Preserving Sufi Heritage: Confronting the Threats of Right-Wing Extremism and Wahhabi Ideology in India

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 27 August 2024 Rise Of Right-Wing Groups, Both External And Internal, Targeting Sufi Shrines And Saints In India Emphasises The Importance Of Preserving Sufi Traditions Against The Divisive Wahhabi Ideology, Which Threatens Religious Harmony And Cultural Heritage Main Points: 1. Right-Wing Groups: Both external and internal right-wing groups are targeting Sufi shrines and saints in India. 2. Wahhabi Ideology: This ideology opposes Sufi traditions, promoting extremism and intolerance. 3. Importance of Shrines: Sufi shrines play a key role in promoting peace, unity, and cultural heritage in society. 4. Historical Legacy: Sufi saints have historically spread Islam’s message of love and peace in India. 5. Preservation: There is a need to protect Sufi heritage and resist divisive ideologies to maintain societal harmony. ----- In today's society, two types of right-wing groups are increasingly visible: one that is external and targets our shrines, Sufi saints, and elders, and another that is emerging from within our community, driven by fanaticism inspired by Wahhabi ideology. Both of these groups pose significant threats to our spiritual and cultural heritage. While external right-wing groups are openly hostile to Sufi traditions and sanctuaries, the internal group—consisting of individuals from our own community—also opposes shrines and Sufi traditions, attempting to declare them outside the fold of Islam. This internal right-wing faction is as dangerous as the external ones because it undermines our unity from within. Increasing Attacks on Shrines and Their Impact External right-wing groups frequently target Sufi shrines, viewing them as symbols of religious pluralism that must be eradicated. These groups desecrate the sanctity of these shrines and attempt to destroy them to spread communalism and intolerance. The attacks are often justified under the guise of "purifying" religion but are in reality a means of asserting a rigid, exclusionary ideology that rejects the syncretic traditions which have been a hallmark of South Asian Islam. For example, in recent years, there have been several attacks on shrines across India and Pakistan, such as the bombing of the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore and the attack on the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern aimed at eradicating the influence of Sufism and its message of peace and inclusivity. Internally, the right-wing group inspired by Wahhabi ideology also supports these attacks and tries to justify them by claiming that ‘shrines are not a part of Islam and should be abolished.’ They argue that visiting shrines and seeking the intercession of saints constitutes 'shirk' (idolatry), a concept that is vehemently opposed in Wahhabi doctrine. This group sees the presence of Sufi traditions as an impurity within Islam that needs to be cleansed. The Rise of Wahhabi Extremism and Its Role The emergence of Wahhabi extremism has catalysed a dangerous right-wing faction within our society that opposes Sufi traditions, shrines, and revered elders of the faith. Wahhabism, which originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 18th century, is a puritanical form of Islam that rejects many traditional practices, including Sufism. Over the past century, Wahhabi ideology has spread globally, often through well-funded campaigns that aim to reshape Islamic thought and practice. This ideology views shrines and other symbols of Sufi practice as innovations ('bid’ah') that deviate from their interpretation of Islam's original teachings. This extreme stance not only alienates those who follow Sufi traditions but also threatens the broader social fabric by promoting a divisive and intolerant interpretation of Islam. In India, Wahhabi ideology has found fertile ground among certain groups who, influenced by external funding and ideological support, have begun to oppose Sufi practices and preach against the veneration of saints and shrines. This internal faction is attempting to erase centuries of spiritual and cultural history, which has been shaped by the teachings of Sufi saints. The Importance of Shrines and Sufi Saints Shrines and Sufi saints have played a crucial role in maintaining peace and harmony in Indian society for centuries. The syncretic nature of Sufism, which emphasises love, compassion, and devotion to God, has allowed it to bridge gaps between different communities. This inclusive approach has made Sufi shrines a place of solace and spirituality not just for Muslims but also for people of other faiths. The shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, for example, attracts millions of pilgrims every year from diverse religious backgrounds. Such places symbolise a shared cultural heritage that has historically protected society from extremism and has fostered a spirit of unity and brotherhood. The role of Sufi saints