Consider the following:
1. Sufism emphasizes self-discipline as an essential condition to gain knowledge of God through sense perception.
2. Orthodox Islam focuses primarily on external conduct, whereas Sufism stresses inner purity.
3. While orthodox Muslims emphasize strict adherence to rituals, Sufis believe that love and devotion are the only means of attaining salvation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation Statement 1 is correct: In Sufism, self discipline was considered an essential condition to gain knowledge of God by sense of perception. Sufism emphasizes self-discipline as a key requirement for attaining spiritual enlightenment and experiencing closeness to God.
The phrase "sense of perception" in this context refers to inner perception which is gained through practices like meditation (Muraqaba), asceticism (Zuhd), and remembrance of God (Zikr). Through strict self-discipline, Sufis believe they can purify their souls and attain divine knowledge (Irfan).
Statement 2 is correct: Orthodox Islam places significant importance on external conduct, such as following Sharia (Islamic law), prayers (Salah), fasting (Sawm), and other religious obligations. In contrast, Sufis stress inner purity, believing that external acts are meaningless without true sincerity, love, and devotion to God.
Statement 3 is correct: Orthodox Islam often emphasizes strict adherence to religious laws and rituals, such as daily prayers, fasting, and following the Quran and Hadith to the letter.
Sufis, however, believe that love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi) and devotion (Ibadah) are the ultimate means of attaining salvation. They argue that mechanical rituals without deep devotion are of little spiritual value.
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