𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻

In Islam, the concept of sainthood is not an official position but rather a recognition of an individual's piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah. It is a state that can be achieved through the sincere practice of Islam, including prayer, fasting, charity, and good deeds. The Muslim community determines the spiritual status of an individual as a saint based on their observed qualities and actions.

Miracles, on the other hand, are extraordinary events that are seen as signs of divine intervention or supernatural power. They may be attributed to the intercession of a saint or the direct intervention of God in response to prayer.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there is a prevalent fraudulent practice of individuals declaring themselves saints by falsifying or exaggerating miracles associated with them. This is done to increase their popularity and generate more donations, exploiting the concept of sainthood for financial gain. Some falsely claim to be faith healers, offering cures for serious illnesses despite lacking medical training or credentials. Others claim to possess psychic abilities, communicating with the dead or making vague predictions that can apply to anyone. There are even televangelists who stage fake miracles on live television, such as curing blindness or paralysis. Additionally, there are miracle cures or treatments promoted without scientific evidence, such as those involving crystals or homeopathy.

While visiting an Islamic shrine can be a meaningful and spiritual experience, it is important to be aware of the potential exploitation and fraudulent practices that exist. During my visit to the Saeen Shrine in Chiniot, a local friend shared a story that shed light on the fame of a particular saint. The story dated back to the early years of Pakistan's existence when a local individual returned from abroad with a few wristwatches, a rare possession at the time. Seeking to prove his spiritual powers, he devised a plan. He synchronized the time on two of his watches and gave one to his servant, instructing him to set his house on fire at 5:00 PM without revealing the secret to anyone. Meanwhile, the individual attended a gathering in a nearby village. As the watch neared 5:00 PM, he suddenly exclaimed that his house was on fire, catching the attention of those around him. When questioned about how he knew, given his distance from his residence, he claimed ignorance. He invited the crowd to accompany him to his village, where they discovered his house reduced to ashes.

This deceptive trick worked, and people began to believe that he possessed psychic abilities and the power to foresee events. They regarded him as a saint. His followers multiplied, and visitors who sought his assistance would offer tributes, often in the form of money. The so-called saint paid special attention to solving their problems.

Seeking to establish a lasting legacy for future generations, the new saint conceived a plan to construct a shrine. In Pakistan, there exists a perception among the less educated that a larger and more attractive shrine signifies a higher-ranked saint.

It is essential to approach such claims and practices with skepticism, distinguishing between genuine spirituality and exploitative tactics.