The Role of Social Forces in the Conversion of Kalash Community: A Case Study of Bumburait Valley, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research study was conducted in Bumburait valley of district Chitral with the aim of documenting the role of social forces in the conversion of the Kalash community into other religions. Anthropological techniques and tools, including rapport building, participant observation, key informants, and interview guides, were employed to collect data from selected respondents. This study seeks to comprehend the role of social forces in influencing the religious conversion of the Kalash community. Qualitative data from 20 individuals were collected using snowball sampling techniques, and personal interviews were conducted with local people. The research identified several key findings that shed light on the conversion dynamics within the community. Firstly, the role of Tablighi Jamaat emerged as significant, particularly in parts of Kalash where they actively pursue the conversion of the community. Through mosque invitations and preaching, Tablighi Jamaat presents Islam as a sacred path leading to heaven, influencing some individuals to convert. Secondly, the influx of Muslim tourists to all three valleys of Kalash has created connections with the local community, and exposure to their culture and festivals may lead to conversions among the tourists. Another crucial finding highlights the impact of social media on the community. Once a remote area, Kalash is now accessible to various facilities, and high social media usage in the valley exposes the community to the outside world. This increased exposure fosters a desire among the youth to leave the harsh environment, leading to potential migration and religious conversion. Economic and political factors were found to be influential in religious conversion as well. People may convert to Islam or Christianity to gain access to economic or political power, resources, or social opportunities. Moreover, personal experiences play a significant role as a motivator for religious conversion. Profound spiritual experiences or finding answers to life's most profound questions in a religion may lead individuals to embrace that faith. Lastly, the research observed that missionary work also acts as a social force influencing religious conversion. Missionaries may employ social pressure, incentives, or persuasion to convince people to convert to their religion. The study highlights the significant role social forces play in the conversion of the Kalash community to accept different religions. These social forces interact with individual factors, such as personal beliefs and experiences, shaping the religious identity of individuals within the community. Key words: Religion conversion, traditions, local environments, tourism, economic benefits, religious groups, modern technology.