dargah

A dargah is a shrine or tomb of a Sufi saint, often a place of pilgrimage and worship in India. These sites are central to Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes devotion and spiritual connection. Sufi orders, or fraternities, were organized starting in the 12th century, with leaders like 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani gathering followers. Dargahs serve as focal points for these communities, where disciples (murids) undergo training and spiritual practices like dhikr (recitation of devotional formulas). While some Sufi communities were self-sufficient, others relied on alms. The term dargah can also refer to the central living quarters within a Sufi monastery or center.12