Ways in which the Sufis interacted with medieval Indian society and politics (Essay Sample)

Surname Instructor Course Date Ways in which the Sufis interacted with medieval Indian society and politics Scholars have defined Sufism as the mystical, inner and spiritual aspect of Islam (Digby 234). The Sufis are the early Islam believers of Islam who introduced the religion in Medieval Indian societies. One way of Sufi interaction with early Indian societies was through congruence and war (Digby 245). The early Indians did not readily accept Sufism and it had to be forced on to them by conquering them. One such conflict took place at Amir Timur in 1398 (Huey 21). The conflict led to the loss of life, many of the ancients Indians were also held captives as slaves. Besides battles, the Sufis, and medieval Indians participated together in religious functions. It was during such functions that Islamic teachings took place (Awliya 106). For instance, the practice of passing Baraka to worshippers took place at Khurasan. The entire subject of morality in relationship to Islam was taught (Aquil 34). Repentance was emphasized during these meetings, and they were taught that a person who repents after having lived a sinful life was equal to another who never sinned at all in the eyes of Allah (Muzaffar 67). The Sufis and medieval Indians had common madrasas where the Sufi history was taught. In this Madrasas, they Sufis emphasized that leadership was an ordination of the highest God. Most of the classes took place at the Sultan’s palace (Ernst 322). Other subjects taught in these classes included Islamic architecture, how to mobilize resources for the construction of places of worship, Islamic way of life, sharia laws and so on (Ernst 133). The Sufi interaction with medieval Indian societies had a great impact on their lives. It led to a change of life to accommodate the Sufi’s way of life; this can be seen in their shared religion and culture. ...