What role did the Sufis play in the spread of the Islamic religion?

By educating the masses and deepening the spiritual concerns of the Muslims, Sufism has played an important role in the formation of Muslim society. Sufis have elaborated the image of the Prophet Muhammad—the founder of Islam—and have thus largely influenced Muslim piety by their Muhammad-mysticism.

What is Qutub in Islam?

Qutb, Qutub, Kutb, Kutub or Kotb (Arabic: قطب‎), means ‘axis’, ‘pivot’ or ‘pole’. In Sufism, a Qutb is the perfect human being, al-Insān al-Kāmil (‘The Universal Man’), who leads the saintly hierarchy.

What is the meaning of auliya?

In the Arabic language Auliya is the plural of Wali, which means friends, protectors, helpers and may refer to: Madinat-ul-Auliya, Multan, “the city of the saints” Nizamuddin Auliya, Sunni Muslim scholar, Sufi saint of the Chishti Order.

What role did Sufi mystics play in spreading Islam to India and Anatolia?

They were triumphant in spreading their faith because they refused to impose their beliefs on non-Muslims. Their places of worship provided protection to wanderers and eventually millions across the subcontinent rallied round the ideology of Sufism which was simple to digest and easy to practice.

What are the major beliefs and practices of the Sufis?

They emphasized love and devotion to one God and rejected outward religiosity by inspiring people to be compassionate towards all fellow human beings and respect the creations of God. They rejected idol worship and used considerably simplified rituals of worship into collective prayers ( jamaat).

Who are Qutb and Abdal?

The Abdals are headed by their leader, “Al-Ghawth(Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani)” (“the Helper”), who is said to reside in Baghdad. This leader is often referred to as the Qutb, which means “Pole” in Arabic. This leader though unknown to the public is usually sought out by all of the lower ranking members of the abdal.

Why was Qutb executed?

He was sentenced to death for his part in the conspiracy to assassinate the President and other Egyptian officials and personalities, though he was not the instigator or leader of the actual plot. On 29 August 1966, he was executed by hanging.