Pakistan

'The saints will protect Karachi from Cyclone Phet'

Shaheryar Popalzai June 03, 2010

KARACHI: As Cyclone Phet approaches the shores of Karachi and panic levels rise among local residents, many have turned to various patron saints of Karachi seeking protection.

Urban legends of the countless times Sufi saints have protected Karachi from storms and tsunamis are currently making the rounds in the city.

Some stories speak of the saints individually, while others claim that the collective prayers of these saints protect the metropolis.

Four saints

According to one legend four Sufi saints protect the city from impending disaster.

The saints are Abudllah Shah Ghazi in Clifton, Samandri Baba on the National Highway, Yusuf Shah in Manora and Manghoo Baba in Manghopir. It is said that the presence of these saints in Karachi have already saved the city from natural disasters including earthquakes, cyclones and all sea-related phenomenon.

The legend of Abdullah Shah Ghazi

Many Karachiites strongly believe that as long as Shah Ghazi's shrine is kept clean and well-maintained, Karachi will always be spared from deadly sea storms. Most recently, storms were said to have been deflected by the Sufi saint to the Indian city of Gujarat when they were just 10 hours away from Karachi.

A famous legend regarding Abdullah Shah Ghazi says that once when the sea was rough and fishermen could not go out to sea, they went to Abdullah Shah Ghazi and asked him to pray for the sea to remain calm.

Abdullah Shah Ghazi took his eating bowl and submerged it into the sea water and curled the bowl by pressing it from the sides, enclosing the water inside.

He then said to the sea "you have been misbehaving quite a lot lately!", the water is then said to have calmed down. Many people believe the the sea is said to have moved far away because of Abdullah Shah Ghazi's warning.

The seven Sufi brothers

Another legend tells us of seven Sufi brothers, whos shrines protect Karachi from oncoming storms and tsunamis. These brothers were Ghayab Shah of Kemari, Alim Shah of Jamia Cloth, Vilayat Shah of Malir, Jumman Shah of Shahra e Faisal, Samandri Baba on the National Hihgway, Yusuf Shah of Manora and Misri Shah in Defence.

Mewa Shah

Mewa Shah, another local Sufi saint buried in Karachi, is also entwined in the legendary brotherhood of protective saints.

Mewa Shah was believed to have set fire to a ship carrying him to exile, said his prayers on the waves of the Arabian Sea and mounted a large fish which took him back to the shores of Karachi.

Visitors on The Express Tribune website have also kept their faith in Abdullah Shah Ghazi and the patron saints' powers of protection.

Farrukh Ahmed stated, "It is to be noted that all of the times, Abdullah Shah Ghazi saved us from all the cyclones in the past, so please don’t worry and have a firm faith in Allah as this will not gonna happen InshAllah (only heavy rains might occur), so let’s start pray from today for our City."

Meanwhile, Alam responding to news that Cyclone Phet will hit Karachi as a down graded level 2 cyclone succinctly stated, "Phet 0 – Abdullah Shah Ghazi 1."

COMMENTS (132)

Muhammad Younus | 14 years ago | Reply *Always remember one principle, Saints themselves can not do any thing but they can pray Allah to do so and Almighty Allah does not turn down their prays most of the time. Always say, "Insha Allah u Wahidun" means "Allah akaila Chahaiy" phir Ho Jataa Hay. Allah Kisi Ka Muhtaaj Naheen Baqee sab Muhtaaj Hain*

Ather | 14 years ago | Reply Let us educate ourselves rather than criticize others. Let us not deviate from the core of "our" religion. Knowledge is what is to be pursued and not finger pointing. To all people criticizing the article: no one has a gun to your head and surely you will not let anyone force you to believe something that you disagree with. You are all the thinkers of the "modern age" after all, are you not? To the critics of the critics: let’s not respond out of emotion but rather with wisdom and grace, with knowledge rather than personal pain. Let's be strong enough to take criticism like this and respond to it like the founders of "our" religion did in the past. I mean come on...its only GOD’s way. We should all raise our standards here...it’s about time! Let’s be worthy of commenting before we do. A little bit of modesty and humility is what we need. Please remember...God wants us to be an extreme Believer, an extreme Muslim, an extreme Mo'min, but unfortunately...the definition of "extreme" is where we go wrong.

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marium | 14 years ago | Reply It's pretty disappointing to see so many educated readers critisizing another's faith or beliefs and zero levels of tolerance amongst us. Before anyone of us can do that, can anyone of you stand up right now and say that you are a certified walli-Allah and hence have the right to decide who and what is better? lets all practise rather then preach and become better humans first and then better muslims. Also to the writer of this article, as a public and hence a responsible media you guys should refrain from fueling religious aggression in the country at this point.

Muhammad | 14 years ago | Reply Just to add one more thing that Popalzai did not explain who he(Ghazi) was and went ahead with Moaviatic explanation of Prophet(PBUH) descendant .

Muhammad | 14 years ago | Reply People who are the believers of the vertical conception of Good will always attach this survival to Almighty or his good people and it should be respected. I found very sarcastic and blasphemous comments here which are not fair. Nobody can say this with 100% surety that the Phet diluted or got diverted because of science and same is true for religious believe just from an independent perspective. So they are at par. Then why believe is under sarcastic knife. I think it is unfair by every definition. If your faculties are constrained of welcoming the coming thought then using the same faculty for Nomina is unfair, from the moral stand point.

Ayesha | 14 years ago | Reply I totally disagree with lots of people for not believing in sufis,plus im not asking them to believe in them. As i am a constant believer and i have faith in them that doesn't make me forget allah. When im praying i usually ask allah to fulfill my needs and desires but these sufis are only a source.I also ask sufis to ask allah to give me what i want. Its sort of asking others to help u and convince allah to give you what you want. They are just a source who convinces allah for me. Plus i also think people who do not believe in them should not joke about it because their own beliefs are also not that strong enough to make fun of other people belief.

Asfiya | 14 years ago | Reply I have submitted my comments twice. I want to know why they aren't accepted?

Faryal Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply I think shrine's wall already got damaged from Phet !

