Syed Nadir Ali Shah | सैयद नादिर अली शाह | سید نادر علی شاہ کی سوانح حیات اور ان کے مزار کی تاریخ

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Biography of Syed Nadir Ali Shah and the history of his shrine

Dekhti Aankhooon aur sountay kaanoon ko Asslamoalaikum, sisters, brothers friends and elders, in informative series videos of Islamic ascolars, sufisaints, cultural heritages, islamic philosophys, islamic mysticisms and historical figures. today we are describing biography of Syed Nadir Ali Shah and the history of his shrine.

Syed Nadir Ali Shah, popularly known as Murshid Nadir Ali Shah, was a Sufi saint of the Qalandariyya Sufi order of Islam, a Muslim preacher, ascetic, mystic, philanthropist and humanitarian. Born in Gandaf in the north-west of the Indian subcontinent, he eventually settled in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh. He was a spiritual descendant of the well-regarded Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and the custodian of the revered Sufi Khanqah, Kafi Sakhi Sarwar located in Sehwan Sharif. Nadir Ali Shah's legacy primarily revolves around his distinction as one of the most remarkable figures among the saints of the Qalandariyya Sufi order. He is renowned for his pursuits in Islamic preaching, mysticism, and asceticism. Beyond his spiritual contributions, he is recognized for his substantial efforts in advancing human welfare and uplifting the underprivileged, in line with the teachings of the Qalandariyya Sufi order of Islam. Notably, he also served as the custodian of the shrine of the Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi.

He was born in Gandaf, District Swabi in 1897 to a Pashtun Syed family. He received his early education from his father Syed Ghulam Shah. He was young when his father died.

In his early youth, he obtained permission from his mother and embarked on a long journey of finding a Murshid (spiritual guide) for himself. He travelled for years and covered the entire Indian subcontinent, seeking knowledge from saints and scholars in Lahore, Sirhind Sharif, Delhi, Ajmer and Quetta before finally settling in Sehwan Sharif. During his stay in Quetta, he had recurring dreams of seeing Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, directing him to reach Sehwan Sharif as soon as possible.

Finally, in Sehwan Sharif, at the Sufi centre near the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, he met his long-awaited Murshid (spiritual mentor), who was destined to have the greatest influence on his life, Deedar Ali Shah. Murshid Deedar Ali Shah, the successor of the Qalandariyya Sufi order and custodian of the Sufi centre named Kafi Sakhi Sarwar, warmly greeted him, as he was already anticipating and eagerly awaiting his arrival that day. Nadir Ali Shah then formally pledged his allegiance to his spiritual teacher, who later appointed him as his successor. Thus, after Deedar Ali Shah's death in 1931, Nadir Ali Shah became the custodian, and was succeeded with the title of Murshid Nadir Ali Shah.

He chose an extremely ascetic life, spending much of his time meditating, praying, and remembering God. He gave up solid food altogether early in his life. Nadir Ali Shah stayed in a cave near Sehwan Sharif for a period of two years, remembering God. He would only consume a liquid diet and wore faqirs' clothes and a Qalandari cap (a cotton cap with flaps over the ears). He was known as "an advanced pilgrim" for his extraordinary journey. Nadir Ali Shah observed fasting for fifty consecutive years, fasting all day and praying all night. He would sit for hours at night with raised hands in dua, or supplication, to God.

Nadir Ali Shah passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, October 8, 1974 (21st Ramadan 1394 AH) at the age of 77. His funeral prayer took place within the precincts of the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and saw the attendance of a significant gathering. Qazi Muhammad Murad led the funeral prayer. He was laid to rest beside his spiritual guide, Murshid Deedar Ali Shah, in Sehwan Sharif.

Nadir Ali Shah's successor after his death in 1974 was his nephew, Murshid Arif Ali Shah, who continued his legacy until his passing in 2022 at the age of seventy-nine. These spiritual leaders left behind a profound impact, with hundreds of thousands of devoted followers in Pakistan and around the world, known for their unwavering commitment to God and service to humanity. Murshid Arif Ali Shah was succeeded by his sons.

Notably, the Langar khana (free food facility) of Nadir Ali Shah remains a focal point of his legacy. Situated within the dervish lodge also known as Kafi in Sehwan Sharif, this charitable center continues to provide three meals a day to thousands of individuals each day. This noble endeavor virtually sustains the entire impoverished population of the town, as well as travelers passing through. The facility is manned by dozens of devoted malangs (dervishes), who tirelessly prepare and distribute the food.

In addition, his followers have established numerous free drinking water Sebils throughout Sehwan Sharif, offering cold water to countless individuals each day.[13] Moreover, the center offers accommodations for travelers in its designated travelers' lodge. A free health center is also established, providing medical treatment to individuals from both local and distant areas.

With this, we seek your permission until tomorrow, tomorrow we will describe the biography of Fazlallah Astarabadi and the history of his Shrine.

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