Sufism in Pakistan
History of Islamic mysticism in Pakistan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sufism, known as Tasawwuf in the Arabic-speaking world, is a form of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes introspection and spiritual closeness with God. About 60% of Muslims in Pakistan regard themselves as followers of Sufi saints.[citation needed]
Shrine of Pir Hadi Hassan Bux Shah Jilani
duthro sharf, Sanghar, Sindh
Sufi traditions
Most of the Sufis in Pakistan relate to the four main tariqa (silsila): Chishti, Naqshbandi, Qadiri-Razzaqi and Suhrawardi.
Chishti Sufism holds that the experience of remembering God is experienced with so much intensity that the soul is destroyed and resurrected. Its traditions include humanitarian work and community service including providing shelter, food, and medical aid to the needy, regardless of their religious or social backgrounds.[1]
List of Sufi Shrines
Contemporary influence
There are two levels of Sufism in Pakistan. The first is the 'populist Sufism' of the rural population. This level of Sufism involves belief in intercession through saints, veneration of their shrines and forming bonds with a pir (spiritual guide). Many rural Pakistani Muslims associate with pirs and seek their intercession.[2] The second level of Sufism in Pakistan is 'intellectual Sufism' which is growing among the urban and educated population. They are influenced by the writings of Sufis such as the medieval theologian al-Ghazali, the Sufi reformer Shaykh Aḥmad Sirhindi and Shah Wali Allah.[3]
Attacks on Sufi shrines
Since March 2005, 209 people have been killed and 560 injured in 29 different terrorist attacks targeting shrines devoted to Sufi saints in Pakistan, according to data compiled by the Center for Islamic Research Collaboration and Learning (CIRCLe).[4] The attacks are generally attributed to banned militant organisations.[5]
The Sehwan Sharif shrine was the site of a suicide bombing in 2017 carried out by the Islamic State.[6]