The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was

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Q: 57 (IAS/1996)
The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was

question_subject: 

History

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,197,93,197,64,16,13

keywords: 

{'sufi saint': [3, 1, 1, 1], 'devotional music': [1, 1, 0, 0], 'saiyid muhammad gesudaraz': [1, 1, 0, 0], 'baba farid': [2, 1, 0, 1], 'shah alam bukhari': [2, 1, 0, 0], 'din chishti': [1, 1, 0, 0]}

The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close to God was Option 1: Muin-ud-din Chishti.

Muin-ud-din Chishti, also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, was a prominent sufi saint of the Chishti order in India. He lived during the 12th and 13th centuries and is widely regarded as one of the most influential sufi saints in the subcontinent.

One of the key aspects of Muin-ud-din Chishti`s teachings was his emphasis on devotional music, specifically Qawwali. Qawwali is a form of mystical music and poetry that originated in the sufi tradition and is characterized by its vibrant melodies and spiritual lyrics. Chishti believed that through Qawwali, individuals could experience a profound connection with God and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Chishti`s approach to spirituality was inclusive and accessible to people from all walks of life. He believed that music had the power to uplift the soul, purify the heart, and create a deep sense of love and devotion for God. Qawwali gatherings, known as "sama," were organized in his dargah (sufi shrine) in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where people would gather to listen to the melodious verses and experience spiritual ecstasy.

Chishti`s teachings on the importance of devotional music were influenced by his belief in the power of sound and its ability to transcend worldly boundaries. He saw music as a means to dissolve the ego and achieve a state of spiritual union with the divine. Through the mesmerizing melodies and poetic expressions of Qawwali, Chishti encouraged his followers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and surrender themselves to the divine presence.

It is worth mentioning that while other sufi saints, such as Baba Farid, Saiyid Muhammad Gesudaraz, and Shah Alam Bukhari, also made significant contributions to sufi traditions and spirituality, they may have emphasized different aspects or practices within the sufi path. However, in the context of the question, Muin-ud-din Chishti is specifically associated with promoting devotional music as a means of approaching God.

In summary, Muin-ud-din Chishti, also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, maintained that devotional music, particularly Qawwali, was one way of coming close to God. His teachings on the transformative power of music continue to influence sufi traditions and inspire individuals to seek spiritual enlightenment through the medium of sound and devotion.

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