The Sufi movement came into existence with the rise of Islam as a group of mystic, philosophers and spiritualists talking about divine love devoid of pomp and pleasure, which deteriorated the society. These mystics were known as Sufis and they preached love, which could actually connect the divine with human beings. The string of the Almighty binds all men of the universe with each other and that is why there is a common brotherhood. This preaching took the form of movement as these ideas spread rapidly which were different from orthodox Islamic teachings. Sufism regards spirituality as the religion of the heart and is without any religious obligations.

Rise of the Sufi movement:
It is difficult to trace the origin of Sufism, as it is highly debated and often placed at equal footing with Islam. It is believed Sufism has been derived from the word Safh` which means cleanliness or purity as because the sufists laid greater stress on the purity of mind, body and behaviour. Others believe that the Sufis are the leading men to get Allah`s blessings hence they are called Safhs or Sufis. Regarding the rise of Sufism it might be said that the extravagant life of the rulers after the establishment of the Islamic rule, heightened the need of a more sober way of life which had some values, not just craving for materialistic pleasure. It was believed that Sufism had originated among Muslims near Basra in modern Iraq, and mostly all traditional Sufi schools owe their existence to the Prophet via his cousin and son-in-law Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Among this, the Naqshbandi school or order is a notable exception to this rule, as it traces its origin to caliph Abu Bakr. The spread of Sufism or in real terms Sufism as a movement took place was during 1200-1500 CE, known as the Classical period of Sufism. Sufi movement was propagated from Baghdad`s major Shia areas like Khorasa, Iraq, then Persia, Indian, African subbcontinent and Muslim Spain.

The Sufis
The Sufis reject rational argument and plunge into contemplation and meditation. Some of the sufis were overpowered by ecstasy and frenzy, but sobriety was generally considered essential to Sufism. The great pioneers of this 13th century Sufi movement were four friends known as "Chaar Yaar". Baba Farid Shakar Ganj of Pakpattan [1174-1266]; Jalaluddin Bukhari of Uch- Bahawalpur [1196-1294]; Bahauddin Zakaria of Multan [1170-1267] and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar of Sehwan [1177-1274 ] . Shah Wali Ullah divides Sufism into four epochs, though the four historical epochs were not mutually exclusive.The Sufi who left an ineradicable mark both on India and on the history of Sufism was Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Usman al-Hujwiri, known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, who reached Lahore in 1035 AD. The order of the Chistis, founded by Khawaja Abdal Chisti (d. 966 AD), was introduced into India by Khawaja Muinuddin Chisti.

Teachings
Sufism has got certain special characteristics that have been contained in the teachings. According to Sufism, individual man has no aim or wishes because Allah who is the creator and preserver of the universe guides his life. They have accepted a simple, free life and the Almighty is not cruel, fearful judge or a punisher. He is merciful to the humans. The Sufis sing songs in the praise of the Almighty and have faith on the Pir or Murshid who can show them the real way and means for getting the blessings of the Almighty. The greatest absurdity in life according to the Sufis is the way in which people strive for things like knowledge - without the basic means for acquiring them. Sufism teaches to nurture the power of learning in everyone only then Sufis can speak about profound things to him or her. Only then a teacher can teach these to someone who is sufficiently enlightened to say: "Teach me how to learn." There is a Sufi saying: "Ignorance is pride, and pride is ignorance. The man who says `I don`t have to be taught how to learn` is proud and ignorant."

Sufi movement was important from religious and cultural point of view. There is a huge relevance of it in present times and it has influenced the musical tradtion of the country as well.