Concept of Philanthropy in Islam – A Case Study of Khanqahs and Sufi Shrines in Pakistan
Hussain Mohi ud Din Qadri

Minhaj University Lahore

Abstract

This paper unveils the Philanthropic perspective of Khanqahs and shrines of Sufi Saints entrenched in Islamic Ideology. These have always served as significant training centers and substantially contributed towards the religious, social and spiritual upbringing of humanity at large. Furthermore, these institutions have staged a significant role in relieving the sufferings and grappling with social and economic issues especially of the lower rung of society. The founders of these Khanqahs were great Islamic figures who set aside their entire span of life for Philanthropic ends to promote peace and sublime moral values and thus to rid the society of religious, political and economic ills corroding humanistic bounds. After the decease of these sacred figures, their shrines became great Socio-Religious institutions and hence took the form of Philanthropic organizations meant for the welfare of needy and poverty – stricken humanity. These institutions are striving to their utmost in various directions. They have set up schools, free lodges, established health centers, hospitals, orphan care homes and places where hungry and needy could feed them self for free etc. The present study explores the concept of Philanthropy underlying the injunctions of Islam. The research has been delimited to five major shrines in Pakistan for data collection. A detailed questionnaire was filled up by the target research population. It followed a mixed paradigm, qualitative as well as quantitative. The study will not only dilate on the positive aspects but also on the lacunas in the role model of Khanqahs and shrines as, institutions in Pakistan.

Keywords: Islam, Philanthropy, Khanqahs and Sufi Shrines, Pakistan

Topic: Islamic Philantrophy

Link: https://ifory.id/abstract-plain/gDp3bcYNQCT8

Web Format | Corresponding Author (Hussain Mohi-ud Din Qadri)