Sufism is largely
responsible for the spread
of saint-worship and
grave-worship amongst the
Muslims. The Sufis, in their
teachings, greatly
exaggerate in the position
of their living and dead
Shaikhs. They claim that
their Shaikhs receive
knowledge directly from
Allah, and believe that even
after death, the Sufi
Shaikhs can hear, see,
communicate and help the
living. They seek Tawassul
(nearness to Allah) in their
supplication by mentioning
the names of these saints
and preach that worship at
the tombs of these saints is
more acceptable to Allah.
The Deobandis being Sufis
have fulfilled their share
in promoting all these
beliefs. In fact,
Fazaail-e-Aamaal, which is
the handbook of the Jamaat
Tableegh, may be considered
as the most successful book
in spreading Sufism. In the
garb of virtues of righteous
actions, it exposes the
reader to all aspects of
Sufism, from monasticism and
abstinence to exaggeration
and innovation in worship,
from complete obedience to a
Shaikh to seeking benefits
from the graves… All these
beliefs have led the masses
to have immense hope in the
engraved to fulfill their
needs - Hope in matters that
only Allah can be depended
upon!
