TVU-p2024MN-E

Islamic philosophical literature presents Sufi philosophy . This literature had it so origins in Arabia. It developed in Persia and then spread all over the world. It came to India in 12th century A.D. It absorbed Indian culture. Many of these Islamic philosophers adopted a life of renunciation.

Islamic Tamil philosophical literature forms a separate part in Tamil literary history. It begins in the latter half of the sixteenth century with Thakkalai Peermukamathu Appa, He was born in Thenkasi and observed penance in Kerala. Peia Nugu Leppai Aaleem was born in Kayalpattinam. He wrote Vethapuranam. Sekuna Sheiku Uthuman lived in Kadaya Nallur and wrote Gnanapirakasa Navamani Maalai. Kottaru Gnaniyar Shahib wrote Mengnanathirupaadar thirattu. Mengnana Basheeroli was blind; he wrote eight philosophical works.

Islamic philosophy is known as Sufism. It started with Aathma Nabi; Prophet Mohamed learnt this in his Migurasum Payanam. To attain God’s love, the Islamic philosophers search for God and obey His commands. In their soul’s journey to God the first step is purity of the soul; it involves elimination of ego and surrender to God. Then follows tolerance born out of the wisdom the every thing is God-given.

Tamil Islamic philosophers compared their Sharee ath, Thareekath, Aageekath and Maaripakth to Sariyai, Kiriyai, Gnanam and Yogam. The fruits of Islamic beliefs, were compared to the Saivite notions of Saalokam, Saameepam, Saarupam and Saayuggium. The state of Yoga leading to Gnana Oli is the same as the Islamic concept of Thaggalli. The pioneer who related Islam to Yoga was Peria Noorulappai Aaaleem.

We could consider Islamic Tamil philosophical literature as the peak of unification and symbol of unity in diversity of the two races Tamil and Islam.