Which one of the following is the correct meaning of ziyarat?

The term 'ziyarat' (literally meaning 'visit') refers to the practice of pilgrimage to the tombs of Sufi saints, which is prevalent throughout the Muslim world [1]. Devotees visit these shrines, known as dargahs, to seek the spiritual grace or 'barakat' of the saint [1]. This practice became a central feature of Sufism, as followers believed that saints, being united with God after death, could intercede on behalf of ordinary people to improve their material and spiritual conditions [4]. While 'ziyarat' can occur at any time, it is particularly significant during the 'urs', which is the death anniversary of the Sufi shaikh, symbolizing the union of the soul with the Divine [3]. The rituals associated with ziyarat often include the use of music, mystical chants (qawwali), and specific gestures of devotion to evoke spiritual ecstasy [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. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 7.4 Sufis and the state > p. 159
4. [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