in promoting social harmony cannot be overstated—they have been vital in spreading the message of peace and tolerance across the subcontinent. The Dangerous Mindset of Wahhabi Ideology and Internal Right-Wing Groups The right-wing group within our society, inspired by Wahhabi ideology, spreads hatred against shrines and attempts to declare Sufi saints outside the fold of Islam. They insult Sufi traditions and elders under a narrow interpretation of Islam, which they believe purges the faith of 'impurities.' This group overlooks the profound spiritual and cultural contributions of Sufi saints, who are symbols of Islamic preaching and love. Historically, Sufi saints have been the torchbearers of Islam in India, guiding countless individuals towards the faith with their emphasis on love, humility, and spiritual discipline. These saints dedicated their entire lives to spreading the message of Islam and establishing peace, often at great personal risk. Their teachings have provided a counter-narrative to the rigid and literalist interpretations of Islam that are now being propagated by Wahhabi-inspired groups. Ignoring History: Where Did the Roots of Hatred Come From? It is crucial to consider the origins of this hatred. Why does this ideology oppose the elders who taught our ancestors the Kalma (Islamic declaration of faith) and who are responsible for our Islamic identity today? If we support attacks on shrines today, this same ideology will likely target our mosques and homes tomorrow. The roots of this hatred lie in a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Islamic teachings, driven by external influences and a desire to control religious narratives for political gains. Historically, Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Baba Farid, and Nizamuddin Auliya, Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, Akhtar Raza Khan played a vital role in spreading Islam in the Indian subcontinent through their teachings and practices. They emphasised the essence of Islam, which is about submission to God, love, compassion, and social justice. The current wave of extremism, however, disregards these teachings in favour of a narrow, rigid interpretation that suits a particular agenda. The Dangerous Consequences of Wahhabi Ideology Wahhabi ideology not only opposes shrines and Sufi traditions but also promotes extremism and intolerance within society. By fostering hatred and division, this ideology weakens religious harmony and unity. The consequences of this are severe: a divided society, prone to conflict and discord, where mutual respect and understanding are eroded. The rise of such ideologies has coincided with increased sectarian violence and radicalization within Muslim communities worldwide. This trend, if left unchecked, threatens to destabilise societies and undermine centuries of peaceful coexistence between different religious and cultural groups. The Teachings of Ala Hazrat: An Inspiration The teachings of Imam of the Ahl al-Sunnah, Ala Hazrat Fazile Barelvi, offer a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and respect for our spiritual heritage: Aur Tum Par Mere Aaqa Ki Inayat Na Sahi Najdiyo! Kalma Padhane Ka Bhi Ehsaan Gaya Aaj Le Unki Panaah, Aaj Madad Maang Unse Phir Na Maanenge Qiyamat Mein Agar Maan Gaya "And even if you don’t have my master's favour on you Najdi (Wahhabis), you have even forgotten the favour of being taught the Kalma Seek refuge with them today, ask for their help They will not accept on the Day of Judgment if you do not accept now." This poem underscores the importance of recognizing and honouring the spiritual legacy of our elders, who played a crucial role in the spread of Islam and the nurturing of a spiritually rich and diverse community. Conclusion We must understand the importance of respecting our elders and following their teachings for our society. They are not only our religious guides but also play a critical role in strengthening the cultural and social fabric of our society. Their legacy should be cherished and protected against any form of extremism, whether external or internal. It is our responsibility to safeguard our society from the influence of Wahhabi extremism and right-wing groups. By doing so, we preserve our religious and cultural heritage and ensure that future generations can continue to draw inspiration from the teachings of Sufi saints and the inclusive, pluralistic spirit they embodied. Our unity in preserving this heritage is paramount. We must come together, irrespective of our differences, to reject the divisive ideologies that threaten to tear apart the very fabric of our society. By standing firm against extremism, we honour the memory of our saints and protect the peace and harmony they worked so hard to establish. --- Sahil Razvi is an author and research scholar specializing in Sufism and history. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/sufi-heritage-right-wing-extremism-wahhabi-ideology-india/d/133048 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism