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Difference Between Bhakti and Sufi Movements| UPSC Notes PDF
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Medieval History UPSC Notes
The Difference Between Bhakti and Sufi Movements lies primarily in their origins, philosophies, and practices. The Bhakti Movement emerged in South India around the 7th century and later spread to the North. It is focused on a personal devotion to deities such as Vishnu and Shiva. It emphasized the importance of love and devotion (bhakti) above ritualistic practices. In contrast, the Sufi Movement began in the Islamic world and reached India in the 12th century. It is centered around the mystical communion with Allah. It emphasizes the interior path of spiritual realization and personal connection with the divine through love, music, and poetry. Both movements sought to transcend social divisions and promoted a direct, emotional connection with the divine. However, distinct religious and cultural contexts shaped their unique expressions and methodologies.
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Difference Between Bhakti and Sufi Movements
The primary difference between the Bhakti and Sufi Movements is that the Bhakti movement was mostly inspired by Hindus, whilst the Sufi Movement was primarily influenced by Muslims. The other major difference between Bhakti and Sufi Movements are listed in the table below:
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Difference between Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
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Parameters of Comparison |
Bhakti Movement |
Sufi Movement |
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Origin |
The Bhakti movement began in South India in the ninth century. |
Sufism may be traced back to the early days of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century. |
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Influence |
Hindus were influenced by the movement. |
Muslims followed the Sufi movement. |
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Forms of Worships |
Bhakti Movement Saints performed Bhajans to honor Gods and Goddesses. |
Qawwalis, a type of music used to encourage religious devotion, were performed by Sufi Saints. |
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Spread of the movement |
The Bhakti movements have swept East and Northern India since the 15th century from their roots in South India. |
It encompasses a variety of continents and civilizations. |
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The essence of the movement |
Scholars consider the Bhakti Movement to be an important social revival and reformation movement in Hinduism. |
It is a religious order for any Islamic denomination and has been mistaken as another sect of Islam. |
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Features of the movement |
The Bhakti Movement shared the divine’s direct emotional and intellectual experiences. |
Sufism placed a strong emphasis on simplicity and austerity, which attracted a large number of followers. |
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Social Reforms |
They were against sati as well as female infanticide. The saints emphasised equality, disregarding caste, and criticising institutionalised religion. |
The Sufi movement promoted brotherhood and equality. Sufi saints also attempted to bring about societal changes. |
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Exponents |
Kabir Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nanak, Meerabai. |
Hasan of Basra, Amir Khusrau, Moinuddin Chishti. |
Read the article on Sufism in India!
What is the Bhakti Movement?
The Bhakti movement is thought to have started in Tamil Nadu around the 6th and 7th centuries AD, and it gained widespread appeal thanks to the works of Vaishnavite, Shaivite, Alvars, and Nayanar poets.
- Between the seventh and twelfth centuries, Tamil Nadu was the birthplace of the Bhakti movement. It was mirrored in the Nayanars’ (Shiva worshippers) and Alvars’ passionate poetry (devotees of Vishnu).
- In local languages, the Saints of Bhakti compiled their poems. They also translated Sanskrit literature to let a larger audience comprehend them.
- The saints emphasised equality, neglected the caste system, and assaulted institutionalised religion.
- The saints were not confined to religious beliefs alone. They were also in favour of social changes. Sati and infanticide were opposed. Women have been encouraged to participate in kirtans.
- The most important contribution was given by Kabir and Guru Nanak, among the non-sectarian Bhakti saints. Their thoughts came from both Hindu and Islamic traditions to connect the gulf of the Hindus with the Muslims.
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What is the Sufi Movement?
Sufism is a Muslim spiritual system in which people attempt to develop a personal relationship with God via interpersonal relationships. It provides a variety of avenues for a person to gain wisdom and get closer to God in order to find inner peace.
- Free thought and liberal principles were important to the Sufis. They were against religion’s formal worship, rigidity, and extremism.
- To obtain religious pleasure, the Sufis turned to meditation. The Sufis believed that serving humanity was the ultimate form of devotion to God. They didn’t discriminate between Hindus and Muslims.
- The Sufi movement had a significant impact on Indian society. The Sufis had close contact with the common people.
- The Sufi movement promoted equal treatment and fraternity. Social changes have also been sought by the Sufi saints.
- In the development of a rich regional literature, the Sufi saints have profoundly contributed.
- Amir Khusrau (l 252-1325) was Nizamuddin Auliya’s most remarkable writer of this time. He established a new Sabaq-i-Hindi style.
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Difference Between Bhakti and Sufi Movement UPSC FAQs
What is the main belief in Sufism?
The main belief in Sufism is the pursuit of a personal, mystical connection with Allah. Sufis seek to attain spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the Divine through practices that emphasize love, meditation, prayer, music, and poetry.
Who is the founder of Sufism?
Sufism does not have a single founder. It emerged organically as a mystical dimension of Islam, drawing from early Islamic teachings, practices, and spirituality. Prominent early figures include Hasan al-Basri and Junayd of Baghdad.
What is the ideology of Sufism?
The ideology of Sufism is centered around cultivating inner purity, divine love, and spiritual union with Allah. It embraces asceticism, self-discipline, and devotion, encouraging adherents to transcend materialism and egocentric behaviors.
Why do Muslims disagree with Sufism?
Some Muslims, particularly from conservative or orthodox branches like Salafism and Wahhabism, disagree with Sufism. This is due to its practices which they view as innovations (bid'ah) not grounded in the Qur'an and Hadith. These practices include the veneration of saints and the use of music and dance in rituals. These are seen by some as divergent from mainstream Islamic teachings.
What is the golden rule of Sufism?
The golden rule of Sufism is often interpreted as "Love for others what you love for yourself." This principle is rooted in compassion, empathy, and selflessness. It fosters a deep sense of interconnectedness and universal brotherhood.
Are there any female Sufis?
Yes, there have been many notable female Sufis throughout history. One of the most renowned is Rabi'a al-Adawiyya, an 8th-century mystic known for her teachings on divine love and devotion to Allah. Female Sufis continue to contribute to the spiritual and intellectual traditions of Sufism worldwide.