Central Organisation, Tabarrokāt and Succession among the Early Cheshtis in India

Author: Ahmad Zilli, Ishtiaq

Source: Journal of Persianate Studies, Volume 1, Number 1, 2008 , pp. 67-78(12)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The paper seeks to re-examine the thesis advanced by some eminent scholars that there was a well established tradition among the early Cheshtis to nominate one of their disciples as chief successor and pass on major part of their spiritual authority to him through the means of transferring the tabarrokāt to him that they had received from their masters. But the evidence available on the subject does not support the thesis. Similarly, there is no evidence that a central organisation with pan-Indian character or a well integrated system presided over by the chief successor, ever existed during the early history of the order (selsela).

Keywords: SUFISM; HIERARCHY; SUCCESSION; PIR; MORID; KHALIFA; WELĀYAT

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/187471608784772715

Publication date: 2008-06-01