Transnational Sufi Order and Pakistani Diaspora in Britain

Abstract

This article explores the expansion of Pakistan-based transnational Sufi-inspired Deobandi silsila, Naqshbandia Awaisia in Britain. I argue that “Sufi networking is practicing in the transnational space without breaking the boundaries of nation state and has integrated various strands of Islam to acculturate to west in a South Asian milieu” A true „transglobal‟ phenomenon occurs, when a religious tradition transcends its geographical confines, disseminates its message across the world and acculturates variant strands of religious, social and cultural formations to create a niche in western secular milieu. The change of location to a non-Muslim environment has resulted in an important adaptation taking place in silsila. The focus of attention in the place of origin, was the shrine itself, however in the new location, and changing context the priority has shifted to protecting and maintaining Islam itself