A Comparative Study of the Similarities of the Indian Religions' and Islam' Teachings and their Roles in the Expansion of Islamic Sufism in the Subcontinent

Different groups of people like the militaries, traders, scholars, and mystics have played a role in the expansion of Islam. Among them, mystics and Sufis have been particularly important in the promotion of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. The present article examines the similarities of the fundamentals of Islamic teachings and those of the Indian practices and philosophies. It uses a descriptive-analytical approach relying on scholarly studies to discover one of the reasons of the Sufis’ success in drawing Indians' attention  towards the Sufi-like manners. The findings of the research showed that the ground for the expansion of Sufism and Sufi-like practices has been prepared in this region due to the certain spiritual characteristics, gentleness of attitude, and kindness of the people. In fact, centuries before the entrance of Islam, Indians had been familiar with some foundations of mysticism in their ancient religions like asceticism, self-cleansing, moving towards God, and dissolving in God. This similarity of thoughts has been one of the reasons for their inclination towards Sufis and Sufi manners.