Mirza Abeer | 14 years ago | Reply @Muhammad Hammad Ansari Dude I pray U do some research. I have NEVER come across any proof that asking dead people be they saints(a title one can never verify might I add) is valid in Islam or condoned. Otherwise why not the best of Man i.e. Muhammad SAW or if not him then his dear Companions?? Ok so the saints 'protect' us right? Then what about 1908 and 1965 when cyclones hit karachi? Did the saints feel that they needed a breather then? 10,000 people died in the 65 cyclone(google or wiki it). Tis very sad that you used the Quranic ayat as being meant for the saints. How were they Shaheed? Do you have irrefutable proof that they died a martyr? Plus even IF they were shaheed then the Quran does not say to ask them to pray for you or that they can protect people after death. You are assuming to much. Ok how about logic here? When a person dies, the soul goes where? To Allah? Lets say we agree that it just leaves the body not to return until Qayamat. OK what happens to the dead body left behind? It ROTS and DECOMPOSES until eventually even the bones turn to DUST. So my friend WHY do you say Allah protected us from the Cyclone because of the saints whose SOUL IS WITH THE ALMIGHTY?? And whose body is dust? Plus I think Allah would obviously know that the Cyclone would hardly cause major damage to his shrine? Dude Believe in Allah and beware of shirk. That said you are absolutely free to do as you please. Btw lets just be glad the cyclone didnt hit.

Faraz | 14 years ago | Reply Yesterday a local urdu newpaper has published a news from NYTimes addition of 1908. As per the news archieve, there was a bad cyclone that had hit the Karachi in 1908 and wiped off a huge area. With due respect, My question is that why this theory of 4 saints hadn't worked at that time?

IMRAN LARI | 14 years ago | Reply I agree that only Allah can save the Humanity, but we cant deny that God also send there saints for preach and bater inderstanding the Islam. in the case of Phet or other cyclones, I agree with the others, but is there any scintefic or other explanation why, when ever any cyclone starts towards Karachi, it wil turn dromatically when it reach near to coast of Metropolis, they turn almost U turn. samu in the case of Phet, just watch, whet it reach 800 Km near Gawader the city comletely floded over, but when it reach 200 Km near Karachi what hapens? nothing speceil. this is not the first time according to my knowledge Karachi is the only coastal city where no majer cyclone hits, they came towards it but when every one sure that they hit the city, the change there path. I comletely agree that only Allah can do this, but God also sent sufi and saint in every eara to safe the humanity, they are the mediam, not the source.thats why peoples beleve this thought that these sufie and saints protect the city. but the fact is that this is the Gods will, when he wants to no one cane save the city.

Guy Fawkes | 14 years ago | Reply Funny, how these 'saints' arent able to save us from the current crisis in the country

Irfan | 14 years ago | Reply SOUL I agree with u Jazakallah

TL | 14 years ago | Reply Everyone believes in Allah! But this article is true! Unfortunately, I just read it, after the cyclone has settled. But for all those who are criticizing this article should keep their belief to themselves only. and I quote Sarah, "LOL Are you kidding me. Where is Islam now?????? Where is the belief that only God can protect us? How do a bunch of respected and pious dead guys “protect us” " You should learn some respect. There are muslims in every country and and they pray to Allah everyday to protect them from hazards, but it does not always happen that Allah saves you because they come from Allah, and we take them as punishments for our misdeeds. If I say this cyclone was coming from Allah too but Abdullah Shah Ghazi saved us, that doesn't mean Abdullah Shah Ghazi is stronger than Allah. All these saints worshipped Allah, day and night and they are the favourite people of Allah. I am trying to say is that Allah saved us but because these saints, whom Sarah calls 'bunch of pious dead guys', requested Allah to stop this phet. Allah listens to people who are close to Him and love him. Not to people like us, I include myself, who pray 5 times a day and then lie and hurt people and do nothing good for a living. I believe in Shah Ghazi but I believe in Allah more than anything. But Abdullah Shah Ghazi saved it. This is a fact, no one can deny.

Azeem | 14 years ago | Reply BTW I thought I saw Val Kilmer in Karachi the other day. so yes "The Saint" was in town.

PERVAIZ | 14 years ago | Reply there is lot of gery area b/w black and white , it is matter of b/w God and Saints but we must admit that these saints do lot of islam also these saints are present on cosatal area and every time cyclone by pass these area even bhit shah and manra is island but always safe from these cyclone .

Soul | 14 years ago | Reply We are saved again :) Thanks to the Almighty and his beloved saints! Saints are among the pious and beloved of Allah subhanahu Taala! No Doubts All the powers belong to Allah but do not forget that Allah himself has given his Saints the powers the Karaamats and raised their status among the human beings thats why they are 'Wali' the Friends of Allah! Keh rahay hain log mujhse, keh kuch waqt main jab mojon ka toofaan ayega, tou na janay kya gul khilayega! Maine kaha mojon ka sahil say takrana. asal main hai aik bahana, wo ayega zaroor ayega, per sahil pay aa kar Mimbar-e-Ghazi (r.a) ko choom k wapis chala jayega! k Ye Shaan-e-Olia Allah Hai ! ============ See it came and gone ! :) May Allah keep our faiths firm and May Allah protect and bless everyone! Ameen! jazakumullahu khairan daiman kaseera !

Bilal | 14 years ago | Reply Only Almighty Allah can protect us from disasters not these dead saints.

Ahmad Kazmi | 14 years ago | Reply Now Alhamdodilah, Karachi is saved by Allah from this calamaity just hours before it was supposed to hit. But it is really amazing and food for thought for all of us that why every time this city is saved from such natural disasters when we ourselves are no more good or pious than the people living in other parts of the world. The answer is yes there are some divine forces protection this city since centuries as many believe on the presence of mazar of Abdullah Shah Ghazi. While ultimate powers rest with Allah only but these saints are spiritually previliged and has been bestowed special powers. In the history there are authentic historic incidents in the light of which these spiritual powers have been proved. Therefore we should give respect to these saints and should read history in true perspective before giving comments on such a sensitive topic that would have heart so many believers of these divine forces. Thank you all.

shaheen | 14 years ago | Reply This time Ghazi Babba and other Saints were assisted by Zardari Babba! Saints and Satan working together!!!

