What wras Ziyarat in the language of the Sufis ?

In Sufi terminology, Ziyarat refers to the practice of pilgrimage to the tombs or shrines (dargahs) of Sufi saints [2]. This practice is deeply rooted in the belief that Sufi saints, as friends of God (wali), possess spiritual power and blessings that can be transmitted to devotees even after their death [2]. The primary objective of Ziyarat is to seek 'barakat' or spiritual grace from the saint [1]. This tradition became a central feature of Sufism, particularly on the saint's death anniversary, known as 'urs', which symbolizes the union of the soul with the Divine [2]. While other practices like 'zikr' (reciting divine names) and 'sama' (mystical music) are integral to Sufi life, Ziyarat specifically denotes the act of visiting these sacred sites to receive protection and grace [3].

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 7.2 Chishti devotionalism: ziyarat and qawwali > p. 155
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 6.1 Khanqahs and silsilas > p. 153
3. [3] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > The pilgrimage of the Mughal princess Jahanara, 1643 > p. 157