Promoting Tolerance and Harmony: Lessons from the Shared Sacred Space of Jhule Lal/ Udero Lal in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper explores the phenomenon of shared sacred spaces as a means of fostering tolerance and harmony within diverse communities. Specifically, it examines into the case study of Udero Lal, a revered shrine located in Sindh, Pakistan, where people of various religious and cultural backgrounds converge to pay homage and seek blessings. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing ethnographic fieldwork, historical analysis, and interviews with local stakeholders, this study examines the mechanisms that facilitate interfaith coexistence and peaceful interactions within this sacred site. The findings of this research highlight the significance of shared sacred spaces in promoting religious pluralism, social cohesion, and mutual respect among different religious communities. Moreover, it emphasizes the potential of such spaces to serve as models for conflict resolution and peace building in regions marked by religious diversity and historical tensions. The study contributes to academic discussions about religious studies and conflict resolution, but it also offers practical advice for policymakers, community leaders, and religious institutions seeking to use shared sacred spaces to promote tolerance and harmony.