Question

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
1. Meditation and control of breath.
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

• A. 2 and 3
• B. Only 3
• C. 1 and 2
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The early Sufis led an austere, simple life and conversed with people in their dialect, Hindawi or Hindi. These Sufi saints made themselves popular by adopting musical recitations called 'Sama', to create a mood of nearness to God. Many saints like Nizamuddin Auliya adopted Yogic breathing exercises, so much so that the Yogis called him a Sidh or "Perfect". So all the given statements are true.