Social Philosophy Of The Rishi Movement And Its Necessity In Contemporary Times

Abstract

According to the fundamental teachings of Islam, throughout Islamic intellectual history and civilizations two things have remained universal and unchanged. One, faith in the oneness of God (Waḥdat) and; second, one’s dealings with others (Mu‘amlāt). With reference to the latter, it means a person’s religion will be judged on the basis of his/her relationship with the second category in this material world where one needs the other to live in. In other words, in relation to others, a person is known the way he/she treats and deals with others. As such, Islam as a bulk of its contents, has related itself to social interactions and dealings. Because of that, wherever Muslims live, their dealings with others will define their religion. It is historically vindicated that Kashmir has optimized the culture of interfaith peace and understanding in which the Rishi tradition of Kashmir has played a very important role. The person who has approximated and symbolized Kashmiri’s identity with all richness of its cultural genius and spiritual ethos was Sheikh Nūr al-Dīn (1377-1440), the founder and the most revered indigenous Rishi/Sufi of Kashmir. As such, this paper, is an attempt to explore the vision with regard to universal social teachings as embodied in the teachings of Sheikh Nūr al-Dīn and how it laid the foundation for a social philosophy based on cooperation and mutual understanding to axe artificial boundaries for broadening the borders of humanity.