Sher Shah Suri Mosque at Wazirabad

23rd April 2023

(All images copyright 2023 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

In close proximity to the Sher Shah Suri era Stepwell at Daunkal, Wazirabad lies a mosque that stands as a testament to the same historical period. Less than half a kilometer away, these two remarkable structures give a glimpse into the architectural marvels of the past.

Saifur Rehman Dar, a distinguished archaeologist from Pakistan, has made significant contributions to the field of archaeology, particularly in Pakistan. In his comprehensive survey conducted from 1987 to 1989 along the Grand Trunk Road, Dar meticulously documented the remaining historical relics. It was during this survey that the historical significance of the mosque was discovered, subsequently detailed in Dar's renowned report, "Caravanserais along the Grand Trunk in Pakistan."

The presence of these two historical edifices in such close proximity hinted at the possibility of a Caravanserai, an inn for travelers, having existed in the area in the past. The Grand Trunk Road, with its rich historical heritage, stretches from the town of Gakkhar Cheema in Gujranwala towards Dhaunkal. In the past, there was a Kacchi Serai in Gujranwala, but the passage of time has completely erased its existence.

The present mosque, although modest in size, exudes its historical charm. The covered prayer hall measures a mere 23 ft x 40 ft, adorned with three arched gateways at the front and a single dome atop. In the past, remnants of frescoes adorned the interior ceiling, a sight captured in pictures shared by a friend. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, visitors are not permitted to explore the historical mosque's interior, as access has been restricted by the caretaker. Recent clashes between different religious sects in the area have further complicated matters concerning the control of the mosque.

Situated in front of a courtyard, another towering arched gateway greets visitors. The mosque is constructed on an elevated platform, beneath which a basement lies. This unique architectural feature suggests that the basement may have served as a Serai, providing shelter for traveller’s at night or acting as living quarters for students who came to study Quranic verses.

The mosque and Serai of Daunkal stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, their historical significance illuminating the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. These architectural marvels not only showcase the grandeur of the past but also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our historical treasures. By safeguarding these remnants, we honor the collective memory of our ancestors and provide future generations with the opportunity to appreciate and learn from the splendor of the past.

 

The 17th century shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri Lahore

28th August 2022

Located at the beginning of Shami Road, adjacent to the Shell petrol pump, stands the shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri, representing an architectural marvel from the middle Mughal period. Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri, originally known as Inayat Ullah, was a revered disciple of Hazrat Mian Mir Saheb (RA) and left a profound impact on the spiritual realm. He passed away in 1647 A.D., leaving behind a legacy of devotion and enlightenment. The shrine was established in his honor under the patronage of Prince Dara Shikoh, a notable figure of that time.

The shrine's dome is situated at the center of a sturdy masonry platform, serving as a prominent feature of the architectural ensemble. The walls of the shrine were once adorned with intricate enameled pottery work, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. However, during the Sikh era, these embellishments were unfortunately removed, diminishing the splendor of the shrine.

The original tomb of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri featured an elegant dome supported by a small brick masonry structure. Remarkably, this original structure has survived the test of time and remains intact. However, an additional small structure has been erected on the western side of the original tomb, adorned with four smaller domes and four minarets. These later additions contribute to the visual grandeur of the shrine. Notably, the embellishments added to the shrine over time include decorative elements in shades of dark green and other colors, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The shrine of Hazrat Miskin Shah Amri stands as a testament to the architectural and spiritual heritage of the Mughal era. Despite the loss of some of its original embellishments, the shrine continues to draw devotees and visitors who seek solace and spiritual connection within its sacred space.

A Ten year Wait to Visit an Akbar era Tomb in Sarai Mughal (2018)

Date of  visit 04-03-2018
All pictures are owned
Tomb in Sarai Mughal

Sir SALMAN RASHID is my favorite travel writer from Pakistan. In the mid-90s, there was a TV show that used to be telecast on PTV “Travelling along the Alexander trail” that was hosted by Sir Salman Rashid. That, TV show not only inspired me but also become a reason for growing wish inside my soul that sometime in my life; I will do some similar exploring work. 

More than ten years back, I read one of his articles that was about a tomb whose history and name is totally unknown to historians. Sir Salman mentioned some general guidelines about the location of this tomb; it is somewhat 5 km from the head of Baloki on the outskirts of Sarai Mughal. I could not find the exact location of this site on Google earth; however, I put a location pin on the map that maybe I would be able to visit in the future.

