Before the arrival of Islam in the region, the majority of Pashtuns practiced various forms of indigenous religions and belief systems. These pre-Islamic belief systems were often characterized by animism, polytheism, and a connection to nature. Specific details about the religious practices of ancient Pashtuns are not well-documented, but archaeological and historical evidence suggests a diversity of local beliefs.
Pashtun society has a long history, and the region has been home to various ancient civilizations and cultures. The Pashtuns, as an ethnic group, have lived in the areas now encompassed by Afghanistan and Pakistan for centuries. The region has seen influences from various empires and civilizations, including the Persian Empire, Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, and the Indian subcontinent.
The Pashtun code of conduct, known as Pashtunwali, predates the arrival of Islam and has deep cultural and ethical roots. Pashtunwali encompasses principles such as hospitality, justice, and revenge, and it has been a significant aspect of Pashtun identity and social organization.
The introduction of Islam to the Pashtun region occurred during the early centuries of the Islamic era through trade, cultural interactions, and, to a significant extent, through military conquests. The process of conversion to Islam was gradual, and by the time of the Arab and later Turkic invasions, many Pashtuns had embraced Islam.
Over time, Islam became the dominant religion among the Pashtuns, shaping their cultural, social, and religious practices. The majority of Pashtuns today are Sunni Muslims, primarily following the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. However, within the broader Pashtun population, there is a diversity of cultural practices, and some may incorporate elements of pre-Islamic traditions, particularly in rural and remote areas. Pashtunwali, despite being a cultural code, is distinct from religious practices and is often regarded as a separate aspect of Pashtun identity.
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