ARTICLE FROM WIKIPEDIA
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/SATPANTH
Pir Imamuddin Kufreshikan (Imamshah Bawa) Pirana Dargah
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), they differ slightly from the Nizari Khojas 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 total ‘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. Here Khoja is totally distinguished from those of other castes.
It is important to note that Satpanth can be described as a synthesis of Hindu and Ismailism as most followers claim they are Hindus and retain their Hindu names, mainly under the fear of being ex-communicated (make outcaste) by their majority Hindu brethren from the same community. Satpanth is riddled with Hindu symbolism and the use of Sanskrit words and also stories of various Avatars, outwardly. While the central message of Satpanth has always been of Islam. It is a vehicle for converting Hindus to Islam, designed intelligently in such a way that a convert slowly adopts Islamic values as he sheds Hindu religious symbols. For quick reference see “Gazetteer of Bombay Presidency -Vol IX -Part II -The year 1899” http://realpatidar.com/a/series43 (download the attachment from the web page) for this point. Critics claim this is used to hide their true “Islamic” agenda of converting Hindus into Islam by using the doctrine of Taqiyya, to confuse, divide, conceal and fool people to make them believe that Satpanth is a Hindu sect. Satpanth also advocates paying tithe (“Dasond”), (10% of annual income) to its religious heads. Nobody has the right to question the use of this money. Naturally more the number of followers, the greater would be the share of the money received each year, by its leaders/preachers.
Recently, in order to remove confusion caused by some of the preachers of Satpanth, who started propagating Satpanth to be part of the Hindu religion, the highest authority in the Hindu religion the main and true all 4 (four) Shankaracharya Maths were established by his holy highness Adi Shankaracharya, have certified in writing that Satpanth is not Hindu religion. See http://www.realpatidar.com/a/series52 for the copies of the certificates.
CONTENTS
PEOPLE
The people of the Satpanth consist mostly of high-caste converts of Lohana origin. Others are from Rajput, merchant, and farming castes of the Kadva Patel community belonging to Kutch Gujarat. 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 the 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
The current head of the mainstream Satpanth is Sri Nanakdasji Maharaj, a disciple of his precedent Late Sri Karshandasji Maharaj, who transformed Satpanth and converted it into one of Gujarat’s Muslim sects.
BELIEFS ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP
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 Imams. These separate concepts of an esoteric Imam and an exoteric Imam are called “Baatini 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
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 a 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
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 pick 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 the Tenth and Final reincarnation of Lord Vishnu; and who shall take birth at the end of Kaliyuga.