My plans to visit Sarai Mughal could never get finalized due to a lack of information about the place. Also, I could not able to find any post or picture related to this tomb on the internet

Well in 2018 after a lap of ten years; I left for Sarai Mughal in search of an unnamed tomb. To my good luck, I found the tomb after some effort.

An eighteen feet high, square tomb stands at the outskirts of the village graveyard. The site is roughly five kilometers to river Ravi. There is no grave inside the tomb. Salman Rashid during his visit to the place had concluded that this (most likely) Akbar-era tomb of the 16th-century era was pre-built but no one got the honor/chance of getting interred here.  A little outside the village, by a government school, and surrounded by a graveyard there stood the lofty building with its squat dome. Other than the lime plaster eroded from the plinth and in patches from one side, the building was in good fettle. In fact, if the plaster on the dome had not been blackened by age, I could have said it had been laid only a few years earlier. In my layman’s estimation the building dates to the last quarter of the 16th century, that is, the final years of the reign of Akbar the Great. The interior of the square building had a bare floor: there was no burial. But the walls were ornate with Mughal-style frescoes. Faded, discolored, and chipped, they had also been marred by cow dung patties.

Mosque of Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA), Lahore (2019)

2019

Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA) shrine is situated at Dil Muhammad road Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. His good name was Syed Khair ud Din, and his sir's name was Abul Maali.  His father was related to the Syed family of Kirman Iran. Kirman was a fluoresce of Iran at that time. His ancestor Syed Faiz Ullah along with his son Syed Mubarak migrated from Kirman to Hindustan during the seven-hundreds and ninety-six Hijri. They settled in the area of Uch Sharif in Bahawalpur.

Then, this family shifted to the town of Daud Cha near Multan. In 1630 AD part of this family move to Shergarh and settled there. On, 10 Zilhaj, 960 Hijri Sunday this great saint of Islam Shah Abul Maali (RA) was born at Shergarh. The name of his father was Syed Rahamut Ullah and the name of his Grandfather was Syed Fateh Ullah. Syed Rahamut Ullah was brother of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA).  The Shrine of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA) is present at Shergarh. Another brother of Syed Rahamut Ullah (RA) was Syed Jalaluddin (RA), whose shrine is at Kotha Syed Jalal Sindh Pakistan.

Hazrat's paternal lineage joins Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) after 14 steps.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali (RA) got maturity in literal knowledge and then was dominated by the spirit of Allah’s love. Dominate with that spirit he spent some time in seclusion in jungles and deserts. Life seclusion gives perfection in the love of Allah and it was connected with Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) cave era.

Hazrat went to Delhi to find his spiritual guide, where he met a mystic, who told him to return back to Shergarh. When he returned back he followed his Uncle Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Sheikh on Qadri's spiritual path. He served his spiritual mentor Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi for years and then his mentor commissioned him to Lahore. During his journey from Shergarh to Lahore, he constructed water ponds, wells, and flower beds in multiple places, a few of which are still present. As he settled in Lahore, he was impressed and became a favorite of the masses. His love for Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) was at its climax. He was used to admitting a person in his discipline and the very next night the disciple was blessed with the sight of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA). He wrote a book to pay his tribute to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani named ‘Tofa tul Qadaria’. He has written another book on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was a writer, and a poet, and his poetry was in the Persian language. He wrote multiple books few names are Dewan Urabati, Ifat ul Qadri, Risala guldasta, Risala nooria, and Risala munsaja,

He served the cause of Islam in Lahore for decades Let us recalls some of his prominent miracles

Mughal Prince Dara Shukoh wrote in his book Seena ul Ulia. I, in the company of Niamet Ali, submitted to Shah Abul Maali's presence; meanwhile, a devotee submitted a beautiful Tasbeeh to Hazrat Saheb. I thought in my mind, that it would be very fortunate for me if Shah sb bestowed this Tasbeeh to me. When we intended to depart the session, Shah Sb called me and said you can take this Tasbeeh. He also advises me to read Doord on it 100 times daily which would reward you, me, and the original donator of Tasbeeh.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali's (RA) first matrimony was done with the daughter of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA). That pious woman died soon after marriage. Hazrat sahib's second matrimony was with the maternal granddaughter of King Jahangir, she elapsed in Lahore and was buried in Mohala Abul Maali women's graveyard. This woman got eleven spaces in kinship with the king. That was a lot of lands extended from the civil court from Lahore to Mohala Shah Mali. His descent allows the construction of Dyal Singh college on this land.

