Satpanth

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Satpanth is a subgroup of Nizari Ismailism and Ismaili Sufism formed by conversions from Hinduism 700 years ago by Pir Sadruddin (1290-1367) and 600 years ago in the 15th century by his grandson Pir Imam Shah (1430-1520), the latter of which differs slightly from the Khoja in that they reject the Aga Khan as their leader and are known more commonly as Imam-Shahi. There are villages in Gujarat which are totally 'Satpanthi' such as Pirana near Ahmedabad where Imam Shah is buried. It is also the older form of Nizari Ismaili practice originating from the Kutch community of Gujarat. Pir Sadardin gave the first converts to Ismailism the name 'Satpanth' because they were the followers of the 'True Path.' They were then given the title of Khoja to replace their title of Thakkar.

anth is also the older form of Nizari Ismaili practice originating from the Kutch community of Gujarat. Pir Sadardin gave the first converts to Ismailism the name 'Satpanth' because they were the followers of the 'True Path.' They were then given the title of Khoja to replace their title of Thakkar. Here Khoja is totally distinguished from those of other castes.

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People [edit]

The people of the Satpanth consist mostly of high-caste converts of Lohana origin. Others are from Rajput, merchant, and farming castes. Some are migrants from neighbouring Indian states—including Madhya Pradesh, the Punjab and Rajasthan—who now reside in Gujarat (mainly the Kutch and commercial areas) and Mumbai. Some communities are known to adhere strictly to the practice of taqiyya, hiding any and all Islamic content of their faith. Many from the northern Rabari community are also of this faith. Followers of Satpanth are also present in significant numbers in Jalgaon, Nandurbar and Dhule districts of Northern Maharashtra, which are part of Leva Patidar and Gujar communities. Notably, most of the followers of Satpanth are Hindus, making it a unique place where Islamism and Hinduism come together.

Leadership [edit]

The current head of the mainstream Satpanth is Sri Nanakdasji Maharaj, disciple of his precedent Late Sri Karshandasji Maharaj, who transformed Satpanth and converted it into one of Gujarat's most influential Hindu sect. In year 2011, Hindu Mahasabha conferred the title of "Jagatguru"(Universal Teacher)upon Nanakdasji Maharaj.

Beliefs about the leadership [edit]

Satpanth followers, called Mureeds, believe that the physical form of the Imam is merely a vessel for the spiritual Imam which is Noor or eternal light. They also believe that his farmans (proclamations), his shabd (word) and his formless being are the real Imam. These separate concepts of an esoteric Imam and an exoteric Imam are called "Baatini Imam" and "Zaahiri Imam."

Satpanth devotees believe in "Nurani Didar," which is the "vision of light" or enlightenment one achieves when one views the True Imam. This, again, has an esoteric and an exoteric meaning.

Origin [edit]

Pir Sadruddin and his grandson Pir Imam Shah are credited with the conversion of the Khojas from the Hindu caste of the Lohanas located in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. He laid the foundation of the communal organization, built the first assembly and prayer halls and appointed the community leaders "Mukhis." Khojas live chiefly in lower Sind, Kutch, Gujarat, Bombay and in wide diaspora, particularly in East and South Africa, Arabia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, U.A.E. and the United States.

Rituals [edit]

It is customary in each and every Jamaat-khana that a row of community leaders and title holders (male and female) should sit facing the rest of the congregation. There is a row of individuals, sitting with their backs to the side wall, in the male as well as the female section. Both these sections are kept side by side in one large hall. Hence, a row of males would face and prostrate before the females, and vice versa. Looking at individuals of the opposite gender across the hall, and even the passing of objects between genders, is highly discouraged if not forbidden. If an object must be passed such as a utensil, the person must get up and leave it in the middle or end of the hall, where it will eventually picked up by the intended recipient. The reading of Holy Dua is undertaken while sitting on the floor on one's knees, or while sitting cross-legged as with other sects, with a Misbaha (rosary) being picked up at intervals. Any individual of any age who is fully versed in the Holy Dua may lead the prayer. Satpanth basically worships Lord Nishkalanki Narayan, who is assumed to be Tenth and Final reincarnation of Lord Vishnu; and who shall take birth at the end of Kaliyuga.

Scripture [edit]

The holy writ of the Satpanth tradition is the collection of Ginans written by various medieval Pirs, most notably Pir Sadruddin and Pir Satgur Nur.

Sources [edit]

 This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (August 2008)
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