ABSTRACT
Sufi shrines (khanqahs) played a pivotal role in the spread of Islam in the subcontinent and were also important in the development of Sufi Islam. These shrines gradually evolved into a cult association led by the hereditary descendants of the saints and who became leaders of Sufi Islam. Owing to their cultural and social influence over millions of followers they were co-opted by the state, from which they received large jagirs; these extended their influence into the economic and political sphere and over time evolved into a pir-zamindar alliance which became the core of the ‘historical state’ and a dominant political force in Pakistan. The main opponent of Sufi Islam and the pir-zamindar alliance were, and still are, the ulema – the leaders of puritanical Scripturalist Islam committed to expunging Islamic culture of the extravagant customs of Sufi Islam. Their aim is to establish a state governed by Islamic principles. Increasing urbanization, literacy and modernization is increasing their influence. Scripturalist Islam received a boost from the Islamization policies of the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia ul-Haq regimes. The conflict between these two traditions of Pakistani Islam is now manifesting itself in the increasing violent sectarian conflicts as well as the ethnic-based insurgencies in Pakistan which are posing a serious threat to country’s social and political stability. The chapter also argues that increasing religiosity in Pakistan does not translate into political support for Islamic parties. Using terrorism-related fatalities the chapter examines the complicity of the state organs in sponsoring terrorism.
