Sufism in South Punjab, Pakistan: From kingdom to democracy

Sufism, the spiritual facet of Islam, emerged in the very early days of Islam as a self-awareness practice and to keep distance from kingship. However, this institution prospered in the times of Muslim rulers and Kings and provided a concrete foundation to seekers for spiritual knowledge and intellectual debate. Sufism in South Punjab also has an impressive history of religious, spiritual, social, and political achievements during Muslim dynasties. Though, a shift in the governing system, from kingdom to democracy has altered the functions of spiritual institutions from inner purification to divine plan of salvation around the globe. The dramatic convergence of new lines is obvious in Sufi institutions as well; the amalgamation of spiritual teachings and exercises with the propagation of spiritual doctrine and social development. This paper examined the development of Sufism in South Punjab of Pakistan and found a significant shift in Sufi philosophy and the prioritized functions of Sufi institutions with the change of governing system, from spiritual achievements to social well-being and political authority.