Role of Devotional Literature in the Enlightenment of Kerala Muslims
Abstract
The realm of the written word in local Muslim communities was vast and encompassed many themes, genres and linguistic forms (Ricci, 2011). The devotional genres, as Pad wick observed, take a major part of such literatures (1977). The literary initiatives with devotional themes occupy a considerable position in the worldwide Islamic society. For it helps to create a submissive mindedness towards religion and generate piety in oneself, a high focus has been givento the production of such literatures in every Muslim circle.
Role of Devotional Literature in the Enlightenment of Kerala Muslims P. Moyin Kutty (PhD Scholar, JNU)
1With a Sufistic perspective, the devotional literatures may enable its reciters/readers to ‘the inculcation of ethical norms, the cultivation of an inner life, and the encouragement of devotion to elders and holy men, living and dead, who may serve as teachers, guides, exemplars, intercessors and conduits of charisma’ (Metcalf, 2009: 18). Beyond the purification of self, the devotional literatures also have a persistent role in making a community powerful and awakened. Taking Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka as fields of study, Susan Elizabeth Schaumburg has substantiated this argument in her work on reviving religion.2 The role of Islamic literatures in the reconstruction of Muslim communities on its diverse aspects is not a later notion developed in the wake of colonial modernity. Rather, it had a long history traced back to the inception of the literary history of Islam itself. The interconnectedness of literature, religion and social awakening is an already proven formula, which does not need more explanation here.
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