Why did Sufi teachers attract many Hindus in medieval India?

In medieval India, Sufi teachers attracted many Hindus primarily due to shared mystical perspectives and the syncretistic nature of their teachings. As Sufism became established in India, some Sufi masters moved closer to Hindu mysticism through an emphasis on the concept of divine unity, which often bordered on monism—the belief that all existence is a manifestation of a single underlying reality.1

This philosophical alignment resonated with the bhakti movement, a contemporary Hindu tradition that emphasized intense emotional attachment and love between a devotee and a personal god. The two traditions influenced one another; for instance, later Hindu poet-saints like Kabir actively incorporated Sufi mystical elements into their work.2

Furthermore, Sufis reached the masses by conveying their message in local languages rather than exclusively in Persian, blending classical Islamic motifs with popular legends and regional poetic forms. This accessibility, combined with a focus on divine love and spiritual education, allowed Sufi ideas to permeate the hearts of diverse populations, bridging gaps between different religious communities.345