𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲

‎11th ‎September ‎2022

Before the partition of 1947, the town of Thokar Niaz Baig was located 7 miles outside of the city of Lahore. 

The history of this town has yet to be discovered; however, some references can be found in Tahrikh-e-Lahore, written by Kanhaiya Lal about a Bhadrakali Mandir, which was the main attraction of the town. On every Baisakhi, a major festival was celebrated at this temple. Baisakhi also has religious significance for the Sikhs community as the foundation of the Panth Khalsa on this day by Guru Gobind. There was a place dedicated in town, especially for this festival. 

Thokar Niaz Baig was also once a walled city, the fortification walls designed to tackle intruders' attacks, also it used to have two tall elegant entrance gates. After the Partition of Hindustan many migratory families settled in this area and built new houses with old bricks of the walled city.

With the passage of time, one entrance gateway completely disappeared, however, the other entrance gate still stands, I visited and photographed that gate back in 2022 it was in a dilapidated state cracks appeared in the roof and walls. There is Imam Birgah construction going nearby and they rehabilitated the gate in an ugly manner by completely doing cement plaster on the structure. 

The Char Yaar: Four Friends of Spiritual Enlightenment

The spiritual journey of individuals throughout history has often been marked by encounters with influential figures who guide and inspire them. In the realm of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, such encounters hold a special significance. Among the many revered Sufi saints, four distinct personalities stand out for their profound impact on the spiritual landscape of South Asia. They are Laal Shahbaz Qalandar, Bahauddin Zakaria Multani, Baba Farid Ganjshakar, and Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari. Known as the Char Yaar, meaning Four Friends, their alliance symbolizes the convergence of diverse Sufi orders and the unity of spiritual seekers. This essay explores the lives and legacies of these four remarkable individuals and recounts my fortunate journey to their respective shrines.

Laal Shahbaz Qalandar:

Laal Shahbaz Qalandar, whose real name was Syed Usman Marwandi, was a prominent Sufi saint of the Qalandariyya order. Born in the early 12th century, he preached love, harmony, and devotion to God. Laal Shahbaz Qalandar's spiritual journey led him to meet three other influential figures: Bahauddin Zakaria Multani, Baba Farid Ganjshakar, and Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari. Together, they formed an enduring alliance that continues to inspire generations of seekers.

Bahauddin Zakaria Multani:

Bahauddin Zakaria Multani, a revered Sufi saint of the Suhrwardiyya Silsila, was born in the 12th century. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline, simplicity, and compassion. Bahauddin Zakaria Multani's teachings resonated with the principles advocated by Laal Shahbaz Qalandar and the other members of the Char Yaar. Their shared spiritual connection strengthened the bond between their respective orders and fostered a sense of unity among their followers.

Baba Farid Ganjshakar:

Baba Farid Ganjshakar, also known as Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganjshakar, was a renowned Sufi saint of the Chishtiyya order. Born in the 12th century, he was known for his poetic wisdom and deep insight into spirituality. Baba Farid Ganjshakar's teachings emphasized the importance of renunciation, humility, and the pursuit of divine love. His association with the Char Yaar further enriched the spiritual landscape of the region and contributed to the propagation of Sufi ideals.

Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari:

Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari, a revered Sufi saint of the Suhrawardiyya order, hailed from Central Asia and settled in the region that is now Pakistan. His teachings emphasized the concept of spiritual sovereignty and the necessity of inner purification. Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari's inclusion in the Char Yaar further highlighted the diversity and inclusiveness of the alliance, bringing together spiritual figures from different geographic origins and Sufi orders.

The Pilgrimage to the Shrines:

Having learned about the significance of the Char Yaar and their profound impact on the spiritual realm, I embarked on a pilgrimage to visit their shrines. This journey allowed me to experience the rich heritage of Sufism and witness firsthand the devotion and reverence people hold for these spiritual luminaries.

