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CLASS 15: SUFISM IN BENGAL

North South University Department of History and Philosophy HIS 101: Bangladesh Culture
and Heritage Fall, November 26, 2019

◦ One of the major factors of Islam impacting the subcontinent as well as creating predominantly
Muslim influence in Bangladesh was the spiritual and humane influence of Sufism during the
medieval period. ◦ The word Sufi is derived from the Arabic word 'safa' meaning purity. Sufism
worked for purification of the human soul (nafs) by cleansing the spiritual heart (qalb) to give it
a mirror-like transparency for the reflection of Almighty's love (Ishq). ◦ As one of the mystic
corollaries of Islam, Sufism helped illuminate the spirit (ruh) by emptying it of egoist drives and
filling it with Allah's attributes (Zekr), and also to complete the journey of life with absolute
purification.

Sufism in Bengal ◦ The earliest record of Sufism in Bengal goes back to 11th century AD in
connection with the continuation of Sufism in northern India. Shah Sultan Rumi was the first
Sufi to come to Bengal, when he came to Mymensingh in 1053 AD. Subsequently, Baba Adam
Shah Shahid came to Dhaka in 1119 AD and Shayekh Jalaluddin Tabrizi, more popularly known
as Hazrat Shah Jalal,arrived in Sylhet in 1225 AD. The list of names is a lengthy one.
Sufism in Bengal – Golden Age

Sufism in Bengal – Golden Age ◦ From 1200-1500 AD Sufism attained its 'Golden Age' in
Bengal, being influenced by the diverse Sufi orders ofQadiriya, Chistia, Naksbandia,
Mujaddedia, Suhrawardiyaetc. During this period the Sufis of northern India, especially Hazrat
Khawja Muinuddin Chistiand Khawja Bahauddin, sent their deputies to Bengal as torch-bearers
of the Islamic faith. In Akbar's reignmany religious teachers, including Mujaddid Alf Sani, were
sent to this province, where they continued preaching their faith -- Islam -- among non-believers.