Sufi Shrine of Pir Meher Ali Shah at Golra Sharif, associated Rituals and Beliefs

Abstract

This study describes the role of saints and shrines in the lives of their followers and the associated communities in Pakistan, particularly in the Potwar region. It traces, inter alia, the organization and administration of the shrines and the social, political, economic, and religious aspects of Muslim saint- veneration with special emphasis on existing pnl.cticos. For this purpose, shrine of Pir meher Ali Shah located in Islamabad was selected. The primary data were collected from the field by using anthropological techniques, particularly the participant observation. In order to understand better the origin and development of Sufism, library sources were also used. Chapter 1 deals with the historical background of Sufism, its impact on Islam in the sub continent, myths and rituals practices, and the role of shrines. Chapter 2 relates to the profile of research area, Chapter 3 describes the rituals practices at the shrine and their impacts on the life of visitors. Chapter 4 narrates the life sketches and contributions of Plr Meher 'All Shah and his son, Babuji. Chapter 5 deals with the analysis and conclusion. The shrine of Golra Sharif is well organized, and is free from many impurities. For instance, it has all along been a place of Islamic learning; it provides lunger to all comers three times a day, in addition to suitable accommodation to those coming from other places; and, unlike some other shrines such as those of Shahbaz Qalander at Sehwan Sharif in Sindh and of Barri Imam in Nurpur Shahan, no beggars and rnalangs (faqlrs) loiter around it. Since the shrine of Golra Sharif it has a living pir, he provides consultation and consul to the visitors in socio-economic matters, and in this way he fulfills a definite socio economic requirement. So far as his political role is concerned, many politicians go to him not only to seek barkat, but also to enlist his political support, as his political status is based on and backed by the piri-muridi system and thousands of his dedicated followers (murids) all over the country, particularly in the Potwar region. For this research following methodological tools are used , rapport building, Participant observations, Key informants, Interviews, case studies, Photography.