Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Sacred Dargah of Hazrat Syed Shah Ziauddin Rafai Quadri, Maharashtra

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 26 June 2025 The Dargah of Hazrat Ziauddin Rafai Quadri in Deglur, Nanded, Maharashtra, is an ancient shrine drawing diverse devotees. Built with two storeys, it hosts a grand urs. Main Points: 1. Located in Deglur, Nanded, in Dargah Mohallah. 2. Hazrat Ziauddin arrived from Iraq in 753 A.D. 3. Two-storeyed structure with ten turbats in basement. 4. Annual urs celebrated on 15th Rabbi Awal. 5. Attracts diverse devotees, including Hindus and traders. ------ The Dargah of Hazrat Syed Shah Ziauddin Rafai Quadri is situated in Deglur town, which falls in Nanded district of Maharashtra. Deglur is a taluka headquarters and has a sizeable Muslim population. The Dargah is located towards the outskirts of the town in an area called Dargah Mohalla, which is predominantly Muslim. Mostly people from economically weaker sections live in this locality. The Dargah of Hazrat Syed Rafai Quadri is an old and fairly large shrine. According to locals, the Baba came from Iraq way back in 753 A.D. along with 1400 Palki (palanquins). He first arrived in Khandar, a small town about 45 kilometres from Deglur. From there, he moved to Deglur with his maternal uncle, Hazrat Makhdoom Hazi Sahab. Their main purpose was to spread the teachings of Islam. When they reached Deglur, there was an evil magician in the area. They outsmarted him and taught him the principles of Islam. The Dargah is a two-storeyed building. In the basement, there are ten turbats (graves), which are the original resting places of Hazrat Ziauddin Baba and his close associates. On the upper floor, duplicate turbats of the same are placed for devotees to pay their respects. The mazar (tomb) of Hazrat Makhdoom Hazi Sahab is located in Khandar. Earlier, there was a staircase in the basement that led to a well below, but it has now been sealed. Outside the Dargah, there are a few other mazars belonging to the Baba’s assistants and followers. Additionally, there are seven small stone pillars of different sizes lined up beside the Dargah. When these pillars are struck with a rod one after another in quick succession, they produce the sound of the seven musical notes – Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni. A large number of devotees visit the shrine every day, but the crowd swells a bit more on Fridays. Women are allowed only up to the first floor. The majority of visitors are Muslims, but, as per the mujawar (caretaker), a few Hindus also visit the shrine regularly. Offerings at the Dargah typically include flowers, incense sticks, and coconuts. Mutton and chicken are offered occasionally, but beef is strictly prohibited. Many devotees come to seek blessings or boons. Newlywed couples often visit to offer their respects. Interestingly, people from the trading community frequent the shrine quite often. Whenever someone starts a new business or buys a new vehicle, they come to seek the Baba’s blessings. For instance, the owner of Hans Raj Travels in Deglur, a Hindu by faith, recently visited the Dargah to pray after being advised by a Hindu guru to do so, as he was facing serious issues in his business. Even members of the Shiv Sena, known for their communal stance, are said to visit the shrine during times of distress. The Dargah sees a massive gathering during the annual urs, which begins on the 15th of Rabbi Ul Awal and lasts for three days. Two sandals (sacred replicas) are brought to the Dargah during the urs. One is carried from the mujawar’s house, located just opposite the shrine, while the other is brought from the town by the Urs Committee, which consists of prominent members of the Muslim community. The committee collects around ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 in donations from the public every year to organise the event. The sandal is brought on horseback, accompanied by a lively procession of young boys and faqirs dancing. A Langar (community kitchen) is also arranged during the urs by the committee. On the final day, Qawwali performances are held. The local municipality supports the committee by contributing some funds every year. Apart from the urs, Muharram is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Tazias (replicas of tombs) are made in the names of two saints, Naal Saheb and Hyder Saheb, who were brothers and have Dargahs in Punjab. These tazias are placed outside the Dargah, and people from all castes, creeds, and religions come to pay their respects. In recent years, however, there has been some pressure from the Tablighi Jamaat to discontinue the Muharram tazias, but the majority of people are against this move. Overall, the Dargah is facing some uncertainty as sections of the Muslim community are trying to bring it under their direct control, and orthodox groups are also exerting influence. Meanwhile, the Hindu community’s participation appears to be wavering. ------ 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/sacred-dargah-hazrat-shah-ziauddin-rafai/d/135989 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

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