Ignorance is darkness, and knowledge is Noor (enlightenment) in Islam. The Quran guides believers to the best path and brings good news to those who lead a righteous life, ensuring them a great recompense. For the vision of effective Islamic education, one must strive to learn before ignorance manifests as a destructive trait of arrogance in speech, writing, and behaviour
Today, when we refer to an ignorant person, it does not mean someone is entirely unintelligent (though being completely dumb can be considered a general form of ignorance—lol!). Instead, it means lacking knowledge in a certain field of life, especially regarding the faith one follows. Allah, the Almighty, has prescribed ordinances that should not be neglected. He has outlined certain limits that should not be transgressed and has forbidden actions that are inviolable.
If a believer lacks correct religious knowledge, the probability of straying from the righteous path is high. Such a person can easily be misled by Satan toward unlawful acts. However, if one is blessed with the light of knowledge, they will not deviate. They will also be able to identify and avoid the dangerous paths of Kufr, Shirk, and immorality that may cross their lives.
Whenever a deceptive guide approaches, a brief interaction with them will be enough to establish that they are not a guide to follow. Anyone who misinterprets the Holy Scripture or claims to have private “revelations” that contradict the Quran and Sunnah can never be a saint, even if they claim to perform miracles such as fortune-telling, healing the sick, or transforming base metals into gold.
With a growing number of fake faith healers disguising themselves as spiritual guides (Pirs), it is crucial to ask:
– How can one differentiate between a true saint and a fraud?
– How can an uneducated or less-informed individual identify an imposter?
The Reality of Fake Pirs and the Need for Awareness
The issue of faith healing has been a subject of misunderstanding and distortion due to the following:
- A lack of understanding of fundamental Islamic beliefs (Aqeedah).
- The misconduct of impostors who exploit people’s vulnerabilities.
Islam provides clear standards for faith and spirituality based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah—the way of life prescribed for Muslims by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While many noble and righteous spiritual healers (Aamil) exist, there is also an illegitimate and fraudulent approach to faith healing that misguides people and leads them away from Islam.
Many so-called charismatic preachers exploit people’s trust (Aqeedah) for their own benefit. Perilous times teach us valuable lessons—many individuals fall prey to false doctrines and fraudulent teachers. Upon careful investigation, one can always find flaws that expose these impostors.
The Menace of Fake Pirs in Kashmir
In many parts of the world, particularly in Kashmir, the menace of fake Pirs (spiritual guides) has had devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society. These self-proclaimed saints claim to possess miraculous powers but, in reality, exploit people’s faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities.
Despite advancements in education, even well-educated individuals fall prey to such impostors, highlighting a critical gap in awareness about true Islamic principles and the need for vigilance against deception.
Identifying a True Mutaqee Momin (Pious Believer)
A true Mutaqee Momin is one who strictly follows the Quran and Sunnah. Islam provides clear guidelines on how a righteous person should conduct themselves. A true spiritual guide should:
Perform obligatory prayers (Salah) regularly.
Follow the principles of modesty, including Haya and Hijab.
Lead a life in accordance with the Quran and Hadith.
Encourage righteous deeds and abstain from immoral acts.
The credibility of any spiritual leader can be measured by their Ikhlas (sincerity) in following the Quran and Sunnah and their Taqwa (piety) in actual life.
“The most honourable people among you in the sight of Allah are those who have Taqwa (fear of Allah).” (Quran)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I have left among you two matters; if you hold fast to them, you shall never be misguided: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah.”
By applying such key indicators, one can distinguish between a genuine scholar and a fraud without alerting the person being evaluated.
The Exploitation by Fake Pirs
Fake pirs often engage in acts that contradict Islamic teachings, such as drug abuse, acting in a mentally unstable manner, walking around nude, and exploiting people’s faith and desperation.
Yet, many continue to follow them blindly, believing in their so-called miracles and magical powers. This blind faith leads to spiritual, psychological, and physical harm.
One of the most tragic aspects of following fake pirs is the exploitation of innocent individuals, particularly young boys.
Families, in desperation, send their children to these so-called saints, believing they will receive spiritual healing or guidance. Instead, many end up as victims of severe physical and sexual abuse.
Recent cases in Kashmir have exposed horrifying incidents where these predators exploited children for years before being brought to justice.
Victims of fake pirs suffer immense trauma, including:
Severe psychological distress (depression, anxiety, PTSD).
Physical scars and injuries due to violence.
Emotional damage, leading to trust issues and social withdrawal.
Loss of faith in religious figures, affecting their spiritual growth.
Families of these victims suffer grief and guilt, often blaming themselves for being deceived. Delayed justice only worsens their suffering.
The Role of Islamic Awareness and Education
To combat this issue, we must emphasize Islamic awareness and education. Every Muslim should:
Understand Shariah principles to recognize true scholars.
Verify religious leaders before following them.
Spread awareness through schools, mosques, and community centres.
Encourage legal action against impostors and predators.
The Role of Parents and Families
Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children by:
Educating them on true vs. fake scholars.
Never sending children alone to any spiritual guide.
Discussing religious matters openly.
Reporting suspicious activities immediately.
Combating Witchcraft and Magic
Many fake pirs engage in witchcraft and black magic, which Islam strictly prohibits. Miracles come only from Allah—anyone claiming supernatural powers outside Islamic teachings is engaging in forbidden practices.
Conclusion
The issue of fake pirs in Kashmir is a grave concern. Despite advancements in education and technology, people continue to fall prey due to ignorance, desperation, and blind faith.
The devastating impact on victims and their families highlights the urgent need for awareness, education, and strict legal actions against impostors. Every Muslim must follow the Quran and Sunnah and ensure they do not fall into the traps of deception.
The writer is a doctor at Mubarak Hospital, and writes columns on social, moral and religious issues
Dr Fiaz Maqbool Fazili
dr**********@***il.com