Barelvi

HIIA and HuJI played another more important role, mostly ignored until now, by helping the Deobandi movement grow in largely Barelvi Afghanistan (the Barelvi are a less politicized branch of Muslims who place more stress on rituals).

Chris van Avery's Big Feed 2010

While many factions have lauded the slaying, the peace-promoting Barelvi sect has spearheaded mass rallies to demand the release of the assassin, a policeman.

In Pakistan, even anti-violence Islamic sect lauds assassination of liberal governor Karin Brulliard 2011

Shortly after Taseer's murder, 500 leading clerics from the supposedly moderate Barelvi sect—often contrasted favorably with the more rigid Deobandis—publicly applauded Mr. Qadri, a fellow Barelvi, for his "bravery, valor and faith."

Confronting the Myth of 'Moderate Pakistan' Sadanand Dhume 2011

But, as Lieven rightly says, "the cults of the saints, and the Sufi orders and Barelvi theology which underpin them, are an immense obstacle to the spread of Taliban and sectarian extremism, and of Islamist politics in general."

Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven – review 2011

The reader can be assured of at least one visit to a great landed estate worked by serfs, a potted history of the country's rogue nuclear program, well-meaning observations on the dismal status of women, and learned asides about the difference between the Barelvi and Deobandi sects of Sunni Islam.

Love Letter to Rawalpindi Sadanand Dhume 2011

"We represent the voice of the people," said Sfarish Ali, 26, a teacher here at the vast Jamia Naeemia seminary, a Barelvi institution whose leader was killed when extremists bombed the school in 2009.

In Pakistan, even anti-violence Islamic sect lauds assassination of liberal governor Karin Brulliard 2011

Followers of the Barelvi school of Islam, one of the two main branches of the religion in Pakistan, consider themselves the custodian of the shrines.

Bombs kill 42 at Pakistani shrine 2011

Yet Barelvi leaders who were interviewed struggled to explain how championing Qadri's deed was compatible with support for government authority.

In Pakistan, even anti-violence Islamic sect lauds assassination of liberal governor Karin Brulliard 2011

Authorities have done little to restrain clerics who encourage bloodshed; Qadri told a court he was inspired by two Barelvi clerics.

In Pakistan, even anti-violence Islamic sect lauds assassination of liberal governor Karin Brulliard 2011

Senior leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-N party avoided the Lahore funeral, perhaps mindful of a decree by Barelvi mullahs that those condoling with Taseer also risked death.

A divided Pakistan buries Salmaan Taseer and a liberal dream 2011