Adnan | 14 years ago | Reply Hunain: that is why i am speaking on this subject, because apparently i am not as misguided as you :)

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply Everyone should now make a goat sacrifice in the name of 'the fellowship of the babas' . A degh of Haleem and Biryani is must. Poor Badin and Thatta , don't have the system of Babas to protect them from the calamity that is to strike any minute now. Well , probably because Telenor Services work better here in Karachi than in Thatta..you know the old communication of people to babas and babas to god.

Hunain Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Adnan: You shouldn't talk about things what you don't know about :)

Adnan | 14 years ago | Reply And Ali Raza Jatoi is prime example of what i was referring to. Brother only Allah has the power to protect karachi, not Abdullah Shah Ghazi

Ali Raza Jatoi | 14 years ago | Reply Abdullah shah Ghazi will protect karachi from the cyclone. insha Allah.

Adnan | 14 years ago | Reply Mr Robin Smith, It is motivating to read that you have taken up on researching about Islam, but i would like you to know certain basic facts that most Muslims fail to realize. No doubt that these Sufis must have been great human beings but they were in no way divine. They do not have the power to grant the duas of those who ask it from them. I apologize that i cant translate the below sentence accurately so i will write it in Urdu instead: Qabar pakki karna manaa hai to mazaar banaana bhi yaqeenan mana hai. The reason for this is that it tempts people with weak beliefs into Biddat and Shirk which you can see in some of the posts on this website. Therefore i pray that you find the true path and that Allah guide you towards it. Regards

Muhammad | 14 years ago | Reply What apparently is looking in the discussions are the two extremes. Nothing to say here against saints and no doubt that Allah is the supreme power. The only thing need our attention is to try to find the reality. Sufis/Saints has no powers themselves but what they got from Allah through their good deeds and Ibadaat. Allah never came Himself physically to help or give us something or communicating His books. Allah has a system of Angles & Prophets/Messengers who performed and performing their duties to run this whole system; and we believe this in our "Eeman-e- Mufassal" (Amanto billahi.......). don’t curse anyone. Think and study how Reality works and what is the system made by Allah. May Allah show us the right path.

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply All Power, Honor and Sovereignity belong to ALLAH ALLMIGHTY. Only ALLAH ALLMIGHTY can protect us and nobody / nothing else (tahweez, arm bands, good luck charms, black tils, etc). Let's be abundantly clear on this. This has been mentioned again and again in the QURAN KAREEM and we should read, understand and observe it and the HADITH. My apartment is not very far away from the holy shrine and I see hordes of devotees ascending the stairs to the shrine. We must respect all human beings and learn from their knowledge and offer Al Fatihah for the departed souls. But above that, we must only ask ALLAH ALLMIGHTY for Divine guidance and help, only. May ALLAH ALLMIGHTY in HIS infinite mercy shower HIS eternal blessings on all of us.

Arsalan | 14 years ago | Reply There is no God except Allah and Muhammad(P.B.U.H) is the messenger of Allah. Only Allah will protect Karachi from disasters.

muriam butt | 14 years ago | Reply We all should pray Allah to protect us.......coz Only Allah Subha o Tala could protect us......

Rehan Malik | 14 years ago | Reply If you belive in these Saints so strongley then the City of Karachi should be the most peaceful City on Earth.

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply It is a catergory 2 storm , karachi is being pounded by heavy rains (2:30am sunday morning). Living near the coastal area i can tell that No ghazi or samandari baba can be seen so far , all there is are dark clouds and thunders accompanied by horrific sound of winds. Kesc have pulled the plug , only this time in hope to prevent casualties. May ALLAH have mercy on all of us and protect the lives of all. I hope next time no fate is left in the hands of Baba GunjBunksh or Samandari Dude. May the Bidati's be guided towards Light , not of thunder though.

AWAITED | 14 years ago | Reply Zeeshan form NN am i on right track

AWAITED | 14 years ago | Reply Please donot make laugh of any saints or any other human its a matter of ALLAH how can only grant so its better to pray rather than to laugh or make joke of any one 1st we have to check our self r these killing and bomb blasting issues created by them our people b/w us so just pray the real intensity of phet has been decreased its a better sign but it can regain so pray so that ALLAH forgive us and make a better Pakistan

Zeeshan | 14 years ago | Reply PLEASE READ IT..... Hi again all... thats what we are representing our nation among other nations.....each comes with his views and consider himself/herself as authentic... okey all of you are authentic... whats a dispute ?? still arguing on the topic to which you cant make any change to other person view but yes still you can give them more room to express and sometimes very negative but shouldn't we just accept each other as a nation?? or just argue 'em?? isn't it seem like humanity unites and religion divides?? come on guys... lets shake hands... what is past is past ... my point is that respect each other views... just consider me that i am not a Muslim and i have views and i shake hand with you??? so are you going to argue me to whom i am or just give me a welcome ?? our nation specially our youth WE need unity among us... "REMEMBER YOU CAN FOOL ANY BODY BUT NOT YOUR SELF IN FRONT OF MIRROR..." so tem me HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE STOP USING FACEBOOK??????i am using it.... HEY MODERATOR COULD YOU PLEASE DELETE ALL THESE POST IF YOU THINK IT MIGHT LEAD TO MORE AGRESSIVE AND WE SO CALLED HUMAN WILL GOING TO GIVE SUCH REMARKS TO THOSE PERSONALITIES TO WHOM WE PRAISE?? Regards, Zeeshan

Madeeha | 14 years ago | Reply Saints were pious & God-Fearing people. They themselves prayed only to Allah & trusted no one, but Allah. And this is what they preached all their life. But some Muslims are going against their teachings by thinking that these saints can save us. We should do what our Prophet (SAWW), Companions (RA) & these Pious people used to do.. Pray only to Allah. Trust only Allah. And always remember that if Allah wants to bless any person, then no one can stop that blessing from coming to that person. And if Allah decides to test/punish any one, then no one can save that person, except Allah. So pray only to Allah for the safety of all people.

Madeeha | 14 years ago | Reply Hunain, I did not quote incomplete verses. They are all complete. Check it for yourself.

