Pir (Sufism)

Pir (Sufism)

Pir (Persian: (پیر) literally "old [person] ") is a title for a Sufi master. They are also referred to as a Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint". In Sufism Pir's role is to guide and instruct his disciples on the Sufi path. This is often done by general lessons (called "Suhbas") and individual guidance. Other words that refer to a Pir include, "Murshid" (Arabic: مرشد, meaning "guide" or "teacher"), "Sheikh" and "Sarkar" (Persian/Hindi/Urdu word meaning Master, Lord).

The path of Sufism starts when a student takes an oath of allegiance with a teacher called "Bai'ath" or "Bay'ah" (Arabic word meaning Transaction). After that, the student is called a Murid (Arabic word meaning committed one).

A Pir usually has authorizations to be a teacher for one (or more) Tariqahs (paths). A Tariqah may have more than one Pir at a time. A Pir is accorded that status by his Shaikh by way of "Khilafat" or "Khilafah" (Arabic word meaning succession). "Khilafat" is the process in which a Shaikh identifies one of his disciples as his successor ("khalifah"). A Pir can have more than one "khalifah".

References

ee also

*Sufism

External links

* [http://www.zikr.co.uk/content/view/45/84/ Hadhrat Muhammad Sardar Ahmad: Sufi Master of the Naqshbandi Tariqa]
* [http://album.doorersathi.com/thumbnails.php?album=28/ Hazrat Pir Ekdil Shah Mela]


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