Discover the life and spiritual teachings of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of the most revered Sufi saints in Sindh, Pakistan.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar: A Sufi Saint in Sindh
Introduction
Usman Marwandi, who lived from 1177 until 19 February 1274, is more commonly known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a renowned Sufi saint and poet widely celebrated in South Asia.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is a revered Sufi mystic whose teachings have left a lasting impact on the people of Sindh, Pakistan, and beyond. His shrine, located in Sehwan Sharif, has become a central pilgrimage site for devotees, attracting people from diverse backgrounds.
Brought up in the 12th century, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is remembered for his profound spirituality, unshakable devotion to God, and his focus on serving humanity. His mystical poetry, which promotes themes like love, unity, and tolerance, has become a cornerstone of Sufi philosophy. His devotional songs, especially the popular qawwali, continue to be performed at his shrine today.
The Dargah (shrine) of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is much more than just a place of worship—it is a cultural symbol representing the rich Sufi heritage of the region. The shrine is particularly famous for its annual Urs festival, which sees massive participation from people of various cultural and religious communities.
For many, a visit to the shrine represents a spiritual journey, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine. The vibrant music, the whirling dervishes, and the calm ambiance create a place of worship that transcends religious boundaries and conveys a universal message of peace and love.
Names and Titles
Lal ("ruby-colored"): His name reflects his fondness for wearing red clothing.
Shahbaz: Symbolizes a noble and celestial spirit.
Qalandar: Refers to a wandering mystic.
Jhulelal: Known by this name as well, which in Sindhi (جھولےلال) means "red bridegroom". The name is linked to various local legends, including one about a promised marriage that was never realized.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was born in Marwand, Sistan, to a Sayyid family from Baghdad, Iraq, and was the son of Sayyid Ibrahim Kabiruddin al-Jawabi.
He later moved to Sehwan, Sindh, which was then under the rule of the Ghaznavid and Ghurid dynasties (modern-day Pakistan).
During his travels across the Muslim world, he encountered numerous spiritual leaders and mystics, finally making Sehwan his home.
In 1196, he met the spiritual leader Pir Haji Ismail Panhwar in Paat. He is thought to have arrived in Sehwan around 1251.
Once settled in Sehwan, he founded a spiritual center (khanqah), and contributed to various religious writings, such as Mizan-us-Surf, Kism-e-Doyum, Aqd, and Zubdah.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar led a life of celibacy, entirely devoted to his spiritual practices.
Notable Spiritual Associates
While in Multan, he formed connections with key figures, including:
Baha-ud-din Zakariya of the Suhrawardiyya order.
Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar of the Chishtiyya order.
Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari.
Together, these four spiritual leaders became known as the Chahar Yar, or "the four friends".
This period coincided with the reign of Ghiyas ud din Balban in India (1266 – 1287).
Ascetic Practices
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was known for his extreme ascetic lifestyle. Upon his arrival in Sehwan (formerly Savistan), he joined a Shaivite cult of ascetics, where he practiced rigorous self-discipline, including sitting on a cauldron of fire.
Famous Manqabat
The 19th-century Sufi Manqabat titled Dama Dam Mast Qalandar is dedicated to Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and has become highly popular across the subcontinent.
Legacy of the Shrine
Feroz Shah Tughlaq constructed the initial structure of the shrine in 1356, which was later expanded by Mirza Jani Beg and his son Mirza Ghazi Beg of the Tarkhan dynasty.
The shrine was completed in 1639 when Nawab Dindar Khan paved the courtyard with glazed tiles.
The Talpur dynasty contributed to the shrine's embellishments, with Mir Karam Ali Talpur gifting silver work for the gate, balustrades, and dome.
In later years, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, installed a golden door at the shrine.
The inner sanctum of the shrine spans 100 square yards, housing a silver-canopied grave at the center, surrounded by folding wooden stands for Quran copies and oil lamps lit by the devotees.
Every Thursday, thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine. It is regarded as the principal site for followers of the malang and qalandar traditions, which stem from his teachings.
Annual Urs (Festival)
The Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, commemorating his death, takes place on the 18th of Sha'aban, the eighth month of the Muslim lunar calendar.
The festival attracts over two million pilgrims from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
2017 Terrorist Incident
On 16 February 2017, a tragic suicide bombing at the shrine resulted in the deaths of 88 individuals. The responsible terrorist group claimed the attack. Despite the sorrow, the shrine's caretakers vowed to continue their traditions, including the ringing of the bell at 3:30 AM the following day.
The Pakistani government responded by launching a nationwide crackdown on terrorism, which led to the death of 37 militants. The sacred dhamaal (meditative dance ceremony) resumed the very next evening after the attack.
Dhamaal (Sacred Dance)
Dhamaal is a sacred dance performed primarily by faqirs, dervishes, Sufi saints, and other devotees. The Dhamaal performed in honor of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is particularly famous.
The dancers wear red-colored Jama and Sindhi Patko (a traditional turban), symbolizing Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's preference for the color red.
Traditional instruments like the Nagaro, Nobat, Gharyal, and Ghugoo provide the rhythmic foundation for the dance.
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