Question

With reference to Sufism, which of the following terms refers to the pilgrimage to Sufi shrines?
1. Sama
2. Futuh
3. Fanna
4. Ziyarat

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Ziyarat

The correct answer is Ziyarat.

• Pilgrimage, called ziyarat, to tombs of Sufi saints is prevalent all over the Muslim world.
• This practice is an occasion for seeking the Sufi's spiritual grace (Barakat).
• Worship at Sufi shrines is called ‘Ziyarat’. Dancing and singing especially Qawwali, were part of such worship.
• Sufi saints believe that reciting the name of God (Zikra) and listening (Sama).
• Chisti Sama was popularised by Amir Khusrow.

• The term ‘Sufi’ is probably derived from the Arabic ‘suf’ word which means ‘one who wears wool’.
• Sufism is a mystical form of Islam, a school of practice that focuses on the spiritual search for God and shuns materialism.
• There were twelve silsilas or orders under the Bashara. The most important ones were Chisti, Suhrawardi, etc.
• Bashara is a Sufi order in which the Sufi saints obey Islamic laws.
• The most important saint of Chisti order was Moinuddin Chishti, who died in 1236 in Ajmer. His resting place is the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• Suhrawardi order was founded by Abdul-Wahid Abu Najib as-Suhrawardi.