Find out more about practices of pilgrimage associated with the shrines mentioned in this chapter. Are these pilgrimages still undertaken? When are these shrines visited? Who visits these shrines? Why do they do so? What are the activities associated with these pilgrimages?
Yes, these pilgrimages are still undertaken. The practice of ziyarat (pilgrimage to tombs of sufi saints) is prevalent all over the Muslim world. People have expressed their devotion at the dargahs of the five great Chishti saints for more than seven centuries.
The shrines are visited on specific holy occasions, such as Thursdays and during the blessed month of Ramzan.
The shrines are visited by people of various creeds, classes, and social backgrounds. Historical accounts also note visits by royalty, such as the princess Jahanara.
Pilgrims visit these shrines to seek the sufi's spiritual grace, known as barakat, and to express their devotion to the saints, such as Khwaja Muinuddin (Gharib Nawaz).
Activities associated with these pilgrimages include ziyarat, which involves rituals like rubbing one's face with the dust of the threshold, entering barefoot, and kissing the ground. Devotees also circumambulate the tomb seven times, apply itar (perfume) to the tomb, and offer items like rose scarves.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the section '7.2 Chishti devotionalism: ziyarat and qawwali' and the primary source excerpt describing Princess Jahanara's visit. The context confirms the continuity of the tradition ('prevalent all over the Muslim world'), the diverse demographics of the pilgrims, and specific ritualistic activities like circumambulation and offering perfumes.