Abstract
Sufism is regarded as a unique style of understanding the existence of the Supreme Power (God) and practicing His
orders for the betterment of the Society. In the medieval times, Sufism in India evolved into a refined form when
Muslim, Hindu and Sikh Saints spelt out almost identical thoughts which benefited humanity. Out of this interaction,
a new interpretation about Sufism and religion was brought forth by Baba Guru Nanak. Mostly, his sayings,
messages and actions are recorded in the Granth Sahib. His philosophical thoughts and practices originated a new
religion which is known as Sikhism. This religion is one of the major religions in the world. The holy book of the
Sikh religion contains several pieces of writings of many thinkers, philosophers and Sufis. One such Muslim Sufi is
Ghulam Farid Shakar Ganj whose poetry contains significant share in the Di Granth. Farid’s bani (special kind of
poetry) invoke the inward mystical philosophy with different outward expression. He stresses on the self-realization
for God’s realization. His poetry and mystical thoughts left a deep impact on the thought process and practices of
Baba Guru Nanak. This study attempts to understand the philosophy and practices of Sufism in the medieval times.
By focusing on the interaction of Baba Guru Nanak with the religion of Islam and Sufism and Saints, particularly
the poetry of Baba Farid, this study endeavours to understand the culture of Sufism in the Sub-Continent
environment. This paper argues that in a plural society of India a new culture of learning and absorbing the useful
traits of the Sufis for the individual and collective welfare of the society that produced unity in diversity. Thus the
culture of Sufism in India created and promoted peace and tolerance in the society. Whether agreed or disagreed
with each other’s ideas and approaches these great Sufis showed due respect to each other by acknowledging the
influence of others philosophies.
Sumera Safdar, Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, Robina Shoeb. (2019) Sufis, Sufism and Religion: A Comparative Study of Guru Nanak’s thoughts and approaches with those of Sheikh Farid’s, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume 56, Issue 2.
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