Urs of Sabir Kaliyari: A Celebration of Divine Love and Devotion

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 19 September 2024 Sabir Kaliyari, A Renowned Sufi Saint Of The Chishti Order, Is Celebrated For His Deep Spirituality And Patience. His Shrine In Kaliyar, Uttarakhand, Attracts Devotees From Both Hindu And Muslim Communities. His Annual Urs Honours His Legacy, Promoting Unity and Devotion Through The Timeless Teachings Of Love And Service. Main Points: 1. Sabir Kaliyari was a revered Sufi saint from the Chishti order, known for his patience and spiritual devotion. 2. His shrine in Kaliyar, Uttarakhand, is a significant site for both Hindus and Muslims. 3. Sabir Pak was the great-grandson of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani and a disciple of Baba Farid. 4. His life is marked by miraculous events, including the mystical story of his death and burial. 5. His annual Urs celebration fosters unity and spiritual reflection among diverse communities. ----- Sheikh Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir, widely known as Sabir Kaliyari, was a revered Islamic Sufi saint and a prominent figure in the Chishti Sufi order, linked to Khwaja Gharib Nawaz His shrine, located in Kaliyar near Roorkee in Uttarakhand, holds immense significance for both Hindu and Muslim communities, drawing people from all walks of life. His legacy of spirituality, patience, and devotion continues to inspire countless devotees who visit his mausoleum to pay their respects. An Illustrious Lineage Sabir Pak was the great-grandson of Pir Ghaus-e-Azam, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, one of the most influential Sufi saints in Islamic history. His father, Syed Abdul Salam Abdul Rahim Jilani, was the son of Syed Abdul Wahhab Jilani, the eldest son of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani. His mother, Syeda Jamila, was the elder sister of Baba Farid Ganjshakar and belonged to the noble lineage of Umar Al-Farooq, the second Caliph of Islam. Sabir Pak was born on 19 Rabi' al-Awwal 592 AH (1196) in Kohtwal, Multan. After the death of his father, his mother took him to Baba Farid at Pakpattan (now in Pakistan) in 1204. There, under the spiritual guidance of Baba Farid, Sabir Pak began his journey in Sufi teachings and became one of his devoted disciples. The Remarkable Incident of His Marriage The story of Sabir Pak’s marriage is both intriguing and reflective of his deep spiritual commitment. Years after settling in Pakpattan, his mother requested Baba Farid to marry his daughter to Sabir Pak. Initially, Baba Farid was reluctant, citing Sabir’s complete immersion in worship. However, after persistent appeals from his mother, Baba Farid agreed, and his daughter Khadija was married to Sabir Pak. On the night of the wedding, Khadija entered the room only to find Sabir engrossed in his prayers. After finishing his worship, Sabir asked her, "Who are you?" She responded, "I am your wife." His reply was extraordinary. He said, "How can I house two in my heart? My heart is already sacrificed to One." Upon hearing these words, the bride was consumed by a divine fire and turned to ashes. A Life of Service and Devotion Baba Farid entrusted Sabir with the responsibility of overseeing the langar (community kitchen). Despite being in charge of distributing food, Sabir Pak himself never ate from the langar. Instead, he maintained a rigorous fast and sustained himself on wild fruits and leaves. His mother, concerned for his health, once complained to Baba Farid about his physical state. In response, Sabir explained that while he was commanded to distribute the langar, he was not instructed to eat from it. Impressed by his commitment, Baba Farid named him “Sabir” (the patient one), a name by which he has been remembered ever since. A Miraculous Farewell One of the most well-known stories about Sabir Pak’s life involves the miraculous events surrounding his death. Before passing, he instructed his followers that after his death, no one should touch his body, bathe it, or give it the traditional burial wash. He said that a man dressed in white would arrive on horseback to perform these rites, and only then could his body be touched. As foretold, an hour after his passing, the sound of a horse was heard. Shortly after, a man dressed in white appeared, riding a horse. The man dismounted, carried Sabir Pak’s body into a cabin, fetched water, and bathed him. The onlookers were astonished by the mysterious figure. After performing the burial rites, the man began to leave. At this moment, one of Sabir Pak’s disciples requested the man to reveal his face. Initially, he refused, but upon repeated requests, the man uncovered his face; he was none other than Sabir Pak himself. In utter amazement, the disciple asked, "What is this?" Sabir Pak explained the spiritual concepts of "Fana" (annihilation) and "Baqa" (eternal existence). He said, "The body (Fana) you saw will return to dust. But the soul (Baqa) you see now is eternal and will never die." After offering this explanation, he disappeared, leaving his followers awestruck by this profound display of spiritual truth. Legacy and Urs Celebration Sabir Pak's influence continues to resonate in the town of Kaliyar. For years, it was believed that no one dared to cross the barren boundaries of the town, which were said to be cursed by Sabir Pak until the arrival of Qutb-e-Alam Abdul Quddus Gangohi, the sixth Khalifa of the Sabiri Sufi order. Sabir Pak passed away on 16 March 1291. Every year, his Urs is celebrated with great reverence on 15 Rabi' al-Awwal at his shrine in Kaliyar Sharif. This annual celebration draws thousands of devotees, who gather to honour his legacy and seek his blessings. The Urs not only marks his passing but also serves as a reminder of the enduring spiritual teachings of Sabir Pak, emphasizing patience, devotion, and unity among all people. The Urs of Sabir Kaliyari is more than just a commemoration; it is a celebration of the Sufi tradition that transcends boundaries and unites people of different faiths in reverence of a saint who dedicated his life to the pursuit of divine love and service to humanity. ---- Sahil Razvi is an author and research scholar specialising in Sufism and history. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. 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