Who are Pir and Murid?

The word “Pir” is of Persian origin. In Arabic, it is called “Murshid”. The word Murshid means guide. A Murshid is someone who provides training on how to obey Allah’s commands and prohibitions as He wishes. In Persian, this person is called a Pir.

The word “Murid” is Arabic, meaning one who desires. A Murid is a person who, with the intention of obeying Allah’s commands and prohibitions properly, pledges allegiance (bay’ah) at the hands of a pious person. Hence, the Murid is the one who seeks training.

From this explanation, it is clear that a Pir is one who trains others to follow the rulings of Shari'ah, and the one who wants that training is called a Murid.

Therefore, a person who does not follow the rulings of Shari'ah—does not pray, does not observe hijab, does not cover the satr (private parts), or neglects obligatory rules—cannot be a Pir or Murshid. Because if a person is not himself trained, how can he train others?

The system of Pir-Murid has existed since the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet used to train the Sahabah (companions) to become focused on Allah. Thus, it can be said that the Prophet was the first and greatest Pir, and the Sahabah were the first Murids.

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Evidence of Pir-Murid in the Qur’an and Hadith:

Allah says in the Qur’an:

"O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

This verse clearly instructs believers to keep the company of the righteous.

In Surah Al-Fatiha:

"Guide us to the straight path – the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor..." (Surah Al-Fatiha, 6-7)

And Allah clarifies in Surah An-Nisa:

"Those upon whom Allah has bestowed favor – the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:69)

These verses prove that the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqim) is the path of the favored: the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous. Since we have not seen the Prophets or the Truthful or the Martyrs, it is easier for common people today to follow a righteous scholar who is firmly grounded in Shari'ah—this is what Pir-Murid means.

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Hadith on the Importance of Righteous Companionship:

Narrated by Abu Musa (RA):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of a musk seller and a blacksmith. The musk seller may give you some perfume, you may buy some, or at least enjoy the pleasant smell. The blacksmith, however, may burn your clothes, or at least you will get a foul odor.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5214, Sahih Muslim 6860, and other sources)

This and other hadiths emphasize keeping the company of the righteous. In today's time, most people are distant from religion. Even those who are religious often lack understanding of Arabic or proper interpretation of the Qur'an and Hadith. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the average person to extract divine guidance directly. Allah has made it easier: follow a true, righteous scholar and you will be on the straight path.

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However, the person followed (Pir) must be a follower of the straight path—that is, fully adherent to the Shari’ah, free from outward sins, knowledgeable in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and steadfast in the Prophet's tradition.

Thus, following such a person sincerely is what constitutes Pir-Murid. The Qur'an supports this:

“O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the truthful.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

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Note: Being a Murid is not mandatory for salvation in the Hereafter. However, being under the guidance of a righteous Pir instills sincerity and fear of Allah, as the disciple feels accountability. It fosters interest in worship. On the other hand, being a Murid of a heretical, fake, shrine-worshipping, non-observant Pir can be spiritually dangerous.

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Qualities of a True Pir (as listed in Qasdus Sabeel by Allama Ashraf Ali Thanwi):

1. Sunnah-Conforming Attire: From head to toe, his clothing and manners should follow the Sunnah.

2. Adequate Knowledge of Qur’an and Hadith: A true Pir must possess sufficient knowledge. Just outward appearance is not enough.

3. Practicing What He Preaches: Mere knowledge or Sunnah appearance is not enough; he must act on his knowledge.

4. Sincerity (Ikhlas): His worship must be for Allah alone, not for showing off.

5. Detachment from Worldly Desires: He must not be greedy or materialistic.

6. Good Character (Akhlaq): He should uphold truth without fearing people’s reactions.

7. Regular in Prayer (Salah): Especially in congregation, with diligence.

8. Guarding the Gaze: Must observe proper gender boundaries.

9. Observes Hijab: He must enforce and maintain hijab standards in his interactions.

10. Recitation of the Qur’an: He should personally recite and encourage others to do so.

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In today's age of trials and corruption, seeking and following a righteous guide is difficult yet crucial. One must evaluate the qualities of a Pir based on Qasdus Sabeel. May Allah protect us from fake Pirs and guide us toward sincere, righteous ones. Ameen.