Islamic Period

Pakistan is an ideological Islamic State. Its very existence is due to Islam, so the Pakistani culture is primarily based on the Islamic way of life. All other ingredients of culture are inspired by Islam. Pakistani culture is highlighted by its grandeur, simplicity, firm convictions and noble deeds and ideas.

Although Buddhism as a religion was ejected by Brahmanism, its impact on our culture had been enormous. When Islam appeared in this region, it was Buddhist culture which embraced it willingly. It must be pointed out that the areas that constitute Pakistan today were on the periphery of the Muslim empire in Delhi, yet Islam established itself in Pakistan with more speed than around the Muslim seat of political power. This testifies to the cultural values of this area, which were more open and liberal than their counterparts in Central India.

Starting with the Arabs (711 ACE) in Balochistan and Sindh, it culminated with Muslim influences from Central Asia. Knocked loose by the depredations of the Mongols in Central Asia, streams of Muslim religious and secular scholars flowed into Pakistan in the wake of the conquerors. The result was the development of cities, centres of learning, trading centres, and bazaars. The mosque occupied a unique place for religious purposes and for commercial and social gatherings. Music, dance, painting and song contributed significantly to some of the philosophical dimensions of Islam.

Pakistani culture bears a deep imprint of the thought and the life style of Sufis who used local medium to convey the intellectual content of the message of the Prophet of Islam. Even those Sufis who had received their education and training in Iran and Central Asia adopted local practices in order to appeal to a wider public. Shah Latif’s story of Marvi, Baba Farid’s Dohra and Rahman Baba’s poetry all represent the local modes, natural environments and regional symbols in the service of Islam. The Mughals introduced new innovations in architecture especially mosques, tombs and gardens. Exotic flowers and plants were introduced. Dress, music, cuisine and painting achieved new dimensions. The impact of Islam was felt on local religions and the emergence of Sikh religion and Bhakti movement could not have been possible without an interaction with Islam.