Q. The historical reason for Sufi saints isolating themselves from society was that:
(a) Their mystical doctrine of union with God through love was regarded as heretical and attacked by orthodox Islam.
(b) They preached escapism and worldly detachment.
(c) They found a congenial atmosphere for naurturing their ideas in India, away from social surroundings.
(d) Their views were unacceptable to the general masses.
Ans: (a) Their mystical doctrine of union with God through love was regarded as heretical and attacked by orthodox Islam.
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) Their mystical doctrine of union with God through love was regarded as heretical and attacked by orthodox Islam.
The historical reason for Sufi saints isolating themselves from society was primarily due to the fact that their mystical doctrine of union with God through love was considered heretical and faced opposition from orthodox Islam. Sufism emphasized the personal experience of divine love and union with God, often through practices such as meditation, chanting, and ecstatic rituals.
This emphasis on individual spiritual experience and direct connection with the divine was seen as a deviation from the mainstream Islamic teachings that focused on adherence to religious laws and rituals. Orthodox Islamic scholars and religious leaders often criticized Sufi practices and doctrines as unorthodox and contrary to Islamic orthodoxy.
To avoid persecution and maintain their spiritual practices, many Sufi saints chose to isolate themselves from society. They established hermitages, retreats, or Sufi orders (tariqas) in remote locations such as deserts, forests, or mountains. This allowed them to pursue their spiritual path and teachings away from the scrutiny and interference of orthodox Islamic authorities.
It is important to note that while some Sufi saints chose to isolate themselves, others actively engaged with society and played significant roles as spiritual guides, teachers, and reformers within their communities.
Therefore, the primary reason for Sufi saints isolating themselves from society was the perception of their mystical doctrine of union with God through love as heretical and the subsequent attacks by orthodox Islam.
