Book Title: World of Philosophy
Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan
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based on the series of immutable principles that reflect upon everybody like the rays of the sun. In this stage he does not act or think but contemplate and meditate upon all things with his most intense and purest activities so that the other soul may enjoy its fragrance and beauty. Sufis proclaim,one cannot do well unless he himself is good, nor one can save others unless he saved himself first. Hence, the illuminated personality acts not only for the sake of individual but works for all those who affected and casts its light upon the entire mankind. The illuminated soul means the realization of One and the transmutation of the many in the light of the One. 17 Sufi metaphysics has some distinctive characteristics, means it is to be practiced within the society and not in the monastic life. In support of this we can mention the Prophetic Hadith that bears the attestation, as- "la ruhbaniyata fil Islam", i.e. there is no monasticism in Islam. Here the spiritual and the worldly life both are integrated in a systematic order. Sufis faqr(spiritual poverty) within him elevate himself in the richest position of the world. Sufism can guide the people from phenomena to noumena, from the forms to the essences where alone a religion can truly understood and be appreciated.
Sufism and universal harmony:
At present the entire globe is searching for universal harmony. All thinkers, philosophers, religious leaders, politicians, anchorites are unanimously talking and working relentlessly for establishing universal peace and harmony in life and society as well. Though Sufism is an indispensable part of Islam, but it is not for particular community, rather, it is for all human being and in establishing this attitude they embraced all and sundry and hate none. In their eyes sinner & virtuous, believer & disbeliever, monotheist & idolater, black & white, mumin (pious) & kafir (impious), badshah (king) & faqir (beggar), lover & beloved all are equal. This notion is much more prominent in India. When Sufism penetrated in India they call all human being to assemble in one platform as a result, higher and lower, superior
and inferior barrier became disappeared and they opened the door of love · and faith towards all and established khangah for maintaining universal
harmony. Hadrat Nizam al din Aulia in extending his eclectically outlook uttered- "inn Hindu berathar-e- man ast" i.e. this Hindu is my brother. 18 Amir Khurau , tota-e-Hind (the parrot of India) says-"aai ke taneh zibut be Hindu barry, ham amuz az wai parastish gari", i.e. Oh you! Who sneer of the idolatry of the Hindu, learn also from them how worship is done.19
Sufis are highly conscious for human rights and dignity. They extended their loving friendship to all whether they Hindus or Muslims, Jains or Buddhist, Christians or Jews. According to their intention all human beings are tied up in one relationship like the different flowers of the same garland. Therefore, Sa'adi, the reputed poet of Iran wrote which is still recognized as the masterpiece of humanism an in apprehending its value the UNO written this message for all,
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