Traditions and teachings
The practices that are followed at the shrines seem to be more about the fights, races, competition, entertainment.
There are almost 630 shrines dedicated to saints in the 16 districts of southern Punjab. These are visited annually by more than 20 million people from all over the world. I am always surprised to see the traditions being observed at these shrines. On death anniversary gatherings, known as ‘urs’, the orators and clerics constantly recall the teachings of these holy saints, but in reality, it seems that hardly any of these 20 million people actually follow these teachings.
The practices that are followed at the shrines seem to be more about the fights, races, competition, entertainment, enjoyment , stage shows and dances, whereas the real teachings of these saints had more to do with equality, rationalism, peace and above all, the thirst for knowledge — of every creed, faith and subject. The long speeches from the orators now stand in contrast to the traditions of organising bulls’ race, dog fights, rooster fights and the use of various drugs (in a bid to seek spiritualism during dhamaal) at the gatherings — and these practices are growing with every passing year.
In a recent bulls’ race, held to pick a prayer leader for a mosque in the Jatoi village, almost no one seemed to be aware of the importance of the position of a prayer leader. All the people present were more concerned with the prestige and honour associated with the event — for once in their lives they had the chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the feudal lords of the area, instead of sitting on the ground in front of them.
In a press conference in Multan, a prominent political leader openly admitted to the fact that the entire financial burden of the country could be eased if all shrines and mausoleums of saints in Pakistan were to be handed over to him. The charity and donations would waive off all the loans, according to him. It was not a mere statement but rather, a reality which he shared with the people of Pakistan. I think the time has come to promote basic human rights amongst our people, and not just the versions of the teachings of saints that are currently being imparted.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2013.
The practices that are followed at the shrines seem to be more about the fights, races, competition, entertainment, enjoyment , stage shows and dances, whereas the real teachings of these saints had more to do with equality, rationalism, peace and above all, the thirst for knowledge — of every creed, faith and subject. The long speeches from the orators now stand in contrast to the traditions of organising bulls’ race, dog fights, rooster fights and the use of various drugs (in a bid to seek spiritualism during dhamaal) at the gatherings — and these practices are growing with every passing year.
In a recent bulls’ race, held to pick a prayer leader for a mosque in the Jatoi village, almost no one seemed to be aware of the importance of the position of a prayer leader. All the people present were more concerned with the prestige and honour associated with the event — for once in their lives they had the chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the feudal lords of the area, instead of sitting on the ground in front of them.
In a press conference in Multan, a prominent political leader openly admitted to the fact that the entire financial burden of the country could be eased if all shrines and mausoleums of saints in Pakistan were to be handed over to him. The charity and donations would waive off all the loans, according to him. It was not a mere statement but rather, a reality which he shared with the people of Pakistan. I think the time has come to promote basic human rights amongst our people, and not just the versions of the teachings of saints that are currently being imparted.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2013.