ROLE OF PIR-FAKIR CULTURE IN MUSLIM SOCIETY: A CASE STUDY OF BANKURA DISTRICT

Sufism originated with the spread of Islam in Arabia by Hazrat Muhammad (Sa:). The word Sufi is derived from Alsuffa. Sufi power was the main channel of Islam's entry into India. People named Sufis, Dervishes, Fakirs, Pirs, etc., who originally came from Persia, took the propagation of Islam as the main vow of life at that time. The word Pir is Persian. Literally it means 'wise'. Essentially, one who is experienced in attaining Allah or connecting spiritually with Allah is called Pir Sahib. Those who are called Auliya, Murshid and Shaykh in Quran Sharif and Hadith Sharif are called Pir Saheb in Persian. The word Murshid in Arabic means guide. The one who teaches to follow the commands and prohibitions of Almighty Allah is called Murshid or Guide. Which is called Pir in Persian. The one who trains to obey the commandments of Almighty Allah is called pir. From the beginning of the eleventh century, groups of Islamic preachers started coming to this country and with their tireless efforts, Islam began to spread. - The contribution of Sadhaks, Pir-Darbeshes, Aul-Baulds was very high. The culture of Pir Fakirs entered the Bankura district on the basis of Sufis, Pirs, Darbes, Auliyas spreading Islam in Bengal. Even though Bankura district was a peripheral region of Bengal, it was not free from the contact of Islam. Sufi saints entered the district out of their desire and propagated Islam. Pirs, fakirs were spread in different parts of the district to propagate their ideology. The ideals of Sufism enthralled the district residents. As a result we see Muslims in this district. 1908 A.D. and from O'Malley's work several Pirs were found in the tombs. Which we refer to as 'shrines'. At this time, he mentioned eight peers of Indas police station.