Shah Sahib got eight sons one of his got Shaheed fighting against the Sikh army and his shrine is at Hussaingarh.

Hazrat Shah Abu al Mali died in 1025 Hijri at Lahore. His mausoleum was constructed in his life. Near his mausoleum a mosque was also present there Shah Sahib used to preach during the times he spent in Lahore.

Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA) (2018)

16.09.2018(C)

Hazrat Sheikh Abul Maali (RA) shrine is situated at dil Muhammad road Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. His good name was Syed Khair ud Din, and sir name Abul Maali.  His father was related to the Syed family of Kirman Iran, Kirman was a fluoresce of Iran at that time. His ancestor Syed Faiz Ullah along with his son Syed Mubarak migrated from Kirman to Hindustan during the seven-hundreds and ninety-six Hijri. They settled in the area of Uch Sharif in Bahawalpur.

Then, this family shifted to the town of Daud Cha near Multan. In 1630 AD part of this family move to Shergarh and settled there. On, 10 Zilhaj, 960 Hijri Sunday this great saint of Islam Shah Abul Maali (RA) was born at Shergarh. The name of his father was Syed Rahamut Ullah and the name of his Grandfather was Syed Fateh Ullah. Syed Rahamut Ullah was brother of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA).  The Shrine of Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA) is present at Shergarh. Another brother of Syed Rahamut Ullah (RA) was Syed Jalaluddin (RA), whose shrine is at Kotha Syed Jalal Sindh Pakistan.

Hazrat's paternal lineage joins Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) after 14 steps.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali (RA) got maturity in literal knowledge and then was dominated by the spirit of Allah’s love. Dominate with that spirit he spent some time in seclusion in jungles and deserts. Life seclusion gives perfection in the love of Allah and it was connected with Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) cave era.

Hazrat went to Delhi to find his spiritual guide, where he met a mystic, who told him to return back to Shergarh. When he returned back he followed his Uncle Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Sheikh on Qadri's spiritual path. He served his spiritual mentor Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi for years and then his mentor commissioned him to Lahore. During his journey from Shergarh to Lahore, he constructed water ponds, wells, and flower beds in multiple places, a few of which are still present. As he settled in Lahore, he was impressed and became a favorite of the masses. His love for Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA) was at its climax. He was used to admitting a person in his discipline and the very next night the disciple was blessed with the sight of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani (RA). He wrote a book to pay his tribute to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jillani named ‘Tofa tul Qadaria’. He has written another book on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was a writer, and a poet, and his poetry was in the Persian language. He has written multiple books few names are Dewan Urabati, Ifat ul Qadri, Risala guldasta, Risala nooria, and Risala munsaja,

He served the cause of Islam in Lahore for decades Let us recalls some of his prominent miracles

Mughal Prince Dara Shukoh wrote in his book Seena ul Ulia. I, in the company of Niamey Ali, submitted to Shah Abul Maali's presence; meanwhile, a devotee submitted a beautiful Tasbeeh to Hazrat Saheb. I thought in my mind, that it would be very fortunate for me if Shah sb bestowed this Tasbeeh on me. When we intended to depart the session, Shah Sb called me and said you can take this Tasbeeh. He also advises me to read Doord on it 100 times daily which would reward you, me, and the original donator of Tasbeeh.

Hazrat Shah Abul Maali's (RA) first matrimony was done with the daughter of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Daud Bandagi Kirmani (RA). That pious woman died soon after marriage. Hazrat sahib's second matrimony was with the maternal granddaughter of King Jahangir, she elapsed in Lahore and was buried in Mohala Abul Maali women's graveyard. This woman got eleven spaces in kinship with the king. That was a lot of lands extended from the civil court from Lahore to Mohala Shah Mali. His descent allows the construction of Dyal Singh college on this land.

Shah Sahib got eight sons one of his got Shaheed fighting against the Sikh army and his shrine is at Hussaingarh.

Hazrat Shah Abu al Mali died in 1025 Hijri at Lahore. His mausoleum was constructed in his life. Near his mausoleum a mosque was also present there Shah Sahib used to preach during the times he spent in Lahore.

Mosque

Mosque

Mosque

Domes of Mosque