Sleepless in Karachi | 14 years ago | Reply There is only one force greater than the Almighty. It's called Ignorance. Ignorance is an evil all underdeveloped cultures of the world possess. God only helps those who wish to help themselves. We should begin with using logic, when it's needed. Emotion, when it's needed. Spirituality, whenever it's needed. So let's pray for our peace of mind; but let's roll up our sleeves to clean the water in the gutters!

Saad Siddiqui | 14 years ago | Reply Allah is the only protector,no saint can protect us , arrogant people... if Karachi is safe, it doesnt mean that it cannot be hit ...its only protected by Allah and only Allah , not by saints....!!! Sheer Ignorance of Religion

Muhammad Hammad Ansari | 14 years ago | Reply @ lifeinpk I will pray for you to come to the right path. "Shaheed ko kabhi murda na kaho, wo zinda hein magar tumhain shaoor nahi."

Muhammad Hammad Ansari | 14 years ago | Reply Allah nahi chahe ga ke jahan us ke nek logon ki aaram gah ho wahan koi musibat, so the shrine of Abdullah shah ghazi is of great importance to diverge any disaster away from Karachi.

fawad | 14 years ago | Reply This is hilarious.. Allah sends the cyclone and the saint baba ji will protect us from the storm .... This is why we Muslims are in this situation . We think a dead guy can protect us instead of Allah. Wake up People. There are a lot if mosques here in Karachi and Gwadar .. A muslims coutnry Oman was hit by the storm. Mosque the house of our Allah did not protect us and the place where baba ji is will protect us .. LOL.

Shoaib | 14 years ago | Reply Please pay some heed to holy Quran, no one turn calamaty back but Allah. No one change destiny but Allah. That was even not the power of prophets to stop storms as it happened in the era of Hazrat Nuh where he saw his son drawn in front of his prophet father.

Sumbul Ateeq | 14 years ago | Reply To each his own but A sorry state at best if educated people still believe dead saints can protect us from calamities..they might be pious during their lifetimes but one cannot depend on them for eternity When you yourself are capable of prayers why would you depend on a dead saint.. Pray for yourself instead of depending on saints. Only Allah has the ability to protect us and we do NOT need a mediator to reach him. If this was the case why wouldn't everyone just pray to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W instead of GOD??

lifeinpk | 14 years ago | Reply Hah I pray for the misguided souls who actually believe the dead can save them from harm. That does not sound anything like what Islam preaches.

Zarrar | 14 years ago | Reply AOA There is life after death and between Day of Judgement. All who die do listen to us and that is why we say salam to them when we visit graveyards. Spirituality has it that there is a parellel world to ours. If we have purity of soul and are good muslims in deeds as well or if we regret our evil deeds with honesty, then God listens to us directly. If we wish to get something done the best way, we go to the best in that field to get that done - provided we believe that that person is the best. In spiritual world, saints are the loved ones of God and God listens to them regardless of which side of the curtain they may be present. The death is a curtain between this world and the life after death and before Day of Judgement. Having said all this, i do believe that God has His ways to reprimanding His creatures and providing ways to them to offer their regrets and to get back on the path of righteous. He knows best and that what is best in the bigger picture. We do have a better chance of our prayers being answered through these saints who do listen to us and who have the ability and capacity to pray to God for whatever we ask for. It is also a fact that God does keep a right to answer the prayers of the saints or to pass them due to the bigger picture. the bomb blasts in shrines are a case in point. However, these events do not belittle the saints themselves. Regardless of whether we believe in saints or not, decency and religion demands it that we do not make fun out of the beliefs / religion of others - lest they make fun of ours. Do pray in whatever you deem best that God forgives us and guide us to the right path. Allah Hafiz

Jaad Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @Amazed squirrel and long before Sufism there was muslimism

Imran | 14 years ago | Reply Dear All, This is to bring in your knowledge that these Saints are not like peoples like us they have the power from God. If any one says that these are like us its means that he/she is in complex.

Zeeshan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Ziad.... surely you have seen the Clash of the titan... :P thats why Zeus is in your mind .....

jahanzaib.haque | 14 years ago | Reply PLEASE NOTE: In the matter of Islam, quotations of Quran, religious debate, only those comments in which authors list their complete academic grounding in Islam will be approved in the future. This is being undertaken to ensure that misquoting, misunderstanding is avoided. Best regards. (Web Editor)

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply @Hunain , "IF you guys remember the Cyclone of 2007 that was about to Hit Karachi and turned away and Hit gujrat..google it and you will see what disasters it caused." " Thanks to the presence of Aulia-e-Ikram " Thank you lord for the presence of Aulia-e-Ikram and zeus and Spaghetti monster who countered the cyclone attack and were there to catch the indian bombs in the 65 war. They have provided us with Nuclear weapon so that in the case of war we can use it against our enemies and kill the enemies women and children (millions of innocents) in the name of a god. They have warded every attack from terrorists and launched an operation against them after some of their shrines were bombed that made people scared to go and worship the baba ji. It is blasphemy to speak against Baba ji , his ganja suppliers and the pimps who have picked women from these mazars. It is also blasphemy to deny the existence of Zeus and the Spaghetti monster, they have shrines too you know. Verily, there is no god but ALLAH (SWT) and He does not need prove of His existence nor is he in need of people to worship Him.

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply

Tanzeel: I am no one to say this but I do would suggest that IF you don’t believe in someone/something don’t disrespect it at least.

Hunain what exactly did you find disrespectful in my post, kindly elaborate.

