The Sublime Beacon of Lahore: Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal's Enduring Legacy in Indian Spiritual Heritage

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 11 October 2025 Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal, a 17th-century saint of profound spiritual authority, was a torchbearer of Sunni Sufism whose teachings and shrine remain anchored in the cultural tapestry of Lahori and greater Indian spiritual traditions. His life was a testament to spiritual resilience, charismatic leadership, and deep commitment to the sawardi path, influencing millions across historic India. Main Points: 1. Born in 1588 CE into a noble family, tracing descent from Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari. 2. Stood firmly against Emperor Akbar’s Din-e-Ilahi, upholding orthodox Sunni faith and spiritual discipline. 3. Founded his Khanqah and shrine in Lahore, which continues to draw devotees from both India and Pakistan. 4. Revered for his sacred Dhamaal gatherings that inspired ecstatic devotion and fostered communal harmony. 5. Passed away in 1671 CE; his Dargah endures as a living symbol of unity, peace, and the enduring spirit of Sufism. ---- Introduction In the heart of the old Mughal realm, at Lahore’s spiritual epicentre, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal emerged as a sovereign of Sunni spirituality. Born in the culturally rich late 16th century, he held firm to the traditional Islamic tenets during a time of controversial religious innovations under Emperor Akbar. His uncompromising stance against syncretic experiments such as Din-e-Ilahi and his unwavering dedication to the Suharwardy Silsila carved his presence into the spiritual consciousness of northern India. Though his physical shrine now lies within modern-day Pakistan’s borders, its origins and influence trace deeply into the historical heartland of Indo-Islamic society. Through sacred vows, ecstatic dhikr, and relentless advocacy for religious orthodoxy, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal appealed to rulers and commoners alike. His legacy resonates today as a bridge between cultures and faiths across the subcontinent. Early Life and Family Background Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal was born in 1588 CE into a distinguished and spiritually rich family tracing its lineage to the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari of Uch Sharif. His father, Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shah bin Syed Shah Daulat Qattal, was widely respected for his scholarship, piety, and moral uprightness. Hazrat Syed Shah Jamal was the 7th descendant of Hazrat Makhdoom Syed Sadruddin Rajan Qattal, who was a son of Hazrat Makhdoom Syed Sultan Ahmad Kabir Bin Makhdoom Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal initially lived in Kashmir. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal and his brother Hazrat Shah Kamal, both of whom eventually became Sufi saints. Due to increasing troubles from the local people, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s father migrated with his family to present-day Sialkot, where he trained his sons in the various disciplines of religion and theology. Later, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal met Hazrat Kukra, who initiated him into the Suharwardy Sufi order. Hazrat Kukra blessed him with immense spirituality, sometimes through his glances and at other times through his tears. After many years of spiritual training, Hazrat Kukra told him, “I am receiving indications from Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh Ali Hujveri that you should move to Lahore and settle by the canal in the city.” Following this guidance, both brothers migrated to Lahore and settled in the area known as Ichra. Once settled there, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s spiritual state began to intensify, and he entered into profound states of ecstasy and divine contemplation. Spiritual Training and Bay‘ah Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal began his spiritual journey under the guidance of several saints, receiving training in the disciplines of Tasawwuf and religious practice. Over time, he was formally initiated (Bay’Ah) into the Suharwardy Sufi Silsila by Hazrat Kukra. This initiation profoundly shaped his spiritual path, as Hazrat Kukra bestowed blessings upon him through glances, tears, and personal guidance, endowing him with deep spiritual insight and strength. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s spiritual exercises focused on silent remembrance of Allah (Zikr-E-Khafi), self-purification, and acts of charity (Sadaqah), emphasizing the importance of inner transformation alongside outward devotion. He encouraged communal harmony, offering guidance and support to people regardless of their faith or background, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Sufism. Balancing scholarly learning with practical meditation, he became a beacon of Suharwardi spirituality in northern India. His approach combined intellectual rigor with mystical experience, creating a model of devotion that inspired disciples and attracted seekers from across regions. Through his teachings and example, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal established a legacy that continues to influence spiritual practice and community cohesion to this day. Miracles and Social Impact The period of Mughal Emperor Akbar coincided with Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s settlement in Ichra, Lahore, where Akbar was constructing a palace for his daughter, Sultan