What does PIR stand for?  Page #2

Pir

Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his disciples on the Sufi path. This is often done by general lessons and individual guidance. Other words that refer to a Pir include, Murshid, Sheikh and Sarkar. The title Peer Baba is common in hindustani used to give a salutation to Sufi masters or similarly honored persons. After their death people bow their head on their tombs. The path of Sufism starts when a student takes an oath of allegiance with a teacher called Bai'ath or Bay'ah. After that, the student is called a Murid. A Pir usually has authorizations to be a teacher for one Tariqahs. A Tariqah may have more than one Pir at a time. A Pir is accorded that status by his Shaikh by way of Khilafat or Khilafah. Khilafat is the process in which a Shaikh identifies one of his disciples as his successor. A Pir can have more than one khalifah.

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