Flashes of ultimate reality

Dreams of saints and shrines in a contemporary Pakistani Sufi community

Abstract

This article explores the use of dreams and dream interpretation by teachers and disciples within a prominent Sufi order in contemporary Pakistan. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and Sufi texts, the analysis describes how Chishti Sabiri Sufis employ dreams as models for Muslim selfhood and sainthood, tools for spiritual development and markers of spiritual attainment.