Naayaka-Naayakii Bhaavam in Sufism

[Swaminathan Madhuresan]

In the Tamil bhakti literature (c. 5th centuty beginning),
the saint-poets taking the female persona and longing for the beloved
God is common. Srivaishnava commentators on Alvars say in manipravalam:
"jnAnattil tan2 pEccu, prEmattil peN pEccu". Roughly -
"talk philosophy as men, but express love (for God) as women".

Do the Sufism also portray God-Devotee as lovers? Rumi? Earlier?
Rumi is an Afghan.

If Sufism does express this bhAva, is an Indian influence discernible?

Thanks,
SM


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