Zikri Community in Balochistan

 

Koh-e-Murad, Zikri pilgrimage in Turbat, Balochistan 

The followers of Mahdi are known as Mahdavia (Arabic: Mahdavi or Mahdavism, referred to as Zikri in Pakistan). This Mahdist Muslim sect was founded by Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri in India in the late 15th century, who proclaimed himself the Mahdi and a messianic reformer of Islam. The Mahdavia community is primarily found in India, Iran, and Pakistan.

Unlike mainstream Islam, which expanded its population through conquests and conversions, the Zikris have maintained their numbers within their community. They did not engage in wars or conflicts with those who misunderstood their beliefs. Zikris regard Mahdi as a saint and their messenger. They recite their unique Kalima "La ilah ha il la la, noor pak noor Muhammad mahdi o rasool allah."

Koh-e-Murad in Turbat, Balochistan, is their sacred site for prayers and Zikr (adoration). The central place of worship sees a large gathering on the 27th of Ramadan, where they perform "Chogan," a term from the Balochi language.

The Zikri community is predominantly Baloch and has been settled in the southern part of Balochistan, particularly Makran, for a long time. They also reside in Karachi, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, and parts of Sindh and Iran. The global Zikri Baloch population is estimated to be around 750,000.

During their prime worship night (27th of Ramadan), Zikris engage in ritualistic acts, gather to pray, seek forgiveness from Allah, and sing praises to Allah and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). To sustain their sect, they perform Zikr annually at their sacred site.

Zikris observe fasts during the last ten days of Eid al-Adha and break their fasts after Eid prayers with the meat of sacrificial animals.

The Zikri belief system flourished in the 16th century in Balochistan. Some view Zikris as indigenous Baloch who are simple mountaineers, shepherds, and nomads with a unique spiritual tradition. Zikris are often categorized as a Muslim offshoot or a semi-Muslim sect. They follow the teachings of Mahdi, referred to as Nur Pak (pure light), with practices and rituals differing from Orthodox Islam.

Islamic tradition holds that Mahdi will be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, sharing his name. Muhammad (pbuh) stated that the world would not end until a man from his family, named after him, rules over the Arabs. This is documented in Hadith, where it is mentioned that Mahdi will be a descendant of Fatima, Muhammad's daughter.

In the 19th century, conflicts arose between Zikris and mainstream Muslims, leading to forced displacements and financial hardships for the Zikri community.

Shiite tradition believes the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, disappeared from a cave below a mosque in 878 and will return to restore justice on earth.

In Arabic literature, Mahdi means "the guided one." He is sometimes referred to by Shia Muslims as Sahib Al-Zaman or Al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, meaning "the lord of age" and "the guided/awaited one."

Islamic tradition varies on the duration of Mahdi's reign, with most believing it will be seven years, although some say eight or nine.

In the Abrahamic religions, Jews await the Messiah, Christians the second coming of Jesus, and Muslims both Jesus and Mahdi.

The Zikri sect, with its unique practices, remains a significant yet distinct part of the Islamic tradition, advocating harmony and prosperity within their community.