One True Love: Krishna’s Muslim Devotees
Krishna Bhakti embraced a spirituality that saw god as a universal source of love, beyond the labels of Hindu or Muslim—a vision as relevant today as it was centuries ago
The Krishna Bhakti movement, which reveres Krishna as the divine beloved, stands as one of the most profound expressions of devotion in India. Championed by poet-saints like Mirabai, Surdas, Jayadeva, and Chaitanya, Krishna Bhakti found a fervent following in northern and eastern India. It is well known that Krishna is a Hindu deity and considered the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Significantly, though, it wasn’t only Hindu devotees who were drawn to Krishna; many Muslim poets and thinkers were captivated by his mystique and celebrated him through their unique cultural lens.
Muslim figures in the Krishna Bhakti movement serve as exemplars of interfaith dialogue, cultural syncretism, and shared devotion, embodying the spiritual ethos that cuts across religious lines. Their work, often influenced by Sufi mysticism, resonates with universal themes of love, longing, and unity, bridging divides in a historically complex landscape.
Did you know that embedded in the poetry of the Bhakti poet-saints are the very values upon which the Constitution of India is founded? The concepts of equality, liberty, and fraternity may be foundational to the fabric of a modern republic, but they are as old as human society itself. And poets have always held a mirror to society, reminding us of the values that we are in danger of forgetting. The podcast Bhakti Republic, presented by Amit Basole for Radio Azim Premji University, journeys through the poetic traditions of Bhakti in India, visiting these values in a 5-episode series. Listen to Jamuna Kinare, the final episode that brings Amit in conversation with historian Varuni Bhatia:
Divine Love Beyond Boundaries
Kabir famously declared, “I am not Hindu nor Muslim; Allah Ram is the breath of my body!” The 14th century mystic poet’s work and life exemplify the idea that divine love transcends religious identity.
In the Krishna Bhakti tradition, this universal love echoes throughout the poetry of Muslim devotees, reflecting a Sufi-inspired yearning for union with the divine. Poets such as Raskhan expressed this longing in their verses, portraying Krishna as the ultimate beloved whose embrace defies human constructs of faith and identity. Their work reminds us that the essence of spirituality lies in the heart, where love for the divine eclipses doctrinal divisions.
Longing and Separation: The Mystical Yearning
In the poetry of Muslim devotees of Krishna, themes of longing and separation emerge prominently, reminiscent of the Sufi concept of ishq (divine love) and firaq (separation). The longing for Krishna mirrors the soul’s yearning for God in Sufi mysticism.
Raskhan, also known as Syed Ibrahim Khan, eloquently captures this sentiment, depicting Krishna as both elusive and omnipresent. His verses convey a deep, soulful ache for Krishna’s presence, blending Bhakti devotion with Sufi introspection. This shared experience of divine longing allowed Muslim poets to relate to Krishna Bhakti on a deeply personal level, infusing their works with rich emotional intensity.
Unity and Harmony in Devotion
One of the defining features of the Muslim contribution to Krishna Bhakti is the emphasis on unity and interfaith harmony. Poets like Maulana Hasrat Mohani saw Krishna not merely as a Hindu deity but as a universal symbol of divine love and wisdom. Mohani even referred to Krishna as “Hazrat Krishna,” honoring him with a title usually reserved for Islamic prophets.
Expressions such as these reflect the poets’ vision of a shared spiritual heritage that transcends religious boundaries. They envisioned a world where Krishna, like Allah, was a source of love and guidance for all, regardless of creed.
Mystical Experiences and Cultural Syncretism
The Krishna Bhakti movement became a melting pot for diverse spiritual traditions, with Muslim devotees drawing from both Bhakti and Sufi philosophies. Figures like Shah Burhanuddin Janam, who authored works such as Irshad Nama, incorporated mystical elements in their depictions of Krishna, portraying him as a divine guide.
Raskhan, also known as Syed Ibrahim Khan, was a 16th-century poet whose devotion to Krishna left a lasting impact on the Krishna Bhakti movement. Born into a Muslim family, Raskhan became a dedicated follower of Krishna, composing numerous verses in Hindi that express a deep, almost mystical love for the deity. His works, such as Premavatika, are filled with emotional intensity, exploring themes of divine love and longing that transcend religious boundaries. Raskhan’s devotion was so profound that he spent his life in Vrindavan, Krishna’s fabled playground, where his poetry continues to inspire devotees to this day.
Maulana Hasrat Mohani was an influential 19th century Urdu poet and Indian freedom fighter. His poetry reflects a deep respect for Krishna as a symbol of divine love and unity, and his writings advocate for interfaith harmony, highlighting the shared spiritual heritage of Hindus and Muslims.
Khwaja Hasan Nizami, a Sufi scholar, sought to bridge religious divides by writing Krishna Beeti (later reprinted as Krishna Katha), a work aimed at clarifying Krishna’s role and significance for Muslim audiences. Nizami aimed to dispel misconceptions and emphasised Krishna’s importance within Indian spirituality. His writing advocated for an inclusive view of Indian cultural heritage, suggesting that Krishna’s teachings and stories could be appreciated across religious lines as a shared spiritual resource.
Notable among Muslim potentates whose patronage enabled Krishna Bhakti to flourish was Taj Begum, wife of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. A devotee of Krishna and a poet herself, she is well known for her support of devotional practices.
Legacy of the Muslim Devotees of Krishna
The Krishna Bhakti movement welcomed diverse perspectives and fostered a shared love for Krishna across religious boundaries. The contributions of Muslim figures illustrate the enduring power of love to bridge divides. Their poetry, music, and devotion to Krishna reflect the inclusive spirit that characterised medieval India. This cultural syncretism, as historian Romila Thapar notes, reminds us that no culture is singular in its origins. The Krishna Bhakti movement, infused with Muslim voices, exemplifies how spiritual traditions can transcend religious confines and foster unity in diversity.
As we revisit the legacy of these poets, their works serve as powerful reminders of the possibility for harmony in times of division. The Muslim devotees of Krishna invite us to embrace a spirituality that sees God as a universal source of love, beyond the labels of Hindu or Muslim—a vision as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Through their devotion, they left an indelible mark on India’s cultural and spiritual fabric, reminding us of the timeless power of love and unity.
Read more and listen to episodes of Bhakti Republic on our website