Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
A Comparative Study
Wahid Nasaru
Abstract
The tradition of Vedant and Sufism both as doctrines and practices are
firmly founded on the priori that there is a dimension of existence which
is beyond conceptual comprehensions. A mystic and spiritual dimension
that is more experienced than explained. Mystical traditions of Vedant and
Sufism although sprouting from two distinct belief systems address the same
universal human problem of being, truth and absolute reality. Both aspire
and expect from its adherents to search for truth through intuition and
personal experience while rejecting sources of knowledge other than divine
to be authentic . Present paper is an attempt to deconstruct the phenomena
of mystical practices of Vedant and Sufism which defy to be subjected to
explanation and empirical applications, thus are resilient to be reduced to
be confined to time and space; as an absolute is by its nature eternal and
infinite beyond the realm of time and space. Although not claiming to be
strictly a comparative study, the paper takes these mystical traditions as
a general human phenomenon with a few commonalities , in cosmogony,
ritual practices structural organization despite a marked difference between
the universalizing Islam and ethnic religion Hinduism. However in a crude
sense both are cults and fringe religions in a sense that the cults arise to
meet demands not being satiated by the existing exoteric forms held by the
majority.
Keywords
Vedant, Sufism, Exoteric, Esoteric, Aphoristic, Metaphorical, Brahmaan,
Sukta, Aayat, Atman, Unity of God, Mukti, Baqa.
Introduction
Mystical traditions of Vedant and Sufism, although sprouting from two
distinct belief systems of Hinduism and Islam, address the problems
of being, truth and absolute reality. Despite developing in entirely two
different socio-cultural and geographical settings at two different time
frame works, vow for the search of truth through intuition: rejecting
sources of knowledge other than divine to be authentic.
The traditions of Vedant and Sufism: - both as doctrine and practice
are firmly founded on the priori that there is a dimension of existence
which is beyond conceptual comprehensions. The mystic or spiritual
Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
problem of being multi lingual and spanned across the personal and
public library of sub continent, Asia, Africa and Europe. The primary
documents are in Arabic and Persian languages and mostly in manuscript
form and yet to be explored. Absence of such material hampers to trace
the origin and development of tradition in a scientific way.
Same applies to the aspects of philosophy, metaphysics, art, poetry,
ritual practices, which in Vedant case spread over thousands of years
and for Sufism it is transcontinental. Both need volume of expertise
and knowledge of languages. We owe much to the orientalists who
painstakingly brought these masterpieces of literature to the fore for
contemporary readers and researchers. For the present paper entitled
“Vedant and Sufism: A Comparative Study”, the literature reviewed
although but a drop in the ocean, facilitated the construction of a
conceptual framework and a theoretical background. Besides holy texts
of Vedas, Quran and their Exagetical commentaries the review includes
Das Gupta, Surendra Nath (1922,1924), Arthur Llewllyn Basham (1954).
Dawson Paul, Geden (1972), Roy Parret (2000), Ganga ja Nath (1903-
1936), Ghate V. S (1926), Cough (1923), Griffith R.T (1920), Hirayana
M. (1960), Keith Arthur Baredale (1925), Mahadevan (1938,1975),
Max Muller (1887.1956), Andrew Fort and Patricia Mumme(1966),
Radha Krishnan S.(1951), Roy Parett (2000), William Indrich (1980),
Aditya K. Gupta (2013), Micheal Comans (2000).
For sufi philosophical dimensions the works reviewed are Nasr
Syed Husain (1991), Shimmel Annemarie (1975,1985), Sells Micheal
(1996), Arberry (1948, 1952, 1990), Birchardt Titus (1983), Smith,
Grace Martin, Earnest (1994), von Schlligal (1990), Oral Nicholson
(2009), Martin Lings (1956), Afifi Abul Ala (1939), Gibb (1945) and
Hourani Albert (2009). In addition the reputed English translations of
the master pieces such as Kashf Al-Mahjub of Hujwiri, Mantakotayir
of Fareed-ud-din Attar, Fasusul-Hikam of Ibn Arabi, Insaan-i-Kamil
of Jilly, Fatu-al-Ghayib of Abdul Qadir Jeelani and Tohfa Mursala by
Mubarak Makhzoomi were of immense help to formulate conceptual
background of the tradition.
Vedant and Sufism encompass a broad range of ideology and
beliefs by virtue of having branched out in many orders and suborders.
Every other order is linked to extraordinary experiences and states of
mind which render application of a single theoretical model impossible.
An attempt is made to use a contextual approach converging it with
sociological functionalism. The former has a potential to take
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Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
of the reasons that such mystical trends emerge when the customary and
traditional practice seem spiritually stifling.
