CSS 2012 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Role of Silsilah in Progress of Muslim Society in Indo-Pakistan
The following question of CSS Pakistan Affairs 2012 is solved by Miss Iqra Ali, the best Pakistan Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
In this question, the examiner has asked you to critically evaluate the role of Sufi orders in developing Muslim society in the Indian Subcontinent. So, divide their impact on Muslims in different spheres of life and strengthen your stance through examples.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-What is meant by Silsilah (Orders)?
3-What were the Leading Silsilah (Orders) in the Indian Subcontinent?
4-Critically Evaluating the Role of Silsilah (Orders) in the Social, Spiritual, and Political Development and Progress of Muslim Society in the Sub-Continent of Indo-Pakistan
4.1-Social Development
- ✓ By Promoting Social Integration and Highlighting the Cons of Social Stratification
- ✓ By Setting Up Waqfs (Endowments) to Promote Social Development
4.2-Political Development
- ✓ By Spearheading Revival and Resistance
- ✓ By Influencing Rulers and Governance
4.3-Spiritual Development
- ✓ By Advocating Self Purification
- ✓ By Restoring the True Essence of Islam
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Silsilah (Chain or Order) in Sufism refers to a spiritual lineage that symbolizes a chain through which knowledge is transmitted through generations. The leading Silsilah or Sufi orders in the Indian Subcontinent included Chisti Silsilah by Khuwaja Abu Ishaq Chisti, Suarwardi Silsilah by Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardi, Naqshbandi Silsilah by Khuwaja Bahuddin Naqshband, and Qadri Silsilah by Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. The Sufi Orders played a pivotal role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of the Indian Subcontinent. Thus, their influence was extended beyond spiritual and religious development. The following points critically evaluate the role of Sufi orders (Silsalah) in the social, political, and spiritual development of Muslim society in the Indian Subcontinent. First, they contributed to social development by promoting social integration, highlighting the cons of social stratification, and setting up waqfs (endowments) to promote social development. Second, they contributed to political development by spearheading revival and resistance movements, influencing rulers and governance models. Last, their contribution to spiritual development can be traced by their efforts to purify society from social evils through Tazkiya Nafs. To conclude, Sufi Orders played a significant role in the development of Muslim society by morphing their socio-economic, political, and spiritual life according to the directive principles of Islam.
What is Meant by Silsilah (Orders)?
Silsilah in Sufism refers to a spiritual lineage that connects Murid (Disciple) to their spiritual head (Murshid) and ultimately to the last prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W). The word Silsilah means a chain; however, Silsilah orders symbolize a chain of transmission of knowledge that passes through generations.
What were the Leading Silsilah (Sufi Orders) in the Indian Subcontinent?
The following Silsilah or Sufi orders in the Indian Subcontinent included
- Chisti Silsilah by Khawaja Abu Ishaq Chisti from Persia.It was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti in 1236.
- Suharwardi Silsilah by Shaikh Shahab Uddin Suharwardi from Persia. It was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria of Multan in 1268.
- Naqshbandi Silsilah by Khawaja Bahauddin Naqshband of Central Asia.It was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Baqi Bilah in 1603.
- Qadri Silsilah by Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani from Baghdad. It was brought to the Indian Subcontinent by Sultan Bahu and Mian Mir.
Critically Evaluating the Role of Silsilah (Orders) in the Social, Spiritual, and Political Development and Progress of Muslim Society in the Sub-Continent of Indo-Pakistan
The following points critically evaluate the role of Sufi orders (Silsalah) in developing Muslim society socially, politically, and spiritually in the Indian Subcontinent.
A- Role of Silsilah (Orders) in the Social Development
Sufi Orders played a pivotal role in shaping the social landscape of the Indian Subcontinent. The influence of the orders was extended beyond spiritual and religious development. Indubitably, these orders contributed to the social uplift of Muslim society by promoting social solidarity, social justice, education, and social integration. The following points comprehensively describe the role of Sufi orders in the social development of Muslim society.
- ✓ By Promoting Social Integration and Highlighting the Cons of Social Stratification
First, the Sufi orders played a significant role in the social uplift of the Muslims by promoting social integration. The Chishti order emphasized love, tolerance, and social service, as demonstrated in the famous quote of its proponent, Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (1142–1236): Love all and hate none. He welcomed people from all religions into his Khanqah (Spiritual center, promoting peaceful existence between Muslims and other segments of society, especially Hindus. Apart from this, a prominent figure from the legacy of the Chishti Order, Baba Farid Gangbaksh (1266), opposed the caste system, which was deeply rooted in the Indian Subcontinent. His poetry influenced the Sikh community and has been incorporated into their scripture Guru Granth, establishing a cultural connection between two diverse religious groups. The Khanqahs were open for Shudars (untouchables or low-caste Hindus), promoting love and tolerance for religiously marginalized groups. Next, the orders promoted social integration through cultural integration by developing local languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Bengali, and Urdu to enhance the accessibility of religious teachings to all social groups. For illustration, Amir Khusrau (1325), a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, blended Persian, Arabic, and local dialects. He is also known as the father of Urdu literature and introduced Qawali (Musical Tradition), which has remained a symbol of cultural unity. Indubitably, their contributions created a linguistic bridge between socio-cultural and religiously diverse units.
