UPSC CSE Prelims 1996

Sufi Practices

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept 'Sama' (listening) is a Sufi practice involving music and poetry to induce a trance-like state of spiritual ecstasy (Wajd).

Explanation Muinuddin Chishti and the Chishti Silsila in general were famous for their use of musical gatherings. They believed that rhythmic music and verses in the praise of God could purify the soul and bring it closer to the Creator.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. He promoted music (Qawwali) as a vehicle for 'Zikr' (remembrance of God).
Logic 2: While other saints like Baba Farid (B) also used poetry, Muinuddin Chishti is historically most associated with the formal institutionalization of 'Sama' in India.

Active Recall

Question

What is the term for Sufi musical gatherings?

Answer

Sama, which means 'listening', where music is used to focus the heart on the Divine.

Core Insight

The Chishti's acceptance of music helped make Sufism more accessible to the Indian population, who already had a strong tradition of musical Bhakti.