Hagiology of Sufi Saints and the Spread of Islam in South Asia

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Advent and Spread of Islam in South Asia: Role of West Asian Sufi Saints. (Fist Phase).  3. The Advent and Spread of Islam in South Asia: Role of West Asian Sufi Saints. (Second Phase). 4. Development of Sufi Orders in South Asia. 5. Hagiology of North Indian Sufi Saints and their Role in the Spread of Islam in South Asia. 6. Hagiology of Sufi Saints of Bengal of Bengali Origin and their Role in the Spread of Islam in South Asia. 7. Hagiology of Sufi Saints of Unknown Dates and their Role in the Spread of Islam in South Asia. Bibliography. Index.

“The book deals with the socio-religious and economic issues of South Asia. The work highlights the Hagiology of West Asian, North Indian and Bengali Sufi Saints and their role in the spread of Islam in south Asia. Sufi Saints believed in simplicity of life, peace and non-violence and the principles of universal brotherhood, equity and tolerance-the hallmark of Islam. In the recent years Sufi thought and practices have been wrongly conceived to be separate from the main Islam and presented as an extension of so-called secular framework. spirituality and spiritual practices are the kernel of Islam so the author has rightly tried to see the genesis and journey of Sufi movement within its natural boundaries. They preached oneness of God among the South Asian masses and many of them accepted their call and the true spirit of religion. In fact the Muslim proslytization of South Asia did not begin with coercion and bloodshed’ the first reversions were mad by its Sufi Saints. South Asian contact with the Muslims began much earlier than its conquest in the eleventh century.

The book attempts an extensive and critical analysis of all sources available. The author critically evaluated the Advent and Spread of Islam in India and Bangladesh; Development of Sufi orders in India and Bangladesh, Hagiology of North Indian and Bengali Sufi Saints and their role in the spread of Islam in India and Bangladesh.

The work provides a valuable material not only for the students and scholars of Muslim History and culture but also for the general educated people (Muslims and non-Muslims) who are interested in getting acquainted with the true nature and message of Sufi Saints and their role in the spread of Islam in South Asia.”