Bahauddin Zakariya’s shrine continues to inspire people

Thousands of devotees visit the mausoleum on annual urs

MULTAN: Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya’s shrine in Multan is considered one of the oldest structures that is still standing despite the passage of many centuries. The restoration work on the mausoleum had been carried out from time to time but the structure still requires more renovation.

The full name of Bahauddin Zakariya was Sheikh Kabir Sheikhul Salam Bahauddin  Zakariya  Al-Asadi-Al Hashmi. He was born at Kot Kehror, a village of Layyah District near Multanin 1170 Hijri. After his father’s death, he went to Khorasan and learned about Islam for over seven years. He then went to Bukhara, a centre point of Islamic learning at that time to complete his learning. This was the place where he was nicknamed ‘Bahauddin Farishta’ (angel) for his pleasant nature and obedience.

The structure

Bahauddin’s mausoleum, which was constructed in 1268 after his death, is spread on an area of 15.77 square metres. However, the area outside the primary shrine premises is expanded to hundreds of metres. The shrine is a square formed structure with an octagon overhead the square. The octagon covers half the area of square. Overhead the octagon is the religious hemisphere of Muslims.

Views of people

Rab Nawaz, a resident of Mohallah Shaikhan Wala, who was visiting the shrine with his family, told The Express Tribune, “I visit the mausoleum once or twice a month.” He added, “It gives me internal peace and satisfaction when I visit this place.” He added his family also loves to come to the mausolueum of Bahauddin Zakariya.



Similarly, another visitor Yasmin Munawwar, who lives in Gulgasht Colony said, “This place has some kind of a spiritual link to my soul.” I think Bahauddin Zakariya was one of the learned Sufi saints of his time and I admire him.”

Akhtar Butt, who came from Canada to meet his family said, “I visit Pakistan after every four to five years. I visit the shrine along with my brothers and children whenever I come here.” He maintained, “Bahauddin Zakariya’s teachings have always inspired me. When people visit his shrine, it motivates them to lead life according to Islamic principles.”

Each year, the urs or annual festival of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya is celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervour and zeal. Thousands of followers from different parts of the world throng the shrine to acknowledge and praise the teachings of Bahauddin Zakariya.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2017.