Sufi Traditions: The living spirit of India’s inclusive ethos

India, a land of unparalleled cultural diversity, has always been a cradle of inclusivity, where myriad faiths, traditions, and philosophies have coexisted for centuries. Among the most profound contributors to this ethos are the Sufi traditions that continue to resonate deeply within the fabric of the nation. Sufism, with its message of love, harmony, and inclusiveness, not only transcends religious boundaries but also embodies the very spirit of India.

The Essence

Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes the purification of the soul, unity of humanity, and devotion to the Divine. The Sufi saints who arrived in India centuries ago became bridges between cultures, communities, and faiths. Their teachings, expressed through poetry, music, and lived examples, spoke to the universal longing for peace and love, making them accessible to people across religious and social strata.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, known as Gharib Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), exemplifies this tradition. His dargah in Ajmer remains a beacon of hope, visited by millions from all walks of life. His message, rooted in compassion and service, continues to inspire India’s inclusive spirit. The langar (community kitchen) at his dargah epitomizes this inclusivity, feeding people regardless of caste, creed, or status—a living testament to the belief in equality.

PM Modi’s Chadar Offering: A Symbol of Unity

In a remarkable gesture that underscores the enduring legacy of Sufi traditions in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi annually sends a ceremonial chadar (sacred cloth) to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of Urs, the death anniversary of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. This act is a profound statement of the government’s respect for the Sufi saint’s teachings and his role in uniting people across religious and social divides.

During his visit to the Ajmer Dargah, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju highlighted the importance of such traditions in preserving India’s rich heritage of inclusivity. Rijiju remarked, “The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is not just a shrine; it is a symbol of India’s pluralistic and inclusive ethos. The Prime Minister’s offering is a message of harmony and unity for the nation and the world.”

Sufi traditions have historically played a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion. The Sufi saints spoke in the languages of the people, using vernacular poetry and music to communicate their ideas. Saints like Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi and Baba Farid in Punjab emphasized the futility of religious bigotry and promoted a message of universal brotherhood.

Their shrines, scattered across the length and breadth of India, became spaces where communal and spiritual harmony thrived. Even in times of social and political upheaval, these shrines acted as sanctuaries of peace and tolerance. The qawwalis and other Sufi musical traditions have become symbols of cultural synthesis, blending Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Indian influences into one harmonious expression.

The writer is the Gaddi Nashin at the Dargah Ajmer Sharif and is also the chairman of the Chishty Foundation.