Exploring Unity and Harmony in Esotericism: A Study of the Principles of the Maizbhandari Tariqa

Abstract

At-Tasawwuf or Sufism is the esoteric aspect of Islam aimed towards giving access to divine knowledge. Esoteric knowledge is the fundamental principle found in all orders of nature. Esoteric knowledge is the divine knowledge that is universal and transcends all philosophical and theological points of view. Unlike exoteric knowledge that depends on contrastive expression of religious forms and ends with multiplicity, esotericism lies in unity. This unity is metaphysical as it overcomes the plurality of religions and opens onto the esoteric interpretation of religion that manifests as social harmony. Sufism, understood through this esoteric heart contributed in shaping the Maizbhandari Tariqa, which grew with spiritual love and transcendental unity to foster social harmony in a religiously diversified region. Its founder, Gausul Azam Maizbhandari Shah Sufi Syed Ahmad Ullah Maizbhandari, drew on contemporary Sufi orders to mold the Tariqa into a center of equality and unity. This study evaluates the order in light of Sufism, to examine the perspective of Syed Delowar Hossain Maizbhandari, who gave a theological and philosophical shape to the order. The findings demonstrate that the esoteric principles of Maizbhandari Tariqa promote social unity and harmony through its esoteric framework.