Paper Title: The Influence of the Sufism on the Philosophy of Bengal: A Philosophical Quest
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Abstract:
The primary focus of this research paper is the investigation of the influence of the Sufism on the philosophy of Bengal. Initially, the Sufi was considered a tradition of esoteric spirituality in Bengal, but in truth, Sufism is not just a path of spiritual practice or a secondary religion. Rather, it is a way of life, a method of self-realization. Through the sufian songs, the union of 'Ashik-Masuka' (Lover and Beloved) is depicted, which provides possible answers to some eternal questions of Indian philosophy such as: What is the nature of the self? What is the relationship between the self and the Supreme Being? How was this world created? These questions are answered in the Sufi philosophy, reflecting a perspective of spiritualism. However, this is not entirely in line with traditional spiritualism. In traditional spiritual philosophy, the nature of being is discussed by recognizing the distinction between the body and the soul, and since the body is seen as perishable and impermanent, it is not considered the essence of personal Identity. In contrast, Sufi philosophy views both the body and the soul as equally significant in the quest for the self. Therefore, while Sufism is spiritual in nature, it is not purely spiritual. Sufi thought investigates the self through the body, and in doing so, it bridges the gap between materialism and spiritualism, offering a new spiritual perspective.
There may be doubt; If Sufism is not a traditional philosophy like Charvaka, Buddhist, or Nyaya philosophy, then how does Sufi's theroy of self or personal identity reflect such a philosophical outlook? In response to this question, eminent scholars such as Dr. Muhammad Enamul Haque, Dr. Roma Chowdhury, and Sri Nirad Kumar Ray suggest that Sufi philosophy was influenced by Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, Buddhist philosophy, Neoplatonism, and Islamic thought.
It is widely acknowledged that since Sufism is a mystical practice within Islam, Islamic philosophy has an influence on it. However, the question remains: how has Sufism been shaped by Indian philosophy and Neoplatonism? This paper explores this question, as well as other inquiries such as: How has the philosophical foundation of Sufism in Bengal been formed? How is the relationship between 'body,' 'soul,' and 'Allah' explained in Sufian theory of Identity? What is the philosophical significance of 'Guru' or 'Murshid' in Sufi philosophy? How has philosophical thought been reflected in Bengali Sufi music? How have Bengali Sufis constructed a humanistic philosophy, standing in opposition to religious sectarian divisions? How have Sufi thought, Bengali Baul traditions, Yogic, and Tantric philosophies interrelated? And what impact has Sufism had on the philosophical discourse and ethical life in Bengal? To answers share these questions constitute the main discussion of this paper.
Keywords:Sufi Philosophy, Mysticism, Theory of Self in sufism, Fanafillah, Baqabillah, Esoteric Traditions of Bengal
DOI Link – https://doi.org/10.63431/AIJITR/2.III.2025.37-47
Review By – Dr. Sudipta Halder Maity and Dr. Chandan Mandal