Sufism and Its Lasting Influence on Music, Poetry, and Visual Arts in South Asia

Abstract

Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, has profoundly shaped the artistic and cultural landscape of South Asia, leaving a lasting legacy in music, poetry, and visual arts. Rooted in ideals of divine love, spiritual union, and inclusivity, Sufi thought found expression through creative forms that transcended social and religious boundaries. The devotional practice of samāʿ gave rise to musical traditions such as qawwali, ghazal, and kafi, pioneered by figures like Amir Khusrau and later nurtured by mystic poets and performers whose works remain central to South Asian identity. In poetry, Sufis employed vernacular languages to communicate mystical truths, with poets like Bulleh Shah and Shah Abdul Latif expressing themes of longing, love, and liberation. Visual arts and architecture similarly absorbed Sufi aesthetics, from shrine ornamentation to the Taj Mahal’s symbolic grandeur. This study highlights how Sufism’s spiritual vision continues to inspire creativity, shaping South Asia’s cultural heritage across centuries.