The Rise of Fake Peers and the Betrayal of True Faith
By: Javid Amin
The Spiritual Legacy of Kashmir Under Threat
Kashmir has long been a land of deep spirituality, where revered Sufi saints illuminated the region with their wisdom and unwavering devotion to Allah. From Hazrat Sheikh Nur-ud-Din Noorani (RA) to Baba Dawood Khaki (RA), these pious figures dedicated their lives to guiding people towards truth, self-purification, and the oneness of Allah. Their teachings, firmly rooted in the Quran and Hadith, continue to inspire generations. However, in recent times, their legacy has been overshadowed by a growing culture of deception—the rise of fake peers (self-proclaimed spiritual guides) who exploit the faith of the masses for personal gain.
The very principles that once defined Kashmir’s spiritual identity are now at risk of being diluted by charlatans who manipulate religious beliefs for wealth, power, and influence. The question arises: How did we reach this point? Who is responsible? And, most importantly, how can we reclaim our faith from these impostors?
The Rise of Fake Peers: How Deception Became a Business
Throughout history, true spiritual leaders never sought material gain. Their mission was to elevate the souls of their followers, not to exploit them. Today, however, a disturbing trend has emerged—self-proclaimed peers who offer false promises in exchange for money, unquestioning loyalty, and even blind worship. They claim to possess supernatural abilities, sell amulets and talismans, and perform so-called “miracles” that have no basis in Islam. These fraudulent practices deceive the vulnerable, especially those suffering from illness, financial troubles, or personal crises.
The biggest tragedy is that instead of relying on the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, people are being led astray by individuals who distort Islamic spirituality for selfish purposes. This is not just a betrayal of faith but a dangerous deviation from the true essence of Islam.
The Role of Religious Scholars: Negligence or Complicity?
One of the primary reasons behind this spiritual decline is the failure of religious scholars to uphold their responsibilities. Instead of uniting the Ummah and reinforcing the fundamentals of Islam, many scholars have become entangled in sectarian debates and political agendas. Social media has further worsened this issue, with many scholars focusing more on personal fame and sectarian superiority rather than addressing the real problems plaguing the Muslim community.
Rather than educating people about Tawheed (the oneness of Allah), many religious leaders remain silent while fake peers exploit their followers. Their negligence—or, in some cases, complicity—has created an intellectual vacuum, making it easier for fraudsters to mislead the masses.
The Forgotten Warning Against Shirk and Superstition
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently warned against shirk (associating partners with Allah), yet today, the practice of blindly following self-proclaimed saints has become alarmingly common. Many people believe in the so-called “divine powers” of these impostors more than they believe in the power of Allah. They offer sacrifices at the feet of these individuals, hoping for financial success, good health, or marital blessings—actions that have no place in Islam.
This culture of dependency on fake spiritual leaders has eroded the true essence of Islamic faith. Instead of seeking help through prayer, patience, and hard work, people turn to superstition and meaningless rituals. The biggest irony is that the very saints whose teachings these impostors claim to uphold—Hazrat Sheikh Nur-ud-Din Noorani (RA) and Baba Dawood Khaki (RA)—never preached such practices.
The Consequences of Blind Following
The impact of this crisis extends beyond individual spiritual decay. It is a threat to the entire social fabric of Kashmir. Here are some of the alarming consequences:
- Loss of True Faith: When people place their trust in fake peers rather than in Allah, they drift away from Islam’s fundamental teachings.
- Exploitation of the Poor: Fake peers thrive on the desperation of struggling individuals, extorting money in exchange for false promises.
- Division Within the Ummah: Instead of uniting under the common teachings of the Quran and Hadith, sectarian conflicts continue to weaken our faith.
- Moral and Social Decline: When people follow religious figures blindly, critical thinking diminishes, leading to ignorance, superstition, and moral corruption.
Reclaiming Our Faith: The Path Forward
The solution to this crisis lies in returning to the authentic teachings of Islam. The spiritual leaders of the past never sought blind followers; instead, they encouraged knowledge, reflection, and sincerity. To counter the rise of fake peers and religious exploitation, we must take proactive steps:
1. Education and Awareness
Religious scholars must shift their focus from sectarian disputes to educating the masses about true Islamic principles. The Quran and Hadith should be made accessible so that people can differentiate between genuine faith and fabricated traditions.
2. Rejecting Fake Peers
Individuals must be encouraged to question and verify religious figures rather than blindly following anyone who claims to have divine powers. Islam calls for critical thinking, not blind allegiance.
3. Unity Among Scholars
Rather than dividing people, scholars must come together to address real issues, such as superstition, shirk, and the erosion of true Islamic values. They must take an active role in exposing fraudsters who mislead the masses.
4. Strengthening Personal Faith
Every individual must take personal responsibility for their own faith. The teachings of Islam emphasize a direct connection with Allah through sincere prayer and good deeds. Reliance on self-proclaimed intermediaries contradicts the very foundation of Islam.
A Call to Action: Restoring the True Spirit of Islam
If we continue down this path of ignorance and deception, we risk losing the essence of our faith. The rise of fake peers is not merely their doing; it reflects our own collective failure to uphold true Islam. It is time to return to the Quran, reject superstition, and demand better from our scholars and religious leaders.
Kashmir’s spiritual heritage was built on sincerity, knowledge, and devotion to Allah alone. We must not allow this legacy to be destroyed by fraudsters who manipulate faith for their personal gain. The responsibility to change this situation lies with each one of us.
It is time to wake up. It is time to reclaim our faith.
