Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah: The Sufi Mystic Who Inspired Generations to Embrace Unity

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 06 November, 2024 The Article Explores Dewa Sharif, The Shrine Of Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah, Emphasising Its Role As A Symbol Of Unity Among Diverse Faiths. The Annual Holi Celebration Reflects This Spirit Of Coexistence, Highlighting The Saint's Teachings Of Love And Inclusivity. Main points: 1. Dewa Sharif serves as a powerful symbol of coexistence among Hindus and Muslims, exemplified by its Holi celebrations. 2. The saint emphasized love, spirituality, and inclusivity, transcending religious divides. 3. The annual Urs and Dewa Mela attract millions, showcasing diverse cultural expressions. 4. Prominent Sufi poets, like Hazrat Bedam Shah and Hazrat Aughat Shah, continued Hazrat Waris Ali Shah’s legacy through their inclusive poetry. 5. Hazrat Waris Ali Shah welcomed women into his spiritual community, promoting equal participation in spiritual practices. ------- Introduction Just 42 kilometers from Lucknow stands the dargah shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah. This shrine signifies unyielding devotion to coexistence across sectarian divides. Every year, the fabulous festival of Holi at Dewa Sharif serves as a reminder of this message, inviting all sections of society to celebrate a common festival of colours and joy. History Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah was not only a saint but also a prominent figure in the Qadiriyya-Razzakiyya Sufi order, being a descendant of the 26th generation of Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn Hazrat Maula Ali. His teachings fostered a sense of brotherhood, allowing people from all backgrounds to seek refuge and guidance within the shrine. Muhammad Saad Mahmood, honorary manager of the Haji Waris Ali Shah Mausoleum Trust, states, "The Pir was on an extensive tour where he met the czar of Russia, the queen of England, and the monarch of Germany. He had no idea what they would discuss, but his aura was such that wherever he went, the greats sought an audience with him." Two of his prominent disciples were Hazrat Bedam Shah Warsi and Hazrat Aughat Shah Warsi, well-known Sufi poets whose works reflect the mystical and inclusive teachings of Hazrat Waris Ali Shah. Their poetry has enriched the Sufi tradition and continues to inspire followers. Hazrat Waris Ali Shah’s sayings reflect profound wisdom, such as: "Love for worldly life makes one a wild animal, and love for God turns one into an angel." This highlights the transformative nature of divine love, urging followers to seek spiritual fulfilment beyond material pursuits. He also proclaimed, "If there is love, you will get everything; if there is no love, you will get nothing," underscoring that love is the essence of true satisfaction. A Poetic Tribute The soul's desire for divine connection is beautifully expressed in this Urdu verses of Naat written by Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah Naat: Ilaahii Kaun Din Hogaa Jo Pahu.Nchuu.Ngaa Madiina Me.N Dar-E-Aqdas Shah-E-Kaunain Chuumuu.Ngaa Madiina Me.N Khudaa Pahu.Nchaa.E Darbaar-E-Shahanshaah-E-Do-A.Lam Me.N Bajaay Nazr Apnii Jaan Ko Duu.Ngaa Madiina Me.N Meaning: When will the day come that I can reach Medina, And touch the door of the sovereign of both worlds? O Lord, take me to the court of the Sovereign of the universe, Instead of a mere sacrificial offering, I will present my very soul as a gift from Medina. This poem encapsulates the yearning for divine closeness and spiritual elevation, themes deeply embedded in Sufi tradition. Holi Celebrations: The Festival of Unity The Holi celebrations at Dewa Sharif have become synonymous with unity between Hindus and Muslims. While Holi is primarily observed as a Hindu festival elsewhere, at Dewa Sharif, it transforms into a shared expression of joy. For devotees like Anuj Kumar Maurya, who travel over 40 kilometres to participate, the experience is deeply personal. "I used to pray for a beautiful, caring wife, and look how God has favoured me," he remarked, gazing at his wife Pammi, who also had her own secret wishes. A Sikh Devotee of Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah, Sardar Ranjeet Singh, a Delhi resident who has celebrated Holi at Dewa Sharif for over 10 years, shares, "I used to stay inside my house during Holi, but when I first came to play here, I got completely drenched in colours." While the exact origins of the Holi tradition at the shrine remain unclear, some followers believe that Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah himself participated, thereby establishing the practice. The fusion of rituals underscores the shrine's role as a crucible for spiritual and cultural synthesis. Shahzada Alam Warsi notes, "The Holi here has been played for over 100 years," observing how the celebrations have evolved to welcome an increasing number of visitors. The Dewa Mela: A Festival of Spiritual Heritage The annual Urs, or commemoration of Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah, attracts nearly a million devotees—both Muslims and Hindus—to the Dewa Mela, celebrated in October-November. This event features a variety of cultural programs, including qawwali performances and poetry recitals, transforming the dargah into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. Hazrat Ghafoor Shah Husami Warsi, a Writer and Poet from Karai Parsurai writes, "Waris Piya undertook the Hajj pilgrimage several times and made extensive visits to the West, meeting various dignitaries. His life served as a bridge between cultures and faiths." Message of Inclusivity and Equality The teachings of Hazrat Waris Ali Shah resonate strongly in contemporary society, advocating for inclusivity and respect for all faiths. He encouraged his disciples to pursue a spiritual path that transcended religious identities. Prof. Wahajuddin Alvi, a retired professor at Urdu Department of Jamia Milia Islamia, highlights this inclusiveness, stating, "Hazrat Waris Piya wanted people in India to transcend religious and sectarian divides, which is why he participated in Hindu festivals like Holi." His commitment to gender equality is also noteworthy; he welcomed women into his spiritual fold, a progressive stance for his time. This legacy of acceptance continues to inspire followers, creating space for everyone to express their spirituality. Conclusion Dewa Sharif stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of unity in diversity. The annual celebrations of Holi and the ongoing tradition of Urs cultivate an environment of love, respect, and shared spirituality. The vibrant colours of Holi symbolize not only the festival but also the deep harmony that forms the essence of this revered dargah. This legacy is further amplified by the poetry of disciples like Hazrat Bedam Shah Warsi and Hazrat Aughat Shah Warsi, ensuring that the message of peace transcends generations. Ultimately, Hazrat Waris Ali Shah's wisdom—that love is the core substance of existence—remains a guiding light for fostering understanding in a diverse world. — Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book on the History of Sufism in Bihar. ----- URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/hazrat-haji-waris-ali-shah-sufi-mystic-unity/d/133634 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism