The Role Of A Sufi Leader During The Pandemic For Maizbhandari Sufi Community: A Case Of Syed Emdadul Hoque Maizbhandari, Fatikchari, Bangladesh

Abstract

The ongoing New Norm scenario has had a devastating physical, mental, and financial impact on the entire world's population. In this situation, world leaders are perplexed as to how to deal with the problem. They are at a loss as to what measures should be taken to fix the situation so that people's morale is not shattered and their psychology is maintained. In this situation, Syed Emdadul Hoque Maizbhandari, the incumbent Pir (the spiritual leader) of Maizbhandari Darbar Sharif, Fatikchari, Bangladesh, has taken several initiatives to mitigate the challenges, ensuring that the Maizbhandari Sufi community is physically safe, mentally strong, and financially self-reliant. This study aims to examine how the Maizbhandari Sufi community reacted to the pandemic, as well as how a transformational Sufi leader may aid in the adjustment to a new normal life, and how Sufis used their teachings to improve society and play a strong role in the community. The mixed-method approach has been adopted, with the Usul-e-saba model (the seven principles) as a tool as well as a key informant interview. Based on the questionnaire, a 5 points Likert scale is also utilized to determine the responses of the target community members. The data has been analyzed using Smart PLS 3. The findings show that the Maizbhandari Sufi community was quiet, mentally stronger, and financially self-sufficient amid societal disruptions created by the epidemic.