PLURALISM AND COMMUNAL HARMONY: STUDYING THE
CONTRIBUTION OF SUFIS
The concept of peace and communal harmony and coexistence and the subsequent prospects for establishment of Pluralistic Society in the global context vis-à-vis the role of Sufis has become an advanced discourse of contemporary academic activity. Appreciating and evaluating all discussions and conjectures about communal harmony and also giving a due space to the definitions that are being assigned to it in the modern world, the present paper is an attempt to discover the roots and origin of peace both as a concept and as a process are found in the early Islamic period. Most of the features of the current wave of peace and co-existence, in fact, owe its origin to the persuasion of Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet. March of prominent Sufis in the far off lands, dissemination of knowledge and learning, establishment of khankahas and maktabas, the process of migration, Promotion of Sufi institutions and the concept of peace and justice are some of the features essentially with Islamic orientation which encourages Pluralistic viewpoint at doctrinal and practical levels. The paper as such would sketch out the scope, role as well as the impact of all such factors on the mode of pluralism that has got roots both in the civilization of Islam and Sufi way of life. Furthermore the proposed paper is an attempt to evaluate the role of Sufis and their institutions in secularizing and harmonizing the cultural and civilizational ethos of mankind in all periods of history. The paper is getting exceedingly important in its relevance in present day human circles as Sufis have played a wider role in bringing peace prosperity and co-existence in entire humanity. A Sufi right from his dawn up to desk always creates concept of brotherhood irrespective of color, caste, creed or religion and accordingly their teachings from ancient times till date and in future have strengthen human bonds by their modest and compassionate nature. Sufis are examples in this regard as it is evident from pages of history that their role has been bringing of humans in on circles i:e circle of love and fraternity.