Studying Bulleh Shah's select poetry in the perspective of Sufism (PDF)

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2017 in the subject Literature - Basics, Central University of Haryana (DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES), course: M.A. (ENGLISH), language: English, abstract: Sufism is a movement in Islam which came in existence in 8th -9th century. It is known by the name of Tasawwuf in Islamic doctrine, which means Islamic mysticism. It is a state of mind in which one feels ecstasy. In this state one thinks that there is nothing else but all is God. Sufism has its origin in the life of Prophet Mohammad, Sal-allahu Alaihi Wasallam (S.A.W.). This movement started from Arab and stretched throughout the world. It flourished during the period of Caliphs of Mohammad (S.A.W.). But it extended to the different parts of the world by their Sufi Silsilas or Sufi orders, in this system the disciples of Caliphs got their spiritual knowledge from their masters and transmit it to their disciples.

Bulleh Shah belonged to the Qadri Order, which is one of the Sufi Orders. He got his Spiritual knowledge by his spiritual master Anayat Shah Qadri. These Sufi people were very polite, kind hearted, master of spirituality and helpful to the poor and needy persons. Selflessness, meditation, reciting the name of God, etc. are characteristics of their life. Bulleh Shah was a poet who used to express his philosophy of humanitarian through poetry. I have a great interest in poetry, but his poetry really attracted me toward this project. Because I found he was a Sufi poet and Philosopher who has used his poetry only as a tool which spreads the message of love, unity, fraternity and respect to each other, which compels to everyone meditate on human emotions.

That is why I thought it will be beneficial for everyone to know about the Sufism that how Sufism deals with the problems of a society or a nation, where the discrimination occurs on the basis of race, caste, color, class, religion. My purpose is to explore the Sufi elements in the Bulleh Shah's selected poems which help us to learn the unity, fraternity, secularism, respect to each other, respect to each individual and each religion. These are the keys of succession, to become a developed nation, and to maintain peace and harmony in India, which is a secular and democratic country. It also helps us to create an environment for a peaceful global society.