Hunain Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Excellent Article !! Interesting debate, i was disappointed after reading many posts. Before you make up a conclusion about me, I better clear my position by telling that, YES i have a firm believe over the fact that By the order of Allah and Thanks to the presence of Aulia-e-Ikram we are not hit by any natural disaster, IF you guys remember the Cyclone of 2007 that was about to Hit Karachi and turned away and Hit gujrat..google it and you will see what disasters it caused. I won't start an endless debate cos most of you don't wanna listen to anything related to the topic. but i do would like to mentioned/quote few random posts that i read around here. Sarah: Watch out before disrespecting the people who are dear to Allah himself, I would request IF you don't believe in something; don't say things that would hurt other's ideologies. As how would a bunch of people who are not alive will protect us? Ans: Like they have been doing it since centuries. Amrat: You believe in Allah, thats really good. Have you ever did some research about these people, who they are..from where they are descended, who told about them ? Sarmad: Since when do you think these saints are here ? 100 years ?, 200 years? They have been there since centuries Sarmad. Centuries ! imtiaz uddin: Istamd-e-Aulia has been proved from Hadiths, you cannot challenge it and it is not at all relevant to the topic going on. Tanzeel: I am no one to say this but I do would suggest that IF you don't believe in someone/something don't disrespect it at least. Mkhan: Liked it :) Jaad Syed: Tell me one person who said that doing sajda at the shrines is permissible ? Sawira: I agree, IF Allah has decided to put azaab on any place..No one can hold that back. But do you really think talking about rubbish about people who are dear to Allah himself is of any good ? Kamran: Living God ? since when did you started considering Allah as a Livingthing ? Mehreen Ali Kasana: Revealing ! Robin Smith: You are the man !, The first person in this thread who actually showed courage to stand up and speak. I was kinda surprised to see someone talking about 'Abdal, Qalandar, Ghous, Qutub'. Moulvis played a major part in creating the 'Taalibaan Image' of Islam. I sure would like to talk to you, Please drop me a message at My email. Babar Thaheem: Ditto !, Regardless of the fact what we think or believe, when it comes to religious beliefs we should respect ! Stranger: I feel pity for u ! John Marston: Open mind ? :) What are you talking about ? :D Madeeha: No one has the right to use the Incomplete Ayats of Quran with incomplete descriptions for their own favor or to prove that whatever you are saying is right. Muhammad Salman Khan: Ditto ! I would summarize my post by saying that regardless of what you believe, You should not disrespect and be careful in your selection of words ! Thats all !

Ali Haider | 14 years ago | Reply Thank you every one for yet another round of useless hate filled comments. When will we stop fighting among ourselves and when will we have the patience to listen. If you do not believe in saints, don't. No one is forcing you to do it. Whether those who believe in them will go to heaven or hell is none of your business. Let this decision be where it belongs; with Almighty Allah.

tariq jameel | 14 years ago | Reply for all those who say only allah can protect us, have they forgotten allah depended on prophets n saints to deliver his message int he first place. this is the latter version of islam that in the 16 century, got corrupted from wahabis and then the deobands. before tht islam was very popular as there was no compulsion or terrorism related to it. everything related to the shrines, heroin etc, are not the saints but the stupid muslims who visit there as their overall situation has gone from bad to worse from the 16 century. muslims can only be related with terror, force, narcotics, extremism, mafia, intolerance, arms, n everything negative just because Islam has been hijacked by the DEOBANDS AND WAHABISM. http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/19-deobandi-leadership-shies-away-from-condemning-suicide-bombings-250-hh-11

Muhammad Salman Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Saints and seers are the blessed souls and devotees have been flocking to their shrines for ages. Invoking blessings of the saints is a matter of belief and prescribed by the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (only a careful study will reveal). But it must be borne in mind that it is the Higher Power alone who can save human beings from any calamity; the saints are a source of inspiration and enjoy the God-gifted prowess to come to the rescue of those in need. Respect one must these "friends of Allah Almighty" and seek solace at their feet.

bano | 14 years ago | Reply some of people saying that if saint's prayer can protect us then y saints r unable to stop terorism & other evil activities. y they dont understand the difference b/w human activities & natural disaster. $ if they said only ALLAH can save & no doubt ONLY ALLAH can. then y ALLAH cant stop all the illegal actvities. shud v blame now naaozubillah on ALLAH now dat he cant save people from bomb blasts, or any other disaster if it hapen. austaghfirullah....

Asim Khan | 14 years ago | Reply I don't know why we just start arguing and fighting over every thing. I guess this is one of the main reason why the world thinks we are extremists. I believe evryone commenting here is muslim and being a muslim isn't it obligatory on us to respect people like Abdullah Shah Ghazi who contributed so much towards spreading the message of GOD almighty in this region. Everyone can have a different opinion but one should NOT go to an extend where you start disrespecting such great personalities. I think we should start thinking why we have begin to behave like this and stop acting as if we are a rude and ill mannered society.

Altaf | 14 years ago | Reply I just have one thing to say to all those people here who used their minds to understand everything in this world. Regarding the drugs use under the shrine... Do u know that people pick pocket even during hajj inside Haram Sharif. Secondly Saints and Shaheeds are alive in their graves and it is stated in the Quran and lastly most if not all the goras that u find reverting to Islam are from the teachings of these saints or Aulia Allah. So please do not intrude in areas of which you ignorant people have no knowledge as it may cause you harm and Allah loves his freinds very much. We cant even be 10% of what these saints have done to achive closeness of Allah swt and his friendhsip.

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply When Gandalf the Grey can make a comeback , so can the saints who have long been protecting Karachi from disasters and evil forces alike. In 1965, god of sea poseidon launched an attack near keamari which was successfully countered by the fellowship of the Babas. It is said that the saints have long been in slumber and each year select a chosen one who becomes the evil warder. It is rumored that their new chosen one maybe Maychal ( the Chura). He is said to have cleaned 100 sewers in the span of 10 minutes. A world record. His name is Maychal not Michael.

Saqib | 14 years ago | Reply It’s only a matter of one’s personal belief. These saints including Abdullah Shah Ghazi were all pious people. Let’s not be judgmental about their role in what goes around in the worldly matter. Almighty Allah is all powerful and resourceful on how our lives take shape, some us do believe in the role of waseela of these Sufis when seeking something from Allah. This debate has always existed about this role. So believe what you want to believe and let other do the same.

wajid | 14 years ago | Reply ha ha ha ha !!! Lets be serious and pray to Allah, the lords of the lords

Azeem | 14 years ago | Reply Phet 0: Abdullah Shah Ghazi: 1....... I dont think soooooo

PKDogs.com | 14 years ago | Reply Well i can assure you the cyclone is not going to his us but that being said are we even capable of handling a normal thunder storm ? I guess not !

