Bhakti-Sufi Traditions Test - 1

The "Worship of idols" is the aspect that not common to both Bhakti movement and Sufi movement.

The Ulama are scholars of Islamic law and theology who possess specialized knowledge of Islamic scriptures, jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (aqidah), and other disciplines related to Islam. They play a crucial role in interpreting religious texts, issuing legal opinions (fatwas), teaching Islamic sciences, and guiding the Muslim community in matters of faith and practice.

Nalayira Divyaprabandham, frequently described as Tamil Veda is an anthology of compositions by the Alvars.

Basa Vanna was a 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and poet who played a crucial role in the development of the Lingayatism or Veerashaiva tradition in Karnataka, India. His teachings emphasized social equality, rejection of caste hierarchy, devotion to the personal god Shiva, and ethical living. The followers of Basa Vanna are known as Vira Shaivites or Lingayats. They form a significant religious community in Karnataka and other parts of South India.

'Silsila' is an Arabic word, which means a 'chain'. In Sufism, it stands for 'lineage'. A number of silsilas became popular in India during the Sultanate period. 

Sufism was a liberal reform movement within Islam. It had its origin in Persia and spread into India in the 11th century.

The Lingayat movement, also known as Veerashaivism, emerged in Karnataka during the 12th century under the leadership of Basava and his followers. Lingayatism rejected many traditional Hindu practices, including the caste system, and emphasized equality, social justice, and devotion to Lord Shiva.

A more general term for these migrant communities was mlechchha, indicating that they did not observe the norms of caste society and spoke languages that were not derived from Sanskrit.

Saguna Bhakti refers to devotional worship focused on a personal deity with specific attributes, forms, and qualities. Devotees of Saguna Bhakti worship gods or goddesses such as Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, etc., with devotion and reverence, recognizing their distinct qualities, forms, and characteristics. This form of Bhakti involves rituals, prayers, hymns, and other forms of worship directed towards the chosen deity.

The classification of Bhakti traditions is typically divided into two categories:

• Saguna Bhakti: This refers to the devotional worship of a personal deity with attributes or qualities. Devotees of Saguna Bhakti focus on worshiping a god or goddess with specific attributes, forms, and qualities. Examples include worship of Vishnu or Shiva in Hinduism, with their various avatars and manifestations.
• Nirguna Bhakti: This refers to the devotional worship of an abstract or formless divine essence, often without specific attributes or qualities. Devotees of Nirguna Bhakti focus on the formless, transcendent aspect of the divine and emphasize inner spiritual experiences rather than external rituals or forms.