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Cultural and Literary Dimensions of Zikir: The Assamese Tradition of Devotional Chanting

Author(s) Mr. Tufail Zilani Imdad Ullah, Dr. Garima Kalita
Country India
Abstract The Assamese devotional compositions known as Zikir were crafted by the Sufi mystic Shah Miran, widely revered as Azan Fakir. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Sufi missionaries from diverse regions, including Central Asia, journeyed across the globe to spread and rejuvenate Islamic teachings. One such figure, Shah Miran, hailing from Baghdad, reached Assam in the early 1600s and gained access to the Ahom court under King Pratap Singha. By that time, Muslim communities had been migrating to Assam from northern India in waves since the late 1200s, establishing lasting roots in the region. Over the ensuing century, these settlers forged deep intercultural bonds with local ethnic and faith-based communities, blending traditions seamlessly—yet, apart from their surnames, they often lacked a distinct religious affiliation. In response, Shah Miran created an innovative form of Islamic bhakti poetry in the vernacular Assamese tongue, termed Zikir, which introduced core Islamic principles in an accessible way. Its melodies drew entirely from indigenous Assamese folk traditions, making it resonate deeply with the populace. While Zikir undeniably served the mission of Islamic outreach and renewal, its enduring value lies more in its artistic depth and sociocultural resonance as a unique devotional genre. This study delves into its literary dimensions—including semantics, allusions, motifs, linguistic choices, and narrative techniques—while also exploring its broader cultural imprint, from mirroring everyday societal dynamics and fostering interfaith coexistence to enhancing the tapestry of Assamese heritage.
Keywords Zikir, Devotional Song, Folk Song, Sufi Saints
Field Arts
Published In Volume 6, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On 2025-12-04
DOI https://doi.org/10.63363/aijfr.2025.v06i06.2252
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbdstg
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