The Piri-Muridi Relationship

The Piri-Muridi relationship is central to Sufism or religious life in Islam and deeply rooted in Pakistani culture and society. The present study is designed to explore this relationship between a master and disciple; its basics construct, characteristics, functions, roles, expressions, manifestations, rituals, belief system and perception of some negative changes in the sacred institution of Piri-Muridi form a dual perspective i.e., .from the perspectives of Pirs (Spiritual Master) murids (disciples). Present study is comprised of two major studies. study I aimed to explore the perception of spiritual guides called Pirs about 'spirituality', 'constructs of Piri-Muridi', 'rituals of Piri- Muridi, 'factors for seeking services of pirs' and modes of spiritual cures of spiritual guides with the help of conducting six interviews of famous Sajjada Nishin (Spiritual Delegate) of a Pir at Potohar region. Study II is carried out to develop a multidimensional instrument to assess attitudes of people towards Piri-Muridi.