Faisal Waqar Ali | 14 years ago | Reply This kind of stuff should not appear in any serious publication let alone The Herald Tribune. Completely ludicrous.

Ahsan Shahid Toronto Wala | 14 years ago | Reply ye kya hay baba?

bats | 14 years ago | Reply I suggest readers should read the entire article instead of reading just the headlines and commenting. The 'Shirk' argument is pointless here because (if you just read the first line) the article talks about LEGENDS and about what most Karachiites believe. And the second paragraph clearly explains the words 'saints protection': "Some stories speak of the saints individually, while others claim that the collective prayers of these saints protect the metropolis." <-- Collective PRAYERS of these saints. One trip to the mazar can prove this article to be correct. Most Karachiites do believe in the Abdullah Shah Ghazi legend. Hats off to Tribune for publishing such a brave article.

Madeeha | 14 years ago | Reply **Stop this SHIRK. Only Allah can Protect us from all harm.** **Al-Ankabut 65:** "And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their faith pure for Him only, But when He brings them safely to land, Behold, they give a share of their worship to others". **Luqman 32:** "And when a Wave Covers them like shades (i.e. like clouds or mountains of sea water), they invoke Allah, making their invocations for Him only. But when He brings them safe to land, then among them are those who stop in between (Belief & Dis-Belief). But none denies Our Signs except every perfidious ingrate". **Ask for Forgiveness only from Allah & repent.** **Ar-Rum 41:** "Evil (sins & dis-obedience to Allah) has appeared on land & sea, because of what the hands of men have earned (by Oppression & evil deeds), that He (Allah) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah & begging His pardon)".

Adeel | 14 years ago | Reply Wow so many saints in KHI i did not know! In lahore we too have many saints, the main of our city is Data Sahib, even the Baba ji in Ajmer Sharif did his praises... but we should only pay our respects to these saints and learn from their teachings... really only we can save ourselves from ourselves and prepare ourselves for any calamities such as cyclones etc. And if we start by saying Bismillah, then Allah blesses our efforts... Good luck to all my fellow citizens in Karachi, may you stay safe and the divas at the shrines keep burning! Ameen!

Daastaango | 14 years ago | Reply Associating partners with ALMIGHTY ALLAH is Shirk and Jannah is Haram on those who commit this ultimate sin. I agree with all those who call this Jihalat. Please come up with better ideas for your paper as it is in its early stages and too expensive to reach followers of such "Babas"... Also for the real picture of these Babas, read the book "Mazhabi aur Siyasi Baway" written by Amir Hamza... translate it into English and print it in your paper.

maira | 14 years ago | Reply its true that ALLAH can only save us.....plz dont say them that they are dead.....bcz they r the lovers of allah...and they are protecting us from all disasters with the permission of allah...this is not fantasy..this is true....soon you will believe it .

John Marston | 14 years ago | Reply Why is everyone so judgmental on this forum....... A storm's coming.... pray if you Believe in Allah, ask Saints to help if you believe in Saints.. and put your faith in the Army and the Met office if you don't believe in either..... A potentially disastrous situation is at hand and as is typical of Pakistanis we're indulging in meaningless debates....... I wonder how many of you approach this forum with an open mind....

danish | 14 years ago | Reply ONLY ALLAH can protect us.................................we respect all the great and pious Muslims who did their service for the sake of ALLAH.....EVEN those great and pious Muslims asked for the help from ALLAH.they are neither saints of Sufi.......................................we should call them good and pious Muslims.

Stranger | 14 years ago | Reply The saints are dead they cant protect us. We should only pray to God.

Stranger | 14 years ago | Reply Only ALLAH can protect us![1]

Babar Thaheem | 14 years ago | Reply We shall all respect each others opinions.....regardless of belief

Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. Robin, It is indeed warming to hear your opinions and your interest in Islam despite the sorry global state extremist and 'maulvis' have driven it into. I for one consider this article utterly blasphemous; praying at graves and making shrines of heroes was incorporated into Pakistani culture from centuries of Hindu influence and it is a difficult thing to root out. People are more willing to go to a shrine and pray their troubles away than to actually say their prayers five times a day and believe in God. Even average Muslims themselves have forgotten what Islam really was, and to top it off we have "maulvis" and the like some of whom go as far as to say "education for women is Haram", and yet speak not against all the bad practices people have adapted to. It is true Islam was spread by preaching and our Sufis and Saints had a major role. But to venerate them as demigods and pray at their shrines is nothing short of sacrilege to God Almighty and a terrible stain on the efforts of said saints!

Amazed squirrel | 14 years ago | Reply Long before there was wahabism, there was sufism in this land of the pure. The sufis and the saints are wonderful and irrevocable part of our national heritage.

Robin Smith | 14 years ago | Reply Interesting debate guys. I wonder what I should contribute as a non believer which I once used to be till few days ago before I came to Karachi following the Peth Huricane. Trust me it is just because of the history, lineage, life of Abdullah Shah Ghazi (the svaiour of Debul) that I am planning to read more about Islam and may think of accepting it at a later stage. Sorry to say your Moulvis ALL talk crap & have no concept of 'La Tafurku Fit Deeni' - Al Quran or the 'Musnavi' of Rum or the 'Khudi' of Iqbal'. Were your stupid Moulvis smart enough, at lest half of USA, Europe & Canada would be Muslim by now. Indeed the last prophet was Muhammed but Islam did not stop there and to date we are getting Rukn, Abdal, Qalandar, Ghous, Qutub & Quteb-e-Zaman and will continue to get them till the planets collide (as meterology & even the Puranas, Torah, Bible & Quran says) & Armageddon or Qiyamah will come.

mash | 14 years ago | Reply @Tanzeel Inject cocaine??......I think you mean heroin. Coke's a bit expensive for the mazar junkies

samina | 14 years ago | Reply this shows how weak is our Iman no one can save us only our good deed will save us . we are not permitted to ask the saints only Allah can help us.Please read the Quran with meaning that is teh only salavation for us and practice too.

Mehreen Ali Kasana | 14 years ago | Reply Hahahahahahaha, sigh backward mentality, dude. Totally like, backward. Loved this post.

