The Symbiotic Relationship of Sufism and Politics in the Islamicate South Asia

Abstract

Sufism, the mystical or esoteric aspect of Islam, is primarily seen as devoted to the spiritual dimension of one’s life, but despite it religio-spiritual outlook, Sufism is inextricably linked with power and politics. Historically, the sufi shaykhs as masters of the spiritual domain have engaged with the notions of power, authority and legitimacy. They have engaged with those who have been the custodians of political authority—the Caliphs, Emperors, Sultans, rulers, and their subordinates. In the words of a scholar on Sufism: “The ethical vision of Islam . . . is no less a concern of Sufism than realization of an awareness of divine reality. This twofold conception of truth, spiritual and ethical, gives Sufism room to maneuver vis-à-vis the world: Engaging the visible order of society and the politics governing it—whether as cooperation or challenge—may make no less sense strategically than withdrawal, depending on circumstances.” 2 Historically, the relationship of the sufis and the state or political authorities has been quite ambiguous and varied, which denies any easy generalization. Evidence suggests the state patronage of the sufi establishments, sufis acting as aides of the rulers, and accepting bounties from them, as well as legendary ‘sufi martyrs’ like Husayn ibn Mansur al-Hallaj (executed 922), ‘Ayn al-Quzat al-Hamadani (executed 1131), and Shihab al-Din Yahya al-Suhrawardi al-Maqtul (executed 1191), among others, being put to death by the political authorities.