2.7.4. Sufis and the State

A major feature of the Chishti tradition was austerity, including maintaining a distance from worldly power. However, this was by no means a situation of absolute isolation from political power. The sufis accepted unsolicited grants and donations from the political elites. The Sultans in turn set up charitable trusts (auqaf) as endowments for hospices and granted tax-free land (inam).

The Chishti tradition emphasized a simple, ascetic lifestyle, distancing themselves from political entanglements. However, they still engaged with the political world by accepting donations from rulers. This relationship was beneficial; while sufis maintained their moral authority through austere living, the rulers gained legitimacy and popularity by associating themselves with these revered figures. For example, the establishment of hospices funded by grants allowed sufis to serve the community, strengthening their influence.

Think of a local non-profit organization that relies on donations to function while also promoting community goodwill. Just as the organization benefits from funding while maintaining a mission to help the needy, sufis accepted support from rulers while focusing on their spiritual and community-oriented goals.

The Chishtis accepted donations in cash and kind. Rather than accumulate donations, they preferred to use these fully on immediate requirements such as food, clothes, living quarters and ritual necessities (such as sama‘). All this enhanced the moral authority of the shaikhs, which in turn attracted people from all walks of life.

Sufis prioritized immediate needs over accumulation of wealth. Their focus on using donations to help others and maintain their hospices increased their moral authority in society. This made them appealing figures to the general populace and rulers alike, as the sufis were seen as genuine spiritual guides who contributed positively to the community.

Consider a local charity that focuses on providing meals for the homeless. The charity uses donations to prepare and serve meals rather than saving money for future projects. This direct impact builds community support and trust, just as sufis gained followers through their active commitment to service.

Further, their piety and scholarship, and people’s belief in their miraculous powers made sufis popular among the masses, whose support kings wished to secure. Kings did not simply need to demonstrate their association with sufis; they also required legitimation from them.

Sufis were highly regarded not just for their teachings but also for their perceived miraculous abilities. Rulers sought their endorsement to legitimize their reigns. A king's relationship with sufis helped him gain popular support, particularly from non-Muslims, who saw sufis as a bridge between the royal authority and the populace.

Imagine a political leader who aligns themselves with a beloved community figure, like a local teacher or pastor. This alignment helps strengthen the leader's position by fostering goodwill among the community, similar to how rulers sought the endorsement of sufis to secure their power.

However, there were instances of conflict between the Sultans and the sufis. To assert their authority, both expected that certain rituals be performed such as prostration and kissing of the feet. Occasionally the sufi shaikh was addressed with high-sounding titles. For example, the disciples of Nizamuddin Auliya addressed him as sultan-ul-mashaikh (literally, Sultan amongst shaikhs).

While both sufis and rulers sought to reinforce their power through rituals and titles, tensions occasionally arose. The expectations for certain behavioral displays, like kneeling before a sufi, sometimes led to power struggles, as each party sought to establish dominance in their relationship. Sufis, while spiritually revered, resisted being subjugated within the political hierarchy.

Think of a corporate environment where managerial figures expect respect and certain rituals from their subordinates. If a new employee refuses to adhere to these formalities, tensions might emerge, reflecting the dynamics between sufis and rulers during their interactions.

This explains why kings often wanted their tombs to be in the vicinity of sufi shrines and hospices. However, there were instances of conflict between the Sultans and the sufis. To assert their authority, both expected that certain rituals be performed such as prostration and kissing of the feet. Occasionally the sufi shaikh was addressed with high-sounding titles.

The relationship between sufis and rulers was complex, involving both cooperation and conflict. Kings recognized the importance of sufi approval for their legitimacy and sought to associate their power with the piety and popularity of the sufis. Yet, the need for respect and authority sometimes led to friction.

Consider a dynamic between community leaders and local government officials. Even if they work together, differing ideals about authority and respect can lead to disagreements, showing the complexity of relationships between different forms of power.

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