SHRINES AND RELIGIOSITY: THE SOCIOECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF SHRINES IN POTOHAR REGION

Abstract

Religion is an important structural and functional unit of society. Shrines are supported by school ofthought in Islam termed as Sufism. An important portion of Muslim population are devoted to Sufism. Designed qualitatively, this study aims to know about the socio-economic functions of shrines. This study has been conducted in Potohar Region including Nothern Punjab and West of Azad Kashmir. As per study design, purposive sampling technique has bee used to select samples from the population of interest whereby three shrines were sampled. Key informants have been used to get access to and collect information in the sampled shrines. In-depth interviews and three months of participant observation have been used to collect data. The data has been analyzed qualitatively. Findings show that shrines are important aspect of Sufism and performs many functions. It includes spirituality as a mean of psychological satisfaction. Spirituality and shrines are closely linked and religious practices and devotion to shrines is a source relieving stress and anxiety. Spirituality and shrines provide meaning to life of the believers and is associated with peace of mind and satisfaction. Further, shrines perform numerous economic functions (such as source of food for the needy through Langar). Shrines have certain social and cultural functions such as interaction among the local community and the believers, relationship extensions and celebration through Urs, social control etc.