MATLOOB | 14 years ago | Reply All Muslims beleive ALLAH is one and everyting is from ALLAH. We should remember, ALLAH loves his lovers. We should respect those Saints who become who become'schoosen persons to convert us into Islam. It is only ALLAH who can stop or create Disasters but we should ask ALLAH to help us. Allah listens his lovers first. In this critical situation, we need to pray to Allah and ask lovers of ALLAH to pray.

Wasim | 14 years ago | Reply plz all of u mind ur language plz. who can do what ? God knows better and with no doubt with the blessing of God. but the importance of these saints in propagation of islam can not be denied. thanks

Muhammad Ali | 14 years ago | Reply One thing I want to tell for those who are unaware, Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi, they were 7 brothers buried across the coast of Karachi and surroundings, belongs to the relatively immediate offsprings of our Holy Prophet (PBUH), they are not 'dead people' (don't say them dead, as QURAN suggests) they were martyred fighting unarmed with the army of then dynasty chasing them all the way from Arab. They do not hold storms or turn it back, but they are amongst the 'Signs of Allah' we must remember. We should think why every time storm or cyclone turn back or don't strike this city ? Allah show us the predominance of his chosen ones in different ways.

Ahmed Khan | 14 years ago | Reply It is good to read that people believe it is ONLY Allah who can save or destroy anything. These saints are to be respected because they were the pious ones. Nonetheless, Nice article!

Kamran | 14 years ago | Reply Oh come on Dead guys will protect Karachi why we dont have faith in LIVING GOD......guys wake up come out from this fantasy things...have faith in GOD for HE will protect us....no babas...hello..be realistic and have faith in Yahowah.....God bless my City...

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply bit of*

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply We don't need dead saints to protect nation from disasters, only a bit Sanity can do wonders.

Cervet Cahn | 14 years ago | Reply This sounds cool, especially the Samandri Baba. Surely all these saints will save us if this storm is Posiedon's wrath!

Haani | 14 years ago | Reply Its time people start rectifying their believes. Neither the saint nor even the Prophet has any powers to turn down any disaster. Even the muslim had lost a war (ghazwa-e-Ohad) when even the prophet(S.A.W) was among the fighters, only because the followers does not obey a single order givenby the prophet(S.A.W)!! Its time we start obeying to GOD other then solely relying on dead people.

Ali Mustafa | 14 years ago | Reply This is not a story this is a legend my dear fellows

Fahad Mirza | 14 years ago | Reply How pathetic and stupid can one be every time a Cyclone comes people just rush to one conclusion and that is, that a Saint will save Karachi from disaster..well the one and only Allah can protect us..and only he decides when and where the cyclone will hit or if it will change its course or not. I guess these pious dead men can save this city from a lot more other disasters besides natural if thats the case.

Sawira | 14 years ago | Reply With due respect to all the sufis ,their services for Islam can not be denied but if nothing happened to Karachi in the was because Allah didn't want,He just wanted to give warning and may be there are few good ppl present in the city doing gud deeds but once Allah decide to put azaab on the city no one can stop because nuthing will remain on this earth on the day of judgement except khana kabba which will be taken away before qayyamat at and Quran that will even also be erased from the heart of Hafiz. it's time to beg forgivenness from Allah not just rely on Sufis .Allah might have postponed disasters coz of their prayers as Allah safe us at times coz of our mother prayers but not always.if it cums it will be azaab coz of our bad deed

Fahim | 14 years ago | Reply Samandari baba! what? is this for real? You should be advising a good strategy here, Baba's can't do anything lol and please don't give false hope.

Ateeq | 14 years ago | Reply Karachi needs more saints to safe it from corruption, violence, traffic problems, electric outages, poverty, ethnic and religious riots, public transportation, etc etc

Jaad Syed | 14 years ago | Reply And by the way! in 1965, this was the only incident within the history of PAkistan that Indian Navy Suceeded in its attack at Karachi, However they did loose the whole war. this is the unfortunate truth!

Jaad Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @Muhammad Saqib I laugh it this, This defies Logic and Islam both, Nowhere in any islamic Literture you find, the direction to pray to any being other than Al Mighty Allah. Not in any circumstances! But ussually in Pakistan we pray and perform sajda to these so called Saints, Which may have been in their time, but the stories accosiated with them are all of Magics, and performing magic is Haram. 90% of the cases has been Myth, but people cont to defy the fact and keep praying. This is the extent of Jahalat!

saa | 14 years ago | Reply One word sum up " JIHALAT"

MSShaikh | 14 years ago | Reply Yep, one final ingredient missing from the list of saviours...that of our Saint Zardari!!! You reap what you sow....or something similar!

Omer | 14 years ago | Reply Maybe this is a sign of a warning from the almighty since all we are doing is making bombs and talking about peace in expensive suits at the round tables. Consuming the natural resources for mere profitability when really half of the world is denied of the basic necessacities like food, education and shelter. Encroaching lands of the righteous through any means available just to satisfy the thirst of global control and it never gets filled. Utilizing so much time and energy in to all this blinds us from the fact that one swish of a wind or one jolt in the land can ulitmately redefine geagraphies and create history in a blink of an eye. We still prefer to sleep effortlessly over this and hope to dream for the best. Isn't waking up easier?

muhammad saquib | 14 years ago | Reply yes i strongly believe that beacause of hazrat abdullah shah gazi baba karachi always escape from such of these disasters even in 1965 war when indian airforce throw bombs at karachi they said that a saint took these bombs away from there targets...

