Expansion and existence of Sufi orders in South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Global spread of Sufism is an old phenomenon. Sufis for the propagation of Islam traveled through trade routes and migrated with Muslims armies. Migration and resettlement of Sufi saints to the sub-continent has left a significant impact on the Islamic religiosity of the region by pursuing spiritual philosophy and practices based on love to God and human beings. Further, their descendants strengthened these religious, spiritual and moral values of Islam in sub-continent. Sufis entered in South Asia through Sindh, and in early history of Islam interior Sindh and its main cities of that time like Multan and Uch became junction of Sufi immigrants. Several noble families settled in the capital of South Punjab, Multan, and its surroundings that altered the region in the hub of illustrious mystics. These mentors propagated Sufi ideology with local values and spread it among the masses considerably which enhanced the circle of Islamic followers and lovers in the locality. This study focuses the development of Chishtiyya, Suhrawardiyya, Qadiriyya and Naqshbandiyya Sufi orders and their due expansion and existence in South Punjab, Pakistan.