Religious Beliefs Jaffarabad

The majority of people living in Jaffarabad district belong to the Sunni sect of the Islam. A considerable number of Shia also lives in the district. The ratio of Shia population in Jaffarabad is large compared to the division. No census statistics exist on population division on religious grounds, besides the main religions. Therefore, it is difficult to analyse the exact number of the Shia population. There are two religious schools of Shia at Soubatpur and Usta Mohammad.

The district has a large number of Hindu people. They live in Dera Allah Yar and Usta Mohammad. A large number of Hindu shop-keepers in Dera Allah Yar goes to Jacobabad, the hub of Hindus in Sindh, in the evening. They are indigenous to the land, and can speak native languages. They are predominantly Sindhi speaking.

The two major festivals observed are Eid-Fitr and Eid-Azha. They are occasions of great jubilation and joy. The other festivals are "Eid-Miladuld Nabi, Sab-e-Barat", and "Muharam". Feasts and alms given to / distributed amongst poor, needy and relatives.

The Hindu population observes "Diwali" and "Holi". The number of Hindus living in Jaffarabad district has reduced since the Independence. In the past, there were large numbers of Hindus living in the area. They have migrated either to Sindh or to India.

The population of Jaffarabad district, is comparatively less religiously conservative. It is religiously liberal and flexible. The main indicators therefore are the attendance in mosques, at routine prayers, in fasting and the religious knowledge. There is a big respect for "Pirs" (religious bigwigs) and "Syeds" amongst the Sindhi speaking population.

The incidence of sectarian differences is small. There are less cases of sectarian violence than cases of family / tribal violence. Although, following the Ayodhya incident in India in 1991, after the Babri mosque was desecrated, there was retaliation against Hindus.

 

Shrines

There are several shrines in the district. The important ones are those of Maulvi Qadir Bakhsh and Faizal Faqir. The shrine of Qadir Bakhsh is at 4 kilometer distance from Shoubatpur. The shrine of Faizal Faqir is at a distance of three kilometers from Gandaka. An annual "Meela" (function) is held at the Faqir shrine. The tomb of Shoubat Khan Gola, inside the Shoubatpur town, and tomb of Sakhi Dur Mohammad are considered as less important. People visit shrines for the fulfillment of their desires and hopes. Visits to shrines predominantly take place on Thursday evenings.

 

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