during the time of coming of Sufis to Indian sub continent was very pathetic. The society was divided based on caste religion and region. It was a period of oppression and dominion. These Sufis moved around putting on the grab of faith in God. They never feared men not even the powerful tyrant kings and rulers. They never people to accept the faith but the people themselves felt the need for it. People were attracted to the Sufis, all that they said, did and approved mad a deep impact on the people. As a result of which there was tolerance, peace, mutual co existence and harmony among the people. Their impact on Indian culture created an integration which no political force could have done. Sufis brought about a synthesis which definitely shaped the very outlook of the people thereby a rare quality of absorbing diverse influences, which was the responsible for cohesion and harmony was brought in.
(abstract)
The Third International Seminar on 'Peaceful Co-existence among Islam and Indian religions March 12 2012 at India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi.

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