ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a critical appreciation of Sufi practices and the whole argument on their lawfulness in the light of the sources of Islamic traditions. It looks at the various forms of music recommended in Chishti Sufi circles of the Delhi Sultanate, and the arguments defending their legitimacy in the light of the classical sources of Islam, amidst the clamour for their suppression. Nizam-ud-Din is also quoted as saying that the body movement that is generated in remembering God in ecstasy is mustahab a recommended or allowed practice, and if the intention is for some carnal pleasure, it is haram. Nizam-ud-Din’s interest in music and particular verses which touched his soul and created ecstasy in him would become very popular in the large circle of his followers. In order to convince Sultan Ghiyas-ud-Din, Nizam-ud-Din’s opponents collected the works relating to music in the shari‘at which were used to issue fatwas against Hamid-ud-Din Nagauri and presented them to the ruler.
