Is Baloch Zikris Belongs to Muslims?
The Zakri sect is a sect that found in the Balochistan. It is not a so common but an important subgroup of the Muslim population in Pakistan. Their roots belong to the heterodox movements that emerged during the early period of Islam. The Zakri sect derives its name from “Zikri,” which means “one who remembers Allah”. Their rise is belonged to Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri, a person from 15th-century who proclaimed himself the Mahdi (an important person in Islam). He emphasized his teachings on devotion to God through the continuous zikr. It leads to the establishment of this sect.
The Zakri sect prominent during the 15th and 16th centuries. It is originated in the Makran region, which distances south-west Balochistan and southeastern Iran. His followers established a different religious identity. They separate themselves from mainstream Sunni and Shia practices. The rough land of Balochistan allowed the sect to flourish independently for centuries. This separate terrain preserve its beliefs and practices.
The sect has different religious practices and beliefs that differentiate it from traditional Islamic rituals. Mahdi consider as a religious leader who has the authority to interpret Islamic teachings. Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri had that place in Zakri sect. Their religious rituals are centered around zikr, which is the repetitive chanting of Allah’s name and other religious ayah’s. This act is performed together, often in private places. The Zakris focus on a joint annual gathering which is known as Zikr-e-Kalam in contrast to traditional Muslims who pray five times a day,
The Makran Division is the heartland of the Zakri community, the districts of Turbat, Gwadar, and Panjgur has a great number of Zakris. A large number of Zakris reside in Gwadar, where they are involved in fishing and other coastal activities. The Kech Valley is cultural and religious hub for Zakris. The Koh-e-Murad is a focal point of their spiritual activities. The small group of Zakri communities can also be found in Karachi, Sindh, and in some parts of southeast Iran. It owed to their historical migration patterns.
It is difficult to estimate the exact population of the Zakri sect due to the lack of census data which is specific to religious sects in Pakistan. However, it is estimating that their numbers range is between 200,000 to 300,000 which make them an important minority within Balochistan. The major group of Zakris are ethnically Baloch and their cultural identity is closely intertwined with Baloch traditions.
The Zakris have contribute a lot culturally to the Balochistan. Their verbal traditions, poetry, and religious music reflect a rich spiritual heritage. The annual gathering at Koh-e-Murad are not only religious events but also cultural festivals that bring together Zakris from across the region. The Zakri sect has maintained peaceful living with other religious and ethnic groups in Balochistan.
The Zakri sect is an integral part of Balochistan’s diverse religious landscape. they offer a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage with their beliefs and practice. However, their marginalization and the challenges they face call for greater attention from policymakers, scholars, and human rights organizations.