The Study of Pashto Theosophy and Mysticism in the Mogul Age

Abstract

The Moguls conquered Khorasan and ruled there for many years. In this situation, enlightened people (Olama), spirituals, mystics, and Sufis recognized that war causes destruction and damage. Therefore, they turned to seclusion. This event increased the aspect of mystical and theosophical literature and created more and more mystical and theosophical phenomena. With respect to the Pashtu language, Theosophy and mysticism were added to its literature in the 7^th century and remained till the 12^th century. The Indian king, Babur, was well represented in Pashto theosophy and mysticism during the Mogul period. At the time, theosophy and mysticism had social, even religious, aspects that any ordinary person looking for a better sheikh or guru could easily identify. At this time, mysticism found its way and acceptability among Pashtuns, which caused them to create more mystic poems. Among the Cheshtia, Qadiria, Naqshbandia, Kebroia, and Roshania sects, there were considerable gurus (sheikhs) of Pashtuns who rewarded the valuable pieces of mysticism that contained distinct introspection and special attention to the inside of discipleship. Having a sheikh (guru) and using poetic language for declaring sensations and telling stories, standing against cruelty, humanitarianism, and pure and real love, mystics are very popular in Pashtu literature.