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Sufism-The Essence of Islam
Saint ABU AL ARA who flourished in teh 11th. Cent. in 1057 A.D. was another great Sufi, who being influenced by In Indian philosophy, gave a revoluationary interpretation to the Islamic doctrines. Henry Verali writes about him in his book "Abul Ara - the Syrian" that he was greately impressed by Buddhist philosophy and was believing in the trans-migration of the soul. He was a complete vegitarian and was not, therefore using milk, honey or leather; He had great regard even for the lives of animals and birds; He observed celebacy and lead the life of a hermit.
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The Sufi idea of "Fana" was quite similar to the Indian concept of Nirwan or the attiinment of Brahman.
Traditional Islam does not recognise music or dance, but many Sufis were renowned poets and Sufi devotional dances are very famous in the spiritual world.
Traditional Islam does not conteplate organised
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