Begum. One day, observing the labourers at work, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal felt inspired to build a ‘Damdama’ (temporary fort) himself. He approached the workers, offering three times their daily wages if they agreed to construct it. Initially hesitant, as they were employed by the princess, the labourers eventually consented to build the damdama at night while continuing work on the palace during the day. During construction, when the oil for the lamps ran out, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal instructed the workers to use water from the nearby well, and miraculously, all lamps lit up brighter than before. Witnessing this Karamat, the workers recognized the sanctity of Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal and began seeking his guidance, eventually refusing any wages for their labour. The damdama was completed with seven levels. Some miscreants complained to the princess that the damdama’s height compromised her privacy. When summoned, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal initially refused to meet her, but eventually acquiesced. Explaining that he was always immersed in divine ecstasy, performing Dhamaal (ecstatic whirling) on all seven floors, he reassured her he had no intention to spy. The princess allowed him to reduce the structure to two levels. That night, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal performed Dhamaal on the seventh level, and as he continued, five floors collapsed one by one while he remained absorbed in worship. Only the two remaining floors were left intact, demonstrating his divine mastery and confirming his words: the palace would vanish, but the damdama would endure until the Day of Judgment. Today, this site is where his shrine stands, visited by millions annually. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal also blessed all seekers regardless of faith, caste, or creed. A famous story tells of a Hindu couple, childless for thirteen years, who presented a melon to Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal. He instructed that one of the two blessed sons be brought to him for spiritual upbringing. The child, named Shaykh Fakhruddin, grew in spiritual stature under Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s guidance. On one occasion, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal warned Shaykh Fakhruddin and his family to vacate a house before it collapsed, using Ilm-e-Kashf (knowledge of the unseen) to protect them. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal himself never married, and his spiritual legacy continues through the descendants of Hazrat Shaykh Fakhruddin, who serve as caretakers of his shrine. Through his miracles and guidance, Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal became a beacon of divine blessings (Faiz). Stories of his Karamat include protection from calamities, healing powers, and mystical foresight. His advocacy for social justice, feeding large numbers through Langar, mediating disputes, and promoting sincere devotion strengthened communities in pre-Partition India and Pakistan. Even today, his teachings continue to inspire peace, interfaith harmony, and spiritual devotion across the region. Shrine and Spiritual Practices The tomb of Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal (RA) is located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, opposite Forman Christian College, near Muslim Town. A mosque and graveyard have been built around the tomb, creating a serene space for worship and reflection. At the foot of the stairs leading to the tomb, pilgrims gather every Thursday night and Friday morning, continuing a tradition that has lasted for hundreds of years. During these gatherings, dhol is played while devotees, dervishes and fakirs perform dhamaal (ecstatic whirling) in a trance. The legendary drummer Pappu Sain has long been the central attraction, performing for decades and drawing followers from all walks of life, including students, government officials, musicians, models, and common folk. Visitors are encouraged to dress simply and cover themselves out of respect for the shrine. The annual urs at the shrine celebrates on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days of Rabi' al-Thani, commemorating the life and legacy of Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal. In 2006, the 366th urs attracted 300,000 devotees. The present custodian (Sajjada Nasheen) is Dr Pir Syed Ali Hussain Shah Naqvi. Death and Legacy Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal passed away in 1671 CE, with thousands attending his funeral, reflecting the depth of his influence. His shrine in Lahore remains a beacon of spiritual devotion, unity, and communal harmony, continuing to attract pilgrims from across borders. The site hosts annual urs festivals from the 3rd to 5th of Rabi' al-Thani, where devotees participate in prayers, dhamaal, and communal gatherings. His Khalifas and spiritual family actively preserve his teachings and oversee the affairs of the shrine. Hazrat Baba Shah Jamal’s life exemplifies steadfast devotion, spiritual resilience, and social harmony. Though physically rooted in Lahore, his spiritual legacy resonates across South Asia, remaining a vital part of India and Pakistan’s Sunni Sufi tradition. His shrine, spiritual practices, and teachings continue to inspire devotion, interfaith respect, and unity for generations. ------ Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/sublime-beacon-hazrat-jamal-legacy-indian-spiritual/d/137187 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