Shattari Tariqah
Introduction
The Shattari Tariqah is an important Sufi order notable for its presence and influence in India and Indonesia. Founded in the fifteenth century, the Tariqah is named after its founder, Sheikh Abdullah Shattari. The order distinctively integrates elements of the local Indian cultural and religious milieu, particularly from Hinduism and yogic traditions.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic (طريقة شطارية)
- Turkish (Şattari Tarikatı)
Historical Background
Sheikh Abdullah Shattari established the Shattari Tariqah in the fifteenth century. He maintained a close connection with the Timurid sultans, fostering a relationship that combined political power with spiritual guidance. This integration of spirituality and governance allowed the Shattari Tariqah to flourish within the region.
Integration of Hindu and Yogic Elements
One significant aspect of the Shattari Tariqah is its inclusive nature, particularly its incorporation of diverse cultural and religious practices. Abdullah Shattari himself studied yoga and composed spiritual songs in local Indian vernaculars.
Practices and Teachings
Dhikr (Remembrance)
Later leaders in the Shattari Tariqah permitted the use of Sanskrit and Hindi formulas during dhikr, the Sufi practice of devotional recitation. This concession to local languages was a strategic and reverent accommodation of the cultural context in which the order operated.
Meditation and Yoga
The Shattari Tariqah is also distinctive for its inclusion of yogic practices. This includes meditation exercises that often integrate yoga postures and breath control techniques. The emphasis on integrating Hatha Yoga postures into Sufi practices reflected an open and syncretic approach to spirituality.
Influence and Legacy
The Shattari Tariqah has left a significant mark on the landscape of Indian and Indonesian Islam. Through its willingness to engage with the local traditions and practices, the order represents a unique instance of cross-religious and cultural synthesis. It stands as a testament to the fluid and dynamic nature of Sufi traditions.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Sufi Orders in Islam” by J. Spencer Trimingham
- “Indian Sufism since the Seventeenth Century: Saints, Books, and Empires in the Muslim Deccan” by Nile Green
- “Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam” by Carl W. Ernst
Takeaways
- The Shattari Tariqah exemplifies the syncretic nature of some Sufi orders, incorporating Hindu and yogic elements into its Islamic framework.
- Established by Sheikh Abdullah Shattari in the fifteenth century, the Tariqah thrived due to its collaboration with political powers like the Timurid sultans.
- Its unique practices include the use of vernacular languages in dhikr and the incorporation of yoga and meditation exercises.
Conclusion
The Shattari Tariqah remains an exemplary model of how religious traditions can adapt and integrate elements from surrounding cultures to enrich their spiritual practices. Its successful synthesis of Islamic mysticism with Indian yogic traditions underscores the universal and inclusive dimensions of Sufism.
