The Cultural and Spiritual Perspectives of Individuals about Visiting Sufi Shrines in Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the cultural and spiritual significance of visiting Sufi shrines in Multan, Pakistan a city renowned for its deep-rooted Sufi traditions and historical spiritual heritage. The research aims to understand how individuals perceive and experience shrine visitation in terms of faith, identity, and social belonging. This mixed-methods study explores the cultural and spiritual perspectives of individuals visiting Sufi shrines in Multan, Pakistan. Through 10 (7 males, 3 females) qualitative interviews, themes such as the significance of shrines, personal motivations for visitation, and the practice of prayer and worship are examined. For quantitative approach the sample size was 500 (337) males and (167) females. Participants emphasize the role of shrines as sacred sites for seeking divine intervention and the communal significance of shrine visitation in fostering interpersonal connections and shared cultural heritage. Additionally, quantitative analysis reveals gender-related differences in cognitive and behavioral measures, with females generally scoring higher across various domains. The study provides insights into the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, and gender-related factors influencing shrine visitation and individual outcomes.  Overall, the research underscores the dynamic interplay between spirituality, culture, and social identity, illustrating how Sufi shrines continue to shape the moral and cultural landscape of contemporary Multan.