Hazrat Baba Farid
Hazrat Sheikh Fariduddin Mas‘ud Ganjshakar (رحمة الله عليه)
Personal Life
| Full Name | Hazrat Sheikh Fariduddin Mas‘ud Ganjshakar (رحمة الله عليه) |
| Title | Baba Farid, Ganj-e-Shakar |
| Born | 1173 CE (569 AH), Kothewal (near Multan), Punjab, Pakistan |
| Died | 1265 CE (664 AH), Pakpattan, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Resting Place | Baba Farid Shrine, Pakpattan, Pakistan |
Early Life
Hazrat Baba Farid (رحمة الله عليه) was born in 1173 CE (569 AH) in Multan (some narrations mention nearby Kothewal).
His father, Jamaluddin Suleiman (رحمة الله عليه), was a pious man, and his mother, Bibi Qarsum (رحمة الله عليها), was deeply devoted to Islam.
From childhood, he showed great love for عبادت (worship). A famous story tells that his mother would place sugar under his prayer mat to encourage him to pray—this later became a symbol of his title “Ganj-e-Shakar” (Treasure of Sugar).
Education and Spiritual Training
He received early Islamic education in Multan, which was a center of learning at that time.
Later, he traveled to Delhi and became a disciple of:
Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (رحمة الله عليه)
Through his Shaykh’s guidance, he underwent intense spiritual discipline and became one of the greatest saints of the Chishti Silsila.
Life in Ajodhan (Pakpattan)
Hazrat Baba Farid (رحمة الله عليه) later settled in:
Pakpattan (formerly Ajodhan)
There, he spent his life in:
- Worship and remembrance of Allah
- Teaching and guiding people
- Serving the poor and needy
Teachings
His teachings emphasized:
- اتباعِ شریعت (strict adherence to Shari‘ah)
- زہد (asceticism)
- صبر (patience)
- خدمتِ خلق (service to humanity)
Some of his famous sayings:
- “Be like a river in generosity.”
- “Do not hurt anyone, for hearts are precious before Allah.”
Miracles (Karamat)
Karamat of Hazrat Baba Farid (رحمة الله عليه) are widely accepted among Sunni scholars:
1. Sugar Miracle
It is narrated that when he prayed, sugar would appear under his prayer mat by the will of Allah, leading to his title Ganj-e-Shakar.
2. Extreme Worship
He performed long periods of fasting and عبادت, even hanging himself upside down during spiritual exercises (chilla), showing extraordinary devotion.
3. Acceptance of Du‘a
Many people experienced relief from hardships through his prayers.
4. Spiritual Influence
His presence softened hearts and guided countless people towards Islam.
(All karamat occur only by the will of Allah, as per Sunni belief.)
Famous Disciples
Among his greatest disciples:
- Nizamuddin Auliya (رحمة الله عليه)
Final Years and Wisaal
Hazrat Baba Farid (رحمة الله عليه) spent his final years in Pakpattan in worship and teaching.
He passed away in 1265 CE (664 AH) in Pakpattan.