Sindhi Religion: Origin, History Before the 7th Century, After Bin Qasim, and Today
Sindh, a land of ancient civilizations, mysticism, and cultural diversity, holds a unique position in the religious and spiritual history of South Asia. The religious identity of the Sindhi people has been shaped by centuries of socio-political changes, invasions, trade, and spiritual philosophies.
From its deep-rooted Vedic traditions and Buddhist influence to the spread of Islam and the continued presence of Hinduism and Sikhism, the religious fabric of Sindh is both vibrant and complex.
Origin and Pre-7th Century Sindhi religion History
Sindhi Religion in Indus Valley.
The earliest known civilization in Sindh is the Indus Civilization (circa 2600–1900 BCE), with Mohenjo Daro being one of its major urban centers.
Archaeological findings such as figurines, seals, and structures suggest the worship of mother goddesses, fertility symbols, animals (like bulls and elephants), and possibly proto-Shiva figures (Pashupati seal). This points to a form of early animism and proto Hindu practices
.Vedic and Brahmanical Influence on Sindhi Religion
Post the decline of the Indus Civilization, around 1500 BCE, Vedic Aryans migrated into the Indian subcontinent, including Sindh. They introduced Vedic rituals in Sindhi religion, Sanskrit texts, and hierarchical Brahmanical systems. Over time, this evolved into classical Hinduism, with worship centered around deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and various local forms of divine energy.
Buddhism and Jainism influence in Sindhi Religion
From the 3rd century BCE to the 6th century CE, Buddhism became prominent in Sindh, especially under the patronage of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built throughout the region.
Jainism also found followers, particularly among the merchant communities. These Sindhi religions emphasized non-violence, meditation, and the renunciation of materialism, significantly influencing Sindhi society.
Arrival of Islam: The Era After Muhammad Bin Qasim in the Context of Sindhi Religion.
In 711 CE, the young Umayyad general Muhammad Bin Qasim led the first successful Arab invasion of the Indian subcontinent, defeating Raja Dahir—the last Hindu ruler of Sindh. This marked the beginning of Islamic rule and the gradual transformation of Sindhi religion with the spread of Islam in the region.
Islamic Integration
Under Arab rule, Islamic governance, culture, and trade flourished in Sindh. Although the ruling elite were Muslim, the majority of the local population remained Hindu or Buddhist for several centuries. However, Islamic missionaries, especially Sufis, played a crucial role in spreading Islam peacefully.
The Rise of Sufism in Sindhi religion
Sufism deeply resonated with the spiritual nature of the Sindhi people. Poets and saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar preached universal love, tolerance, and devotion to God, bridging the gap between Hindu and Muslim philosophies. Their poetry, still sung and revered today, forms the backbone of Sindhi religion and cultural identity.
Modern Religious Landscape of Sindh
Today, Sindh is religiously pluralistic, although Islam is the dominant faith. The province remains home to Pakistan’s largest Hindu minority, concentrated mainly in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and parts of Hyderabad and Karachi.
Islam in Sindh Today
The majority of Sindhis are Sunni Muslims, while a significant number also follow Shia Islam. Sufi shrines, such as Sehwan Sharif and Bhitt Shah, attract millions of pilgrims annually, regardless of religious background. Sufi Islam continues to influence Sindhi thought, music, and traditions.
Hinduism in Sindh Today
Hindus in Sindh celebrate religious festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan.Many Sindhi Hindus follow saints like Jhulelal, believed to be a manifestation of the river god Varuna.Despite occasional tensions and challenges, Hindu communities have historically lived peacefully in Sindh.
Sikhism, Christianity, and Others
There is a small Sikh population, especially in urban centers. Christian communities also exist, often employed in education and healthcare sectors. Interfaith harmony, though occasionally disrupted by extremism, remains a core value in Sindhi society.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Sindh has witnessed growing religious extremism in recent decades, impacting its historical ethos of coexistence and the inclusive nature of Sindhi religion. Forced conversions, discrimination against minorities, and attacks on religious sites have raised concerns.
However, many civil society organizations and Sufi groups continue to work toward peaceful interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, and education.
Religious Extremism and in Sindhi Society
Sindhi religion has historically been a religion of peace, tolerance, and Sufi mysticism. When analyzing religious extremism across Pakistan’s ethnic groups, Sindhis are generally considered moderate Muslims, especially when compared to Punjabis and Pashtuns.
If we were to arrange ethnic groups based on religious strictness, the Baloch are the least strict, followed by Sindhis, then Punjabis, and at the top, Pashtuns, who are often known for their deep-rooted conservatism and strict interpretation of Islamic teachings.
In Sindh, Islam is followed widely, but not rigidly. Unlike Pashtuns who are known for their punctual five-time daily prayers and conservative lifestyle, a very small percentage of Sindhi Muslims, particularly in rural areas, actually offer all five daily prayers regularly. The Sindhi religion practice leans more towards spirituality than ritual, especially outside major cities.
However, it’s important to note that urban Sindhi Muslims tend to be more religiously strict compared to their rural counterparts. This shift in Sindhi religion is largely due to the heavy cultural and religious influence of non-Sindhi communities—particularly Pathans, Punjabis, and Afghan migrants
who have settled in large numbers in urban centers like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. These groups often bring with them a more conservative and structured interpretation of Islam, which gradually shapes the religious behavior of the local Sindhi population.
