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UPPCS Mains 2013

Sufi Orders in India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following order of Sufism was against music:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept While many Sufi orders (Silsilas) in India used music and poetry to reach spiritual ecstasy, others followed a more orthodox and puritanical path.

Explanation The Naqshbandiya order was known for its strict adherence to the Sharia and its opposition to innovations like musical gatherings (Sama). They practiced 'Zikr-i-Khafi' (silent remembrance of God) rather than vocal chanting or music.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct. Under leaders like Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi, the Naqshbandis became influential defenders of orthodox Islam against the liberal policies of Mughal emperors like Akbar.
Logic 2: The Chishtiya (A) were the primary proponents of music. The Suhrawardiya (B) and Qadiriya (C) were generally more flexible than the Naqshbandis regarding rituals.

Active Recall

Question

What is 'Zikr-i-Khafi'?

Answer

It is the 'silent remembrance' of God, performed in the heart, which is the hallmark of the Naqshbandi spiritual method.

Core Insight

The Naqshbandi opposition to music was part of a larger ideological movement to preserve traditional Islamic boundaries against the syncretic trends of the Bhakti-Sufi era.

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