Vol. 6, Issue 7, Part E (2020)

Abstract
Sufism is a path of spiritual advancements, an expansion of consciousness, leading to awareness of self and the universe. The substance of Sufism is selfless experiencing and actualization of the truth. The practice of Sufism leads to the development of innate spiritual and intuitive abilities. Keeping in view, the aim of the study was to explore the role of Sufism in promoting Kashmiriyat, composite culture and communal harmony in Kashmir valley. The investigator found that ‘Kashmiriyat’ was the gradual outcome of mutual adaptation of various pre-Islamic religious traditions and the great tradition of Islam. The Rishis (holy Vedic Hindu sage, saint or inspired poet) were the main exemplars of the developing of such a dialectic process. In fact, the spirit of this dialectic was mystical religious experience and universal love. Besides, it was found that traditional communal harmony that once existed in Kashmir enabled the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) and other minorities.