Exploring the Urs as a socio-spiritual practice in Sufism

Abstract

The Sufi beliefs have heavily influenced Bangladesh's religious and cultural environment and people’s faith ultimately taking position in the political and economic domains. Though there is extensive research on Sufism, little is known about its major rite, the Urs. Unanswered questions include who organizes the events, arranges the ceremony, why it is held, and what its current significance is.

In order to fill that gap, this study conducted Seven key informant interviews (KII) and thirteen in-person interviews. Moreover, the social spiritual, and political implications of Urs were analyzed through this interview. Also, Texas Lottery of the six-day description honoring Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is observed every year. At Dhaka the study was conducted.

The result showcases how state participation in the Mazar administration challenges the structures of the establishment, and its legitimacy and spiritual authority are challenged by traditional beliefs. Talal Asad, Michel Foucault, Saba Mahmood, and Clifford Geertz applied theory are this study. Mahmood's concept of embodied piety emphasizes women's devotional roles; Foucault's idea of heterotopia shows how the shrine becomes a sacred space distinct from everyday norms; Asad's theory of discursive tradition explores the contestation of power and religious authority; and Geertz lends insight into the symbolic meaning of ritual acts.