Search

The focus of this study was on identifying themes regarding the financial relationships between gurus (leaders) and chelas (disciples) in khwaja sira communities in Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Pakistan. We interviewed 45 khwaja sira in Mingora, Swat on their experiences of guru-chela culture. All interviews were digitally audio recorded, then translated and transcribed directly from Pashto into English. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis in a manner informed by both social reproduction theory and notions of Islamic capital. We identified four major themes related to relationships within guru-chela culture: (1) financial relationships are highly structured; (2) financial exchanges can be mutually beneficial; (3) systems of payment and debt can be exploitative; and (4) financial ties to gurus continue throughout the life course of khwaja sira. Findings show how financial interactions within guru-chela relationships are reflective of larger social forces, reproducing kinship structures, systems of Islamic gift-giving, and capitalist processes occurring within Pakhtun society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]