Maroof (Faizabad) (Urdu: معروف) is a village situated alongside Jalalpur–Gujrat Road in the district of Gujrat, Pakistan. It was inhabited by muslims of subcontinent in 17th century. Village Maroof carries a rich historical and cultural legacy that dates back centuries. Nestled within the fertile plains of Punjab, this village has long been part of the heartland of traditional Punjabi life. The area is known for its lush, productive land, which has sustained the community through agriculture for generations. Its proximity to historic trade routes that connected the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia has exposed it to various cultural and religious influences over time. This strategic location contributed to the exchange of ideas, goods, and traditions that shaped the region's identity.
Historically, the population of Village Maroof, like many other villages in Punjab, was composed of diverse ethnic and religious communities. During the Mughal period, as Islam spread throughout the region, Father (Sheikh Marouf) of Village Maroof converted to Islam, often influenced by the teachings of Sufi saints and the appeal of Islamic principles of equality and brotherhood. Sufi scholars and mystics played a significant role in spreading Islam across Punjab, including in rural areas like Village Maroof, by establishing mosque that became center of community life and spiritual gatherings. The Sufi influence encouraged a peaceful and gradual adoption of Islam, blending existing traditions with Islamic beliefs, creating a unique cultural synthesis that is still evident today.
Today, the people of Village Maroof still honor these Sufi traditions, with many local customs tied to religious practices. The village thus stands as a testament to the historical shifts in Punjab, reflecting centuries-old traditions alongside the influence of Islam, which continues to shape the identity and values of the community.
Before the spread of Islam, the religious landscape of Village Maroof and the surrounding Punjab region was primarily influenced by Hinduism. Hinduism was deeply rooted in the cultural fabric, with villagers worshipping Hindu deities and observing festivals tied to the seasons and agrarian lifestyle. Buddhism also left its mark during its spread across the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the rule of the Mauryan Empire. However, over time, these religions gradually gave way to Islam, especially during the Mughal period, when Sufi saints introduced Islamic teachings, leading to a peaceful conversion of many local communities.
Noble Families :
1) Imam-ud-Din Family
(a) Chouhdary Said Ahmad
(i) Chouhdary Ashfaq Ahmad
(ii) Chouhdary Nazar Hussain
(iii) Nk Chouhdary Abid Hussain
(b) Chouhdary Faiz Ahmad
(i) Chouhdary Mushtaq Shafqat
(ii) Chouhdary Altaf Hussain
(A) Flight Lieutenant Chouhdary Ansar Altaf
(1) Muhammad Abdullah Abubakar
(2) Muhammad Obaidullah Haider
(iii) Chouhdary Muhammad Azam
(A) Chouhdary Jehanzeb Azam
(1) Ahmad Jehanzeb
(B) Chouhdary Adnan Azam
(iv) Chouhdary Muhammad Zaman
(A) Chouhdary Farhan Zaman
(B) Chouhdary Naveed Anjum
(C) Chouhdary Faisal Zaman
(c) Chouhdary Hatim Ali
(i) Chouhdary Muhammad Nawaz
(ii) Chouhdary Riaz Ahmad
A) Chouhdary Sheraz Ahmad
B) Chouhdary Nasir Ahmad
(d) Chouhdary Muhammad Khan
2) Abdul Haq Family
(a) Chouhdary Bashir Ahmad
(i) Chouhdary Iftikhar Ahmad
(ii) Chouhdary Imtiaz Ahmad
(iii) Chouhdary Sarfraz Ahmad
(iv) Chouhdary Muhmmad Javed
3) Numberdar
4) Abdul Qadir Family
(a) Chouhdary Nazeer Ahmad
(b) Chouhdary Mumtaz Hussain
(c) Chouhdary Nawaz Ahmad
(d) Chouhdary Riaz Ahmad
(e) Chouhdary Hukhtar Ahmad
5) Peer Family
(a) Hon Captain Fateh Ali
(b) Hon Flt Lt Chouhdary Ayub
(c) Chf tech (R) Chouhdary Naeem Nasir
6) Makwalies
(a) Chouhdary Jan Akbar
Noble Personalities :
• Late Chouhdary Faiz Ahmed
• Late Chouhdary M.A Mushtaq
• Late Chouhdary Muhammad Nawaz
• Late Chouhdary Bashir Ahmad
• Late Inspector Chouhdary Altaf Hussein
• Late Chouhdary Muhammad Zaman
• Chouhdary Iftikhar Ahmed
• Flight Lieutenant Chouhdary Ansar Altaf
• Chouhdary Nasir Ahmed Subhani Land lord
• Choudhary Lal Khan (Numberdar)
• Chouhdary Jan Akbar
• Excise Inspector Muhammad Adnan Butt
• Chouhdary Qaiser Mansoor
• Health Supervisor Faheem Saleh
• Chouhdary Fateh Khan
• Chouhdary Muhammad Abdullah Abubakar
• Chouhdary Muhammad Obaidullah Haider
