1574 Sufi Practices and Traditions of Chishti and Suhrawardi Orders in India (1200-1400 AD): A Comparative Study:

Sufism is one of the most favorite topics among the scholars studying the spread of Islam in subcontinent during medieval period. The Institution of Sufism was developed in this region during 12th and 13th centuries AD. Chishti and Suhrawardi orders emerged as the two leading orders during this period. Though both of them were striving to achieve the ultimate goal of spreading Islamin the region but had some difference in their traditions and practices. For instance, the Chishti Sufismostly liked to remain aloof from the ruling elite. They took the responsibility of feeding each and every visitor,adopted merit in spiritual succession and believed in the legitimacy ofSama. On the other hand, the Suhrawardi Sufis flourished in collaboration with the political authorities. They made hereditary appointments of their successors, sometimes through the ruler, and had a dislike for music. The current study focuses on Sufism as a concept and as a religious discourse, and teachings of Chishti and Suhrawardi Sufi Saints in India. It is an effort to compare thetraditions and varied approaches of the two orders. Moreover it intends to show that in spite of remaining indifferent in their orientations, their mutual relations were persistently cordial because both aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of serving Islam.