A.F. | 14 years ago | Reply where were these saints in 1965 when cyclone struck in Karachi & 10,000 people died

Imran | 14 years ago | Reply These Wali Allahs have protected us thus far and they will God willing also in the future... Please stop narrow mindedness

Jamal Shamsi | 14 years ago | Reply The seven Sufi brothers Another legend tells us of seven Sufi brothers, whos shrines protect Karachi from oncoming storms and tsunamis. These brothers were Ghayab Shah of Kemari, Alim Shah of Jamia Cloth, Vilayat Shah of Malir, Jumman Shah of Shahra e Faisal, Samandri Baba on the National Hihgway, Yusuf Shah of Manora and Misri Shah in DHA. ALL These people did a tremendous job to Islam, but they departed this world. Common People like many who doubt about themselves are with weak eeman, flexible faith go to dead and ask them, - Self belief and strongest of faith in supreme one is the path of rightous which these people followed and asked people to do so, - Seek help from ALLAH (swt)

Belal | 14 years ago | Reply BhaiyyO aur behnO...iss baat main larhaee karnay se koi faida hua tou mjhay lazmi batana...Almighty Allah has made these mashaikh o sufiaa for the betterment of people, not for stopping the storms and tornedos...But in the respect of these saints and Allah's love with these sacrifying people, Allah some and many times changes the path of happenings but it never means that it is the proof of truth of Islam coz some days later some cyclone might be postponed on a India's harbour with any Big temple and they may say...oh we are "right" coz cuclone has been stopped by our Rams and Eshwars, So donot regrett it wholly but donot accept it just for its sake coz ISlAM is better and superior than these things. Thanks, JazakAllah Khair Allah paak ap sabko apni amaan main rakhain...

naseer ahmerd | 14 years ago | Reply this is old story by AFP karachi correspondent.

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply Off topic : Remember the famous times picture of Indonesia after the Tsunami? where only one mosque was left standing in the middle of all the debris? that was incredible (apart from the destruction it bought) . this time everything will remain except the shrines , then no more bidat,charas,ganja,prostitution atleast in the name of Baba ji .

Imran Hameed Qureshi | 14 years ago | Reply Assalam o Alaikum Before i write any thing i must narrate my experience with non muslim and then see where we stand. i went abroad and had chat with a non muslim of congo DRC Africa i asked him a question that how had you found muslims. He replied, beside good things there are few very critical bad habits which i found in pakistani first thing is that you people pray five time a day but do prohibited things in hidden, means you do not have fear from Allah but from humans. second you do not do justice. Example is that if some one had quarrel with you brother then you will always take side of your brother even he is wrong. Third is backbite and fourth keep animosity in heart against some one who had difference with you at some time. After reading this i think we should see our selves what we are and how much we believe in Allah. May Allah shows us right path

MH | 14 years ago | Reply Good one tanzeel :)

Mkhan | 14 years ago | Reply Yes - The saints will deg protect Karachi.I think they have mentioned the history as well here. @Tanzeel: You can not blame the shrines for all these illegal activities.The problem is that they have been over crowded by illeterate people and your arguments are vague when you are saying believe me. I think you havent heard about the history. Abdullah Shah Ghazi is one of the greatest saints ever and he has been very close to Allah. These saints have spend their life for the sake of Allah not like you and me so Allah listens to them !!

Rizwan | 14 years ago | Reply Tanzeel and Rashid Hasan for the win. You guys said it all. (y)

Muhammad Abdullah | 14 years ago | Reply yea sure, they will protect us. Don't know where these saints are when target killings start.

Ammar | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistanis are so superstitious its laughable..I have a question if these saints are protecting the city then were they on a leave when all the bombs were going off and people were killing each other under thier very noses.

tariq jameel | 14 years ago | Reply just goes on to show the deoband side of islam. islam's popularity depended on saints like these when it was so succesful. Then came the era when deoband rose its head n we can see where extremism has led the muslims.

Pakistani Aloo | 14 years ago | Reply People should read more on the difference between correlation and causation.

Laila | 14 years ago | Reply Oh god, really...people actually believe in that, becharay log, i think our awam is very innocent. They can believe in anything.

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply The saints will protect us from cyclone but the same saints would allow trade and consumption of Charas/ Ghanja, kidnappings and every type of illegal activity under their noses. These shrines are known to be the centers of evils, anyone who is interested to acquire cocaine can always visit shrine and get himself injected. Believe me Abdullah Shah Ghazi or any other saint will never stop you.

Rashid Hasan | 14 years ago | Reply And to all the people chanting that they believe that only "Allah" will save us - what is the basis of that belief? Should not all non-rational beliefs be treated the same way?

Khurram Zahid | 14 years ago | Reply Allah knows better, but as we know "Allah hamari sehrug se bhee zeyada kareeb hay", so why not ask Allah directly. On the other hand, these saints have been the favorite people of Allah, may be, Allah knows better, we are saved because of the blessing of Allah on those saints... Khurram Author Pakistan Criminal Records

Faisal Ahmad | 14 years ago | Reply it is true that only Allah saves us , but Allah has given these saints wat they prayed for at that time , and we are being protected because of those long long hours of praying back then . so dont be dumb and say things about them .

imtiaz uddin | 14 years ago | Reply only allah can protect us, v r not allowed to ask from other's except allah.

Sarmad | 14 years ago | Reply Really? Are you serious? The Turkish people did the same thing when being attacked while the caliphate was being taken over. And the reason Karachi was saved by such storms, was its natural harbour, way before any of these saints were in that reigon.

Sara Kazi | 14 years ago | Reply I second Anum....this is the main news story on the website? REALLY?????

Amrat | 14 years ago | Reply only ALLAh will protect us. i dont beleive in any saints. i only beleive in Allah The All Mighty!

Babar | 14 years ago | Reply BREAKING NEWS........Cyclone Phet has changed its direction its quickly moving towards Pakistan!!!! JTWC WARNING ISSUED

Mustafa | 14 years ago | Reply Well for Sarah. Islam was spread by these Saints in this region, well God might have use these guys to spread Islam. So do you mean to say that Allah was dependent on them to spread Islam in Sindh. Any ways you don't know the importance of these Siant. I believe almost 80% of Karachites have visited his shrine at least once in life. He really mean a lot to us.

Syed A Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply We should pray for the saints that Al-Mighty Allah may place them in heaven. The first and the last word is "AL-MIGHTY ALLAH", not the saints.

Sarah | 14 years ago | Reply LOL Are you kidding me. Where is Islam now?????? Where is the belief that only God can protect us? How do a bunch of respected and pious dead guys "protect us"

Nabeel | Create Your First Website | 14 years ago | Reply Only ALLAH can protect us!

anum | 14 years ago | Reply this is the story on the main page?

Farhan Danish | 14 years ago | Reply **