Rethinking Sufi Praxis: A Postcolonial Exhumation for Inter-religious Dialogue

Abstract

Sufism, while not a novel religion, is a mystical movement that emerged in revolt against the institutional and ritualistic practices within Islam. It has continued to be the ideal means for spreading the message of peace since the culmination of the prophetic succession. As a way of living, Sufism believes that humans have the potential to unite with the ultimate reality. Love, peace, and tolerance are the three watchwords for Sufism. They give more stress on the doctrine of Sulh-i-Kul (love with all); therefore, it seems that we may consider Sufism as a pluralist tradition. Particularly in India, they played the role of "Bridge-Builder" between Hinduism and Islam.

Historically, interreligious dialogue has played a crucial role in mitigating conflicts and animosities between diverse faiths. By fostering constant dialogue and mutual transformation, we can redirect our collective thoughts and energies from religious disputes to global issues and achieve a cooperative transformation of both global and local cultures.  In this paper, an attempt has been made to explore the efficacy of Sufism in promoting universal love, indulging in inter-religious dialogue and communal harmony. It also examines to what extent it can be considered an alternative to the present-day division-ridden society.