مقالے کی معلومات
جلد
شمارہ
مقالے کی قسم
زبان
تلخیص
The Zikris is a distinct group of religious followers, who are mainly concentrated in the Pakistani province of
Baluchistan. There are some Zikris who are settled in Karachi and Iran as well. Some people believe that they are
the followers of Syed Mohammad Jaunpuri but others disagree and they say that they believe in Prophet Mohammad
as the last Prophet and Holy Quran as the last divine book. While many orthodox Muslims consider them heretics
and infidels, some believe that they are one of the off shoots of a Sufi order, who have branched off from the
Nimatollahi Sufi order of Iran. Few centuries back the whole of Makran was Zikri and there existed a Zikri state as
well in Baluchistan.
Why they are known as Zikirs? Actually, Zikr is Arabic word which means remembrance, usually of Allah.
According to traditions their name is because of their religious practices, as they unlike mainstream Muslims do not
pray five times a day but perform Zikr five times a day instead. Unlike the main stream Muslims their prayer house
is known as Zikrkhana.
Currently the Zikris are living in quite large numbers in one of the important deep-sea port-city of Pakistan, Viz.
Gwadar. According to an estimate 50 per cent population of Gwadar are Zikris. Thus, besides being one of the many
religious groups of Pakistan they are located in a very important future city of Pakistan, which is extremely
important for Pakistan –China relations as well.
About their religious beliefs and customs there are many stories and legends, which can be discussed in the main
paper and presentation.
Syed Minhaj ul Hassan. (2021) Zikris of Baluchistan: Muslims but Different?, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume-58, Issue-2.
-
Views
893 -
Downloads
71