The Role of Sufi Shrines in Local Politics: A Case Study of Mitthan Kot Rajanpur, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Sufi shrines in the local community and local politics. This study follows a qualitative research strategy and employs in-depth interviews to collect data from different stakeholders, including shrine visitors, local politicians, and the Sajjada Nasheen (custodian of a shrine). The total number of respondents was 50. Thematic analysis has been used to analyze data. The findings of this study showed that the Sajjada Nasheen in Mitthan Kot uses the shrine for their own benefit, as they are only the caretakers of the Shrine. They are not functioning for the shrine's development or for spreading the teachings of Khwaja Ghulam Farid. Moreover, the results showed that after gaining power, Sajjada Nasheen and his family altered their behavior towards the local people and visitors to the shrine.. That is also quoted in the results as one of the reasons that the number of visitors to the shrine is decreasing. Sajjada Nasheen is involved in politics by using the shrine with the help of local politicians. Hence, the nexus between Sajjada Nasheen and local politicians defines the local political landscape in Mitthan Kor, Rajanpur.