Is Sindhi a Religion?

The term 'Sindhi' is often used to describe people from the southern province of Sindh in Pakistan. However, the question of whether Sindhi is a religion merits a nuanced discussion. The origins and cultures of people in this region are deeply intertwined with various religious and ethnic identities.

The Historical Background of Sindhis

The people in northern India, including Punjab, have called the region Sindh for over 2500 years. The primary occupation of the original Sindh residents was farming. After the partition in 1947, Jinnah, who led the creation of Pakistan, had promised to protect the rights of minorities. However, the reality was different. There are two major groups of Sindh people:

Forced Conversion to Islam: Some Sinding people, known as 'Sindhi Muslims,' were forcefully converted to Islam by Punjab due to ecological and economic benefits. This group now resides in Sindh, Saudi Arabia, and other countries following the pure Quranic principles.

Resistance to Conversion: A significant number of Sindhis did not accept conversion and have continued to follow their original faith, a mix of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Post-partition, around 70% shifted to Gujarat in India, while a small number fled to various business centers abroad for a better life.

The Current Demographics of Sindh

Today, the demographics of Sindh are quite diverse:

Islamic-Sindhis: They form the majority in Sindh and follow Islam.

Hindu-Sindhis: These individuals, who remained in Karachi and Hyderabad, follow Hinduism and still practice the religion in temples under pressure from stricter religious laws.

Diverse Religious Groups: A significant portion of the Sindh population practices various other religions such as Sikhism, Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), RadhaSoami, Nirankari, and a few Christians. A very small minority have converted to Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism.

The Influence of Religion on Sindh

The current religious landscape in Sindh has been significantly influenced by the political and social climate of Pakistan. Many Sindh Muslims, despite wanting a more liberal approach, have been forced to adhere to Islam due to the strict enforcement of Islamic laws by the government. This has led to a homogenization of religious identity in the region, with a majority of people identifying as Muslim, even if their cultural and historical roots are mixed.

Conclusion

While the term 'Sindhi' can describe people from Sindh, it is important to recognize that the region's identity is not solely defined by religion. The cultural and historical heritage of Sindh is a blend of various traditions, including Hindu and Muslim, which have coexisted over the centuries. The religious composition of Sindh reflects the complex interplay between historical events, social changes, and political influences.