A spiritual healer, also known as a “pir,” in Pakistan was arrested for allegedly killing his follower, whom he promised to restore to good health from death by performing a “miracle.” Muhammad Sabir, who lives in the village of Mubarakabad in Bahawalnagar, was arrested on September 17 from Multan, said a spokesperson for Saddar police.
According to the Express Tribune, Sabir claimed earlier this month that he could restore life in a dead man, if the victim was married and had children. Soon after this announcement, Sabir’s follower, 40-year-old Muhammad Niaz, who was married and had six children, volunteered to die. Niaz was placed on a table at the city square and his limbs were tied, after which Sabir slit his throat in the witness of hundreds of bystanders.
When Niaz was obviously dead, police were called to the scene. Witnesses told the police that Sabir did try to chant some spells to bring Niaz back to life but when his “miracle” failed to work, he tried to flee the scene. However, the villagers refused to let him go and handed him over to the police instead.
Over the last five years, Sabir managed to attain the status of a holy saint after performing “miracles” to cure sick people or those who were suffering from extremely poor health. Police were also told that Sabir was known for sacrificing animals and bathing his followers in the animals’ blood to shield them from black magic and evil spirits.
Samina, Niaz’s sister, said that his death was not Sabir’s fault, as her brother decided to sacrifice his life for their spiritual leader. She said it was not fair for the pir to be punished because Niaz had volunteered for the “miracle.”
“Why should I mourn when I know that my brother is in heaven?” she said. “He will be rewarded for his services for the spiritual leader in afterlife.”
Hemant Mehta from Patheos explains Sufism, the faith allegedly practiced by Sabir, as a non-violent, mystical version of Islam that serves as a journey for followers towards the Truth through love and devotion.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
