Hazrat Shah Daula Of Gujarat: A Disciple Of Hazrat Sarmast, He Was A Revered Saint Of Undivided India

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 19 July 2025 Hazrat Shah Daula (1581–1675), a Punjab saint, was a spiritual leader and builder. A disciple of Hazrat Sarmast, he left a legacy of devotion, architectural works, and community service. His Gujrat shrine continues to draw pilgrims. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Shah Daula (1581–1675) was a prominent Punjab saint during Emperor Akbar’s reign, known for spiritual teachings and community service. 2. A devoted follower of Hazrat Sarmast, he later led the khanqah, spreading Islamic teachings. 3. He constructed bridges, mosques, and gardens across Punjab, benefiting the community. 4. His Gujrat shrine, built by his son, remains a key spiritual site managed by descendants and the Auqaf Department. 5. His influence endures through his descendants and pilgrims visiting his shrine worldwide. ------ In the heart of Punjab, a saint’s legacy resonates across centuries, weaving together history and faith. Hazrat Shah Daula, born during the Mughal era, left an unforgettable imprint on Gujrat’s spiritual landscape. His iconic shrine stands as a beacon, attracting pilgrims and admirers worldwide. This article explores the remarkable life of this revered saint, tracing his path from a humble disciple to a visionary builder and spiritual leader. Dive into the story of how his teachings and architectural contributions continue to influence Punjab’s cultural tapestry, reflecting a timeless legacy of compassion, unity, and devotion that endures to this day. Born in 1581 during the reign of Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar, Hazrat Shah Daula lived a remarkable life that extended until 1675, overlapping with the grandeur of Mughal rule. His journey from birth to death is well-documented, with the first book on his life penned by Mian Muhammad Charaag, son of Shah Murad Qadri. A second work followed in 1720, authored by Munshi Mushtaq Ram, cementing his legacy long after his demise. Hazrat Shah Daula’s early years were shaped by his deep connection with his spiritual guide, Hazrat Sarmast. Hailing from Sialkot, he arrived in Gujrat on the orders of his Murshid, eventually making it his home during Akbar’s time. Known as “Daryai” by his followers, his devotion was unparalleled. He served Hazrat Sarmast with utmost sincerity, managing the khanqah (Sufi lodge) with care, arranging firewood, preparing food like flatbreads and curry, and tending to every need. A defining moment in his spiritual journey occurred when his Murshid called out, “Daula, come here!” Despite being far away, Hazrat Shah Daula rushed to his guide’s side, responding with “Labbaik, Ya Murshid!” (I am present, O my guide!). Touched by this dedication, Hazrat Sarmast blessed him, saying, “From now on, your prayers will heal every illness.” After his Murshid's passing, the khanqah was entrusted to him, marking the beginning of his own spiritual leadership. Hazrat Shah Daula’s life was a blend of preaching Islam and serving humanity. His compassion extended to the poor and needy, earning him followers from diverse backgrounds, including Hindu Community. A gifted communicator, he spoke Punjabi with his disciples but possessed a divine ability to understand and respond in their native languages. Remarkably, he was said to converse even with animals and birds. Beyond his spiritual contributions, Hazrat Shah Daula was a master builder. He constructed numerous structures across Punjab, though many have succumbed to time. Among the surviving or notable works are the shrine of Imam Ali Haq in Sialkot, the bridge near Kala Shah Kaku (still known as Shah Daula’s bridge), the fort in Sialkot, and various bridges, mosques, and gardens like the bridge at Garhi Shahdola, Mosque Shahi Qilladar in Gujrat, and Talaab Maulvi Abdullah in Mandi Meer Ganj, Gujrat. His efforts in creating places of worship and public utility reflect his commitment to community welfare. Despite his stature, Hazrat Shah Daula lived simply. He shunned comfortable carpets, preferring to rest on the floor, and wore modest attire with a cap. His followers described him as having a beautiful face, clean complexion, and striking eyes. He married Hazrat Bibi Hanifa, and they were blessed with a son, Syed Bahawan Shah, who carried forward his father’s social and cultural traditions after his death. Hazrat Shah Daula’s lineage flourished through his son, who fathered five sons, three of whom continued the family tree. His descendants are now spread across Pakistan and beyond, with some residing near his grave in Gujrat, serving his disciples. Among them is the celebrated poet Syed Pir Fazal Shah Sahib Gujrati, a testament to the family’s cultural contributions. The family tree is recorded in the Revenue records and linked to a 1960 court case overseen by the Additional Judge of Gujranwala. After Hazrat Shah Daula’s passing in 1675, his son began constructing his tomb, or Rauza, at the site of his resting place, alongside the grave of Hazrat Hanifa Bibi. Located in what was once called Garhi Shahdola, now in eastern Gujrat, the original structure suffered damage over time and was rebuilt in 1898. The shrine’s management rests with his descendants, divided into three prominent families: Pir Syed Kayem Shah, Pir Syed Ezat Shah, and Pir Syed Karam Shah. Since 1959, the Auqaf Department has overseen its upkeep, ensuring it remains a vibrant spiritual hub. The shrine of Hazrat Shah Daula, adorned with Mughal-era artistry, is a symbol of his enduring influence. One of his disciples prophesied, “Shahdola will become famous all across the world,” a vision that resonates today as devotees from near and far visit this sacred site. Recognized by the present government and rooted in a history that spans from Akbar to Aurangzeb, Hazrat Shah Daula’s legacy as a saint of Punjab continues to inspire awe and reverence. ----- A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-daula-disciple-sarmast-saint/d/136222 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