THE NAQSHBANDIYYA SUFI ORDER: ORIGINS, TEACHINGS, AND SOCIO-SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

The Naqshbandiyya is one of the most prominent and influential Sufi orders in the history of Islam. Originating in Central Asia during the fourteenth century, the order became widely known for its emphasis on silent remembrance (dhikr khafī), strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharīʿa), and the integration of spiritual discipline with active participation in social life. Founded and systematized by Bahauddin Naqshband, the Naqshbandiyya developed a distinctive spiritual path that rejected extreme asceticism and outward ritualism, focusing instead on inner purification and ethicalconduct.
This article examines the historical development of the Naqshbandiyya order, its core doctrinal principles, and its socio-political influence across Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. Particular attention is given to the order’s role in preserving Islamic orthodoxy, shaping religious authority, and responding to political and cultural challenges in different historical contexts. The study argues that the Naqshbandiyya represents a unique synthesis of mysticism, law, and social engagement, which continues to maintain relevance in the modern Muslim world.