- ✓ By Setting Up Waqfs (Endowments) to Promote Social Development
Second, the Sufi orders played a significant role in social development by establishing social welfare units. They also set up endowments to support charitable works of the welfare units. For example, the Chishti order was known for charitable works. They established langar (community kitchens) that provided food to the needy and poor people. Also, they developed lodging facilities providing shelters. Then, Bahauddin Zakariya (1267) from the Suharwardi Order established a waqf system in Multan. The waqf funded higher education schools, Madrassa, and hospitals. They played a vital role in urban development by raising funds for construction projects, such as roads and wells. From Naqshbandi Silsilah, Shah Wali Ullah (1762) led a waqf-based educational movement. The movement was a significant part of his reform or revival movement. For example, he used waqfs or endowments to revive Islamic education by funding madrassa-trained scholars. Later, the scholars contributed to bringing social and economic reforms against exploitation by the British.
B- Role of Silsilah (Orders) in the Political Development
Besides, the Sufi orders influenced rulers in governance and decision making. Moreover, they played a significant role in shaping public consciousness. The impact of their teachings reached a massive population and impacted later historical developments.
- ✓ By Spearheading Revival and Resistance
First, the Naqshbandi Sufi Order or Silsilah played a significant role in resisting the heterodox policies of Mughal emperors, such as the syncretic cult or Deen-i-Ilahi by Akbar. Apart from this, on the advent of British colonialism in the Indian Subcontinent, many prominent figures who had affiliations with the Sufi order led revival and resistance movements, reversing the Muslim’s steep decline from political power. For illustration, the letters of Mujtahid Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, known as Maktubat-e-Imam Rabbani, who was affiliated with the Naqshbandi Sufi order, influenced Mughal rulers. As a result, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir followed Islamic governance, rejecting his predecessor’s policy of religious amalgamation to secure political alliances. Then, Shah Walli Ullah, a Naqshbandi scholar, led a resistance movement against Maratha power to curb their dominance, reverting the decline of Mughal power in the Indian Subcontinent.
- ✓ By Influencing Rulers and Governance
Then, the leading figures of the Chishti order, namely Baba Farid (1265), Moinuddin Chisti (1236), and Nizamuddin Auliya (1325), played a prominent role in the political development by influencing the decision of Mughal rulers and governance models. For example, the Chishti order promoted religious tolerance, and Mughal Emperor Akbar followed the ideal Sulh-e-Kul (Universal Tolerance) as a state policy toward Hindus and Marathas. Next, Shahabuddin Suharwardi (1234), the leader of the Suharwardi Order, maintained close ties with the kings of the Delhi Sultanate as illustrated in his cordial relations with Sultan Iltutmish, and his influence in the Delhi Court. Then, Mian Mir (1635), who was associated with Qadiri Silsilah, relationship with Dara Shikoh symbolized the influence of Qadiri Silsilah in the Mughal Court. The work of Dara Shikoh Majma-ul-Bahrain promoted unity between Muslims and Hindus. His approach was influenced by Sufi thought.
C- Role of Silsilah (Orders) in the Spiritual Development
The following points illustrate the influence of Sufi Orders on the spiritual and moral development of Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent.
- ✓ By Advocating Self Purification
Indubitably, the Sufi orders (Silsilah) played a significant role in the spiritual development of Muslim society by promoting self-purification or Tazkiya-i-Nafs (Purification of the soul from evils). For illustration, the Chishti Order promoted Tazkiyya through love, service, and renunciation of materialism. However, it did not encourage renunciation from worldly affairs because Islam prohibited complete exit from socio-political activities while providing the right path to follow in worldly tasks. Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti (1236), the proponent of the Chishti order, said Love all and hate none. Mere talk of peace will avail you naught. Mere talking to god and religion will not take you far. Bring out all the latent powers of your being and serve the people. It is a fact that self-purification also promotes social order by encouraging ethical life. Then. Sheikh Bahuddin Zakariya (1268), the proponent of the Suharwardi Orde,r followed spiritual discipline in practical life, promoting moral and ethical living. Apart from this, some Sufis also emphasized silent remembrance of God, titled Zikr-e-Khafi, established by Khuwaja Bahuddin Naqshbandi as a source of self-purification.
- ✓ By Restoring the True Essence of Islam
Through fostering self-purification, Sufi orders also sought to revive core Islamic principles overshadowed by cultural exchanges and amalgamation. They promoted Taqwa, Ikhlas, Mahabbah, tawadhu, and selflessness. They guided the true essence of Islam not as a mere religion but as a complete way of life. So, they taught that it is indispensable to transform the heart, character, and actions along with performing religious obligations. For illustration, Khuwaja Moinuddin Chisti emphasized service to humanity as a source to connect with the divine power, Allah Almighty.
Conclusion
To conclude, Sufi Orders played a significant role in the development of Muslim society by morphing their socio-economic, political, and spiritual life in accordance with the directive principles of Islam. Their influence on the orders was extended beyond spiritual and religious development. The following points critically evaluate the role of Sufi orders (Silsalah) in the social, political, and spiritual development of Muslim society in the Indian Subcontinent. First, they contributed to social development by promoting social integration, highlighting the cons of social stratification, and setting up waqfs (endowments) to promote social development. Second, they contributed to political development by spearheading revival and resistance movements, influencing rulers and governance models. Last, their contribution to spiritual development can be characterized by their efforts to purify society from social evils through Tazkiyya Nafs.
CSS 2012 Solved Pakistan Affairs
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
Looking for the last ten years of CSS and PMS Solved Essays and want to know how Sir Kazim’s students write and score the highest marks in the essays’ papers? Then, click on the CSS Solved Essays to start reading them.
CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
Want to read the last ten years’ General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers to learn how to attempt them and to score high? Let’s click on the link below to read them all freely. All past papers have been solved by Pakistan’s top CSS GSA coach having the highest score of their students.
General Science & Ability Solved Past Paper
