Aayu Publications

Sufism is in tune with Secularism. The founders of Sufis came from a mixed urban population and their ideals of tolerance were born out of their experience in interacting with people of other faiths. Sufism is an adoptive and universal creed. Sufis were far ahead of their time and accepted any faith into their fold. Sufis advocated tolerance and encouraged interfaith harmony. Sufi mystics lived in multicultural societies and many of their followers were Sikhs, Hindus, or Muslims. Bulleh Shah breaks down the division between Hinduism and Islam to claim that all holy men belonged to the human order and should thus be embraced by all humans equally. Some of the Sufi writings have been liberally included in the holy book for Sikhs. One of the most interesting observations about Sufis is that they encouraged their disciples to separate politics and spirituality. Sufism decrees “that Mosque and State must be separated, but not in order to preserve the State, but in order to preserve religion or spirituality itself” (Sofia, A Sufi Metamorphosis). Sufis have foreseen the consequences of mixing politics and religion and how it would damage the faith in God and result in bloodshed and ruin the progress of humanity. Shah Husssain states, ” Kings are busy in their kingdoms, the moneylenders are collecting their debts and the tiller is concerned about his village. We only seek the pleasure of our Lord.” In simple terms, let people live spiritually and happily in their faith and God. It is not for the politicians to decide what faith one adopts or sow the seed of separation by action and words. Hinduism advocates tolerance and universal happiness. Here is a quote: Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayah SarveBhadrani Pasyantu Ma Kaschid-dukha –bhag -bhavet May all be happy May all be free from disabilities May all behold what is auspicious May none suffer from sorrow The Sufi mystics say that one should emulate the ideas of equality and love and humanity that their Prophet imbued. The book gives an insight into the lives of a few select Sufis whose life will lead us from the unreal to the real and co-exist as human beings.