As mysticism is not bound by a specific religion is more prone to
syneretism and by its very nature turns radical towards strict dogma
and rituals in vogue. Sir William Jhones (1807) while reflecting upon
Sufism states that they were free thinkers and that they had much
more in common with Greek Philosophy and mystical Speculations of
Indian Vedanta.5 For an observer the mystical doctrines of vedant and
Sufism looked same in substance of their meaning and differed only in
expression.6
Sources
The sources upon which Sufism and Vedanta draw are sacred scripture
as both are mystical paths of literate tradition. For advaita Vedanta the
sources to legetamise their metaphysical inferences in Vedas. Upanishads
Brahma Sutra. A group of sacred hymns composed in aarchaic Sanskrit
probably during 1500-1200 B.C.7 The entire focus of Vedic literature
is considered to be the product of device revelation. These were handed
down orally for generations in the form of memorized texts through
Snavana and Surti Parampara before being committed to writing.
Without the twin foundation of Vedas, Quran and Hadiths (saying of
prophet, the vast beautiful structure of Hindu and Islamic mysticism
could neither have been erected nor preserved ).8 Vedant literally
means end of Vedas. Veda and Vedanta. It is by text and explanations
considered to be the concluding part of Vedas. Out of the accumulated
treasures of Vedas the Upanishads
1. ChandogayPanishad
2. Bradara Nayaka Upanishad
3. Mundokoya Panishad
4. Taittniyo Panishad
5. Katho Panishad
6. Praso Panishad
7. Maitri Upanishad
8. Mubti Upanishad are the fountain head of vedant a philosophical
5 “The sixth Discourse on the Persians” in Works, (London,1807) 3. PP.130-132.
6 Sir William Jones, “On the mystical poetry of Persians and Hindus”,WORKS.4.
PP.220-221.
7 Britanica Ready Reference Encyclopedia BritanicaIne vol.10,2005. P.88.
8 Arthur. J.Arbury, Introduction to the History of Sufism, Longman Group, Lon-
don, 1942,P.2. See also Abdullah Suharwardi, Traditions of the Prophet.
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school embodying the crux of vedic thought rightly held that Vedanta is
the fruit of vedic seed which are garnered in the Upanishads or Vedanta
exists in the Vedas like oil exists in the Tila corn. (Tilesu-Tailamiva
Vede-Vedantah Supratisthitah). The Upanishads of many parts being
in aphoristic style and difficult to understand Badrayana culled out
Brahmasutra also known as Vedanta Sutra, Sririka Sutra, Bikshu Sutra,
Uttarmimamsa Sutra which contains essence of Vedanta.
With Upanishads, The Brahmans and Aryakas, complete the
three tier commentaries of Vedas which otherwise contain hymns or
Samithas.9 As far its oral tradition or Shruti Parampara, shruti denotes,
“What is heard” and smirti means “ What is remembered”.
Aphoristic and metaphorical style of vedic texts on one hand and the
time gaps for commentaries and exegetical works on the other, result in
the varied interpretations, often contradictory. The exercise developed
into different schools of thought (Darshan) in Indian philosophy.
Upanishads turned into an Umbrella term for many sub traditions
and doctrines ranging from dualism to non-dualism. However, all the
schools built upon “Prasthantrayi” principle where there is a consensus
that the Vedas are the revealed verse and the ultimate source of
knowledge. Prasthantrayi is a collective term for principle Upanishads,
the Brahama Sutra and Bhagwat Gita. Out of well established six
schools (Dasshans, Astika) Advaita Vedanta presents striking similarity
in doctrine, metaphysics and practices with Islamic mysticism tradition
Sufism. Other schools are Dvaita, Daitadvaita, Shudhadvaita, Nyaya,
Sambhya, Yoga.
The similarity in thought process has strengthened critique with
regard to Sufism that the latter was influenced significantly by the
former. Western and orthodox muslim scholarship is replete with this
mindset and vedant connection to Sufism is the important component
of their tirade against Sufism as un Islamic. Infact before constructing
analogies, it is imperative that there must be something similar in the
state of knowledge and of society where the same causes produce the
same effects. The term Advaita first occurs in vedanti.e context of
Mundubya Upanishad.10 others consider the term from Vedic era and
the sage Vayanavalkya (8-7th CE) told to have coined it in connection
to the verse of Bhidranyaka Upanishad. Its central philosophy that what
9 Klostemaine Klaus, K., a Survey of Hinduism, State University of New York
Press 2007, P.46.