The alliance of the Char Yaar, comprising Laal Shahbaz Qalandar, Bahauddin Zakaria Multani, Baba Farid Ganjshakar, and Makhdoom Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari, represents a harmonious convergence of diverse Sufi orders and spiritual traditions. Their teachings continue to inspire and guide countless seekers on their paths to enlightenment. My pilgrimage to their respective shrines provided a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage and the profound impact these spiritual luminaries have had on the lives of people across generations. The Char Yaar remains an eternal symbol of unity, love, and the transformative power of spiritual friendship.

My Visit to Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Gunj Shakar (RA), Pakpattan

Thursday, ‎19 ‎April ‎2018

Hazrat Fariduddin Masud Gunj Shakar, affectionately known as Baba Farid or Fariduddin Ganj Shakar, was a prominent 12th-century Muslim preacher and mystic. Born in 1179 AD in the village of Kothewal, Multan, to Jamal-ud-din Suleiman, he became one of the founding fathers of the Chishti Sufi order. His early education took place in Multan, which had emerged as a center for Islamic learning, where he had the fortune of meeting his teacher, Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiar Kaki, a renowned Sufi saint.

After completing his education, Baba Farid moved to Delhi, where he deepened his understanding of Islamic teachings under the guidance of his master, Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiar Kaki. When his spiritual mentor passed away in 1235 AD, Farid succeeded him as the spiritual heir and settled in Ajodhan (present-day Pakpattan). During his journey to Ajodhan, he encountered Nizam-ud-Din Auliya, who later became his disciple and eventually his successor as a Sufi Khalifah.

Baba Farid was married to three wives and blessed with eight children, comprising five sons and three daughters. One of his wives, Hazabara, was the daughter of Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud. Notably, the renowned Arab traveler Ibn Battuta visited this revered Sufi saint and reported that Fariduddin Gunj Shakar was the spiritual guide of the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. According to Ibn Battuta, the Sultan had granted him the village of Ajodhan. During his visit, Ibn Battuta also had the opportunity to meet two of Baba Farid's sons.

The descendants of Hazrat Baba Farid, known as Fareedi, Fareedies, or Faridy, predominantly carry the surname Faruqi. The shrine of Fariduddin Gunj Shakar is situated in Pakpattan, Punjab. One of Baba Farid's significant contributions to Punjabi literature was his development of the language for literary purposes. Prior to Farid, Punjabi poetry was limited, and most of the existing works consisted of traditional anonymous ballads. By utilizing Punjabi as a medium for poetic expression, Farid laid the foundation for the growth of vernacular Punjabi literature in the future.

There are several explanations for why Hazrat Baba Farid earned the title Shakar Gunj, meaning 'Treasure of Sugar.' According to one legend, his mother used to motivate the young Farid to pray by placing sugar under his prayer mat. Once, when she forgot to do so, Farid discovered sugar beneath his prayer mat, an experience that deepened his spiritual fervor and led to the bestowal of this name upon him.

The shrine of Hazrat Baba Farid is a small structure made of white marble, featuring two doors. The eastern entrance, known as the "Nuri Darwaza" or Gate of Light, and the northern entrance, called the "Bahishti Darwaza" or Gate of Paradise. Inside the tomb, two marble graves can be found—one belongs to Baba Farid, and the other to his elder son. The shrine continues to attract devotees and serves as a place of reverence and spiritual solace for many.

Remains of Pre-partition Building near Rori Saheb Gurdwara Eminabad

Taken on February 10, 2013

Remains of a pre-partition building present outside the Rori Saheb Gurdwara till a decade back. It is said that the Baisakhi festival was celebrated every year around this building before the division of Hindustan. 

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

 ‎Saturday, ‎24 ‎February ‎2018, ‏‎1:52:33 am

Some Photos of Jamia Masjid Darul Uloom Hanfia, Qasmi Street, Chakwal

 ‎Wednesday, ‎28 ‎March ‎2018, ‏‎7:34:33 am