[Solved] Sufi Music & God: Muinuddin Chishti's Beliefs

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

[UPSC CSE Prelims 1996]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

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

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the term for Sufi musical gatherings?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Qawwali 2 Sama 4 Amir Khusrau 4

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