SUFI TRADITIONS AND SACRED NARRATIVES: INVESTIGATING THE IZZAT BIBI (MAI HEER) SHRINE AND ITS ENDURING INFLUENCE IN JHANG, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This investigation explores the many facets of the Izzat Bibi Shrine, also known as the Mai Heer Shrine, in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. The present research aims to elucidate the persistent allure of the Heer Ranjha tale and its ability to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. Myths give communities a way to make sense of their lives and provide a foundation for their standards and beliefs. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview consisting of ten items. The participants were thirty, and they were visitors and caretakers. Data collection and analysis were conducted using a qualitative methodology and an anthropological lens. This study utilizes the teachings of Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi as a foundation to provide a theoretical framework. This study examines the myths and tales surrounding the shrine, including the notion that rainfall does not enter its premises. In-depth analysis of the Izzat Bibi Shrine is a witness to its everlasting cultural and spiritual significance, shedding light on the ways in which folklore, spirituality, and cultural history converge in the heart of Punjab, Pakistan. Entering the Izzat Bibi Shrine is like walking into a timeless folktale where history, myth, and devotion beautifully mix, promising an adventure of mystery and amazement.  From a religious perspective, the shrine reveals the beliefs and aspirations of its adherents through their participation in the shrine's rituals. The findings of this research have significant implications for both academics and the promotion of cultural appreciation. This study makes a valuable contribution to the greater understanding of the cultural, religious, and historical aspects of the Women Sufi Shrine within the context of shrines and folklore in the Punjab area of Pakistan.