HEARKEN TO THE CALL OF DUTY (The Philanthropic Approach of Sufi Masters in Islam)

Generally it is thought that the tombs of saints only quench the thirst of the seekers after the truth and inward enlightenment, and that they have nothing to do with social development and business activity. The reality is the other way around. This research work aims to highlight this oft-neglected aspect of the lives of Muslim mystics. In their lifetimes, they tried their best to work for the betterment of their societies in religious, spiritual, political, social and financial spheres. Following their deaths, their tombs turned into great spiritual NGOs and served as centres of social welfare. The needy and the poor are fed, educated and treated there free of charge. The income of Sufi shrines is used to establish educational institutes, hospitals, orphanages, inns and hotels where food is served for free.