As a result, Sindhi religion in urban areas reflects stricter adherence, with urban Sindhis more likely to attend mosques, observe Islamic rituals, and adopt a visibly religious lifestyle—unlike rural Sindhis who remain deeply rooted in Sufi traditions. A major reason behind the overall moderate religious outlook of Sindhis is the immense influence of Hazrat Shah Bhittai,
The great Sufi poet and saint of Sindh. His teachings promote humanity, love, peace, and unity among people, regardless of faith. For many Sindhis, his poetry holds sacred value, almost comparable to the reverence held for the Holy Quran.
His shrine at Bhit Shah attracts millions of devotees every year—Muslims and Hindus alike—who come to offer fateha and seek spiritual blessings. This culture of shared spiritual reverence discourages extremist attitudes and strengthens religious harmony.
On the other side, Sindhi Hindus, despite being the largest Hindu minority in Pakistan, are also not extreme in their religious expression. Most are merchants and businessmen, focused on earning livelihoods and maintaining peaceful coexistence. Several reasons contribute to the low religious visibility among them:
Discrimination and social fear prevent open display of religious rituals. Religious education for Hindus is absent in most schools and colleges across Sindh and Pakistan. As a result, many young Sindhi Hindus are unfamiliar with their own religious scriptures, prayer methods, and customs.
Public religious celebrations are limited. Only a few events like Cheti Chand and Holi are observed, and even then, celebrations are usually low-key.
Although the Sindh Government grants optional holidays on major Hindu festivals, these are not public holidays, and Muslim religious days continue to dominate the national calendar. This imbalance contributes to the lack of religious promotion among Hindus and reduces the risk of any religious radicalization from their side.
In essence, Sindhi religion landscape remains peaceful and liberal. Whether Muslim or Hindu, most Sindhis prefer spirituality over formalism, culture over dogma, and harmony over division. The Sufi teachings of Shah Latif continue to guide the hearts of Sindhis, acting as a natural barrier against extremism and promoting a more humanistic, inclusive view of religion.
Hajj In Saudi Arabia
Among Sindhi Muslims, those who are financially able to afford hajj cost, often perform Hajj nusuk and Umrah by traveling to KSA. It is seen as a sacred religious obligation and a mark of spiritual fulfillment.
Many middle- and upper-class families make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The journey holds deep emotional and spiritual significance and is often followed by social respect within the community.
Hajj Yatra in India
Sindhi Hindus, being a minority in Pakistan, look to India for their sacred pilgrimages. Those who can afford it travel to holy places like Haridwar, Varanasi, and the Ganges River for Ganga Snan, as well as famous temples of Lord Shiva, Krishna, and Durga.
These pilgrimages serve as their spiritual cleansing and religious fulfillment, similar in importance to the Hajj for Muslims. Despite geographical and political challenges, these journeys remain a cherished part of their religious devotion..
Note: The government facilitates both Sindhi Muslims and Sindhi Hindus by approving Hajj leave for employees, granting them full pay during their pilgrimage, ensuring they can fulfill their religious duties without financial burden.
Local Hajj: Pilgrimage Sites for Sindhi Hindus within Pakistan
For many Sindhi Hindus who are unable to travel to India due to financial constraints or visa restrictions, a form of “local Hajj” is practiced by visiting sacred Hindu sites within Sindh and across Pakistan.
These pilgrimages, while not identical to the grand yatras in India, hold deep spiritual significance and are considered essential journeys of devotion and inner purification.
In Sindhi religion are the local Hajj sites in Pakistan, where pilgrims go and perform their rituals, some of the most revered local pilgrimage sites include:
Sadhu Bela Mandir (Sukkur): Situated on an island in the Indus River, this is one of the most important and iconic Hindu temples in Sindh. Devotees flock here during special religious festivals. Latif Bhittai also traveled and visited this in his time.
Hinglaj Mata Mandir (Balochistan): A highly sacred site for Hindus, especially women. The annual Hinglaj Yatra draws pilgrims from all over Pakistan, including thousands of Sindhi Hindus.
Shri Ramapir Mandir (Tando Allahyar): Dedicated to the saint Ramapir, the annual Mela here is a major event, where devotees come from all parts of Sindh, viewing the journey as a spiritual necessity.
Udero Lal (Matiari District): This shrine is unique as it is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Hindus know the saint as Jhulelal, their patron deity, and visit the site to seek blessings and express their devotion.
Narayan Jagannath Mandir (Karachi): A central temple for urban Hindus in Karachi, it serves as a spiritual center, especially during important festivals like Diwali and Cheti Chand.
For Sindhi Hindus, these local pilgrimages serve as substitutes to the international yatras, providing them with a sense of religious identity, community, and spiritual fulfillment—making them no less significant than Hajj is to Muslims.
Conclusion
Sindhi Religion is a reflection of its ancient roots, cultural openness, and spiritual diversity. From the worship of ancient deities and the teachings of the Buddha to the mystical Sufi Islam and vibrant Hindu traditions, Sindh remains a unique blend of tradition, tolerance, and transformation.
Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a Sindhi doctor, was tragically killed by the police on false allegations of blasphemy. Despite this, civil society, NGOs, religious leaders, and senior citizens united in protest, demanding justice. The culprits are under trial. If Sindhis were as extreme as Punjabis or Pashtuns, such protests would not have occurred.
As Pakistan’s most spiritually rich province, Sindh holds the potential to once again become a beacon of interfaith harmony and cultural pride—if its pluralistic traditions are preserved and respected.