Upholding religious harmony at Bibi Maham’s (S.A) shrine

In the tranquil district of Badin lies a sacred sanctuary, revered by countless devotees from across the nation. The mausoleum of the Masooma-e-Sindh, Bibi Mahamm Hazrat Khadija (S.A) the cherished granddaughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAAW), daughter of Imam Musa Kazim (A.S), stands as a beacon of spirituality and devotion. Yet, amidst the serenity of this holy site, insidious forces have conspired to sow seeds of discord and disrupt the peaceful pilgrimage of believers.
For years, a group of nefarious individuals, driven by personal agendas ranging from land grabbing to illicit trade in narcotics, has sought to obstruct the influx of visitors to Bibi Maham (S.A), Masooma-e-Sindh’s shrine. These individuals have not only fomented religious sectarianism but have also orchestrated protests and rallies, utilizing the cloak of a religious organization to advance their malicious objectives.
Their reprehensible actions have included desecration of sacred grounds, dissemination of false accusations against dedicated custodians, and vandalism targeting symbols of reverence. Despite efforts by the local administration and the Auqaf Department of Sindh to uphold the sanctity of the shrine and provide essential amenities for visitors, these elements have persisted in their disruptive endeavours.
The recent laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Masooma-e-Sindh Bibi Maham’s (S.A) sacred mausoleum was a significant step towards enhancing facilities and preserving the spiritual heritage of the site. However, this positive development has been met with renewed hostility from those who intent on sowing discord and impeding progress.
It is imperative that the authorities take decisive action to safeguard the sanctity of Bibi Maham, Masooma-e-Sindh’s shrine and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Zawwar Abdul Sattar Dars, a distinguished Sindhi scholar, researcher, and author of 152 books on Sufism in Sindh, is currently engaged in research on Masooma-e-Sindh Bibi Maham (S.A). Alongside him, Zawwar Niaz Hussain Leghari, the esteemed Khadim-e-Aala of Dargah Bibi Masooma-e-Sindh, are facing persistent threats from miscreants. These threats have escalated with the launch of a malicious digital media campaign against both individuals, placing their lives in jeopardy. The Government of Sindh must take immediate action against the culprits, particularly those associated with Ghulab Leghari near AghamKot, to ensure the safety and security of these esteemed scholars and guardians of Sufi heritage.
Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, is requested for swift action to be administered against the perpetrators of sectarianism and unrest. The full force of the law must be employed to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and to uphold the principles of religious harmony and tolerance to protect the daily huge numbers of visitors of the shrine.
Furthermore, the Inspector General Police of Sindh must be directed to apprehend the culprits and maintain law and order in the region. The pilgrimage to Bibi Maham, Masooma-e-Sindh’s shrine is a sacred tradition cherished by millions, and it is incumbent upon the authorities to protect this venerable heritage from the machinations of a misguided few.
In confronting the challenges posed by those seeking to disrupt the tranquility of Bibi Maham Hazrat Khadija (S.A) Masooma-e-Sindh’s shrine, we must stand united in defense of our shared values of peace, tolerance, and reverence for the sacred. Let us reject the divisive rhetoric of sectarianism and embrace the spirit of unity and brotherhood that lies at the heart of our religious traditions.
As visitors continue to flock to this hallowed sanctuary, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserve its sanctity and ensuring that all who seek solace and spiritual fulfillment may do so in an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility. Together, let us strive to uphold the legacy of Bibi Maham (S.A), Masooma-e-Sindh and honour the teachings of peace and compassion exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAAW).