Zikri

The Zikris (Arabic: ذكرى‎) are a branch of Islam settled in Balochistan region of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. They are followers of Imam e Akhar Zama (Imam Mehdi). The name Zikri comes from the Arabic word dhikr (pronounced "zikr" in South Asia). The Zikri sect developed within Sunni Hanafi during the 18th century Mahdi movement as a reaction to British colonialism and decline of Muslim rule in modern Pakistan. Zikris are now gravitating back towards orthodox Sunni Hanafi beliefs.