10 Richard King 1995.P.268,
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Vedantism and Sufism: A Comparative Study
created all existence is also present in all; reflected in all beings and
inert matter and that (Brahman) is both efficient and instrumental cause
of the creation, that creative principle was and is everywhere, always.11
Apparently Wahdatul Wajood term appears to be the carbon copy of
this philosophical derivative. The source of Sufism is Quran and Hadith
(theaying of the prophet). Quran by all believers is regarded as sacred
scripture of islam considered as infallible word of god revealed to
His messenger Mohammad. The text first compiled in its authorative
form in the 7th century consisting of 114 Suras composed of Ayats of
varying length in Arabic. By virtue of being sacred it is regarded as
immutable in both form and content. Traditionally its translations were
forbidden and even today translations and commentaries are termed
as paraphrases, in vogue to facilitate understanding. Besides there are
dozens of exegetical works of the Quran and collections of sayings of
the prophet which are equally revered and referred by the Sufis and
non sufis alike. The interpretative aspect of the scripture turns into a
fault line between sufi masters and orthodox established schools. The
historical obscure controversial development of Sufism too was a factor
to draw a wedge between exoteric and ecsotatic dimensions of Islam.
The former emphasizing outward observance of scripture and ritual and
latter for deep insight into scripture and essence of ritual. The growth and
development of Sufism has been summoned by Ibn Khaldun as Sufism
belongs to the sciences of the religious law that originated in Islam. It is
based on the assumption that the practices its adherents had always been
considered by the important early Muslims, the men around Mohammad
and the men of second generation, as well as those who cave after them,
as the path of truth and right guidance. The Sufi approach is based
upon constant application to divine worship, complete devotion to god,
aversion to false splendor of the world, abstinence from the pleasure,
retirement from the world to solitude for divine worship. These things
were general among men around Mohammed and the early muslims.
The special name was given to those who aspired to divine worship.12
Ever since not a single Sufi master (and there is a long list) be it early
ones or the late comers, has challenged the authenticity of Quran or
Hadith as guiding principles. Revelation however is taken by a sufi; a
11 Frits Staal, Discovering the Vedas, Origins, Mantaras, Rituals, Insights, Penguin
Books,2008, P.365.alsoMayeda ,1999, PP.18-20
12 Ibn Khaldun; The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History trans. Franz Rosen-
thal, ed. N. J. Dawood, Bollingen Series, Princeton University Press, 1969.
PP.358,359-367.
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(legal code drawn from the quran). While as Sufi Interprets it is a path
leading to Him and His Divnity. Emphasis on essence of revelation and
hadith separates sufisecsoterism from exoterism, widening meanwhile
a gap of the doctrinal and metaphysical derivatives. However, this
emphasis establishes a special affinity between sufi and the revelation.
Sufi’s decision to seek the right path pushes him to eternal instead of
ephemeral. His practices turn his belief into action and which is not
only mental but painstakingly vigorous which ultimately leads to Him.
Adherence to their essence instead of outward literal places sufi at
the citadel of foremost who by virtue of his practices presses eagerly
forward on the straight path as compared to majority.
Unto all (in faith)
Hath Allah promised good
But those who strived and fight
Hath he distinguished
Above those who sit at home
By a great reward.
(Q. VI. 95)
Same is revealed and interpreted in verses LVI.8.40, LXXVI.5-6,
LXXXIII:8-28. Taking Quran as Al-furqan meaning criterion of
values and discernment, laying foundations for a hierarchy in virtues.
Difference on the emphasis of certain attributes of Allah appears
to be the second most important factor for the wedge between
customary Islam and Sufism. The orthodox scholarship reduces God-
Man relationship to a Sovereign-Subject Relationship to the utter
disregard to the other attributes of Allah. Although Allah Almighty is
undoubtedly the sovereign and supreme authority of the universe, but
the relationship is much wider, deeper and fuller and there is an ethereal
quality about it.16 Before obeying His commands as revealed in Quran,
he must know Him in essence through his attributes and sacred names
also revealed in the Book. Through his understanding He is his Friend
(Habib), guardian, protector, sustainer and preserver besides supreme
authority. The relationship is to be felt and experienced and this is
not physical but falls in the domain of spirituality, to attain proximity
to Him and become entirely His. The mere interpretation not akin to
established explanation does not amount to heresy and apostasy which
16 Syed Ahrar Hussain “Translations Note” in abdul Hasan ali Nadvi, Appreciation
and Interpretation of Religion in the Modern Age, Academy of Islamic research
and publications, Delhi,1982.PP.1-8.
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32. William M Indich, Consiousness in Advaita Vedanta, Motilal Banarasi Das,1980.
33. Yoga : A Philosophy of Religion , Kegan Pal, London, 1924.
34. Zaehner R.C., Hindu and Muslim Mystisicm , New York , Shocken Books,1961.
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