Saturday 30 April 2016
Bari Imam
(1617–1705)
Bari
Imam, his real name was Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, was born in 1026 Hijra (1617
AD) in Chakwal. His father, Syed Mehmood Shah, shifted his family from Chakwal
District (Village Karsal) to Baghan village, presently called Aabpara
(Islamabad). At that time, it was a barren land. Soon after the arrival of Bari
Imam’s family, his father started farming and also kept some animals. Shah
Latif helped his father in grazing the animals, but left his father at 12 and
came to Noor Pur Shahan (Islamabad).
Bari
Imam converted thousands of Hindus into Muslims through the teachings of Islam
at Noor Pur Shahan. While spreading the
message of peace he convinced them to become law abiding citizens. He was one
of the great preachers of Islam during his time in Pothwar area, in this part
of the world,
Bari Imam went to Ghorghushti (District Attock) where he stayed for two
years to learning fiqh, hadith, logic, and other disciplines related to Islam,
because at that time it was a great seat of learning.
Bari
Imam visited many places, including Kashmir, Badakhshan, Bukhara, Mashhad,
Baghdad and Damascus. He not only received spiritual knowledge in these places
but also held discussions with scholars belonging to different schools of
thought on various subjects. Later, he went to Hejaz to perform Hajj.
Bari
Imam received spiritual knowledge from Hayat-al-Mir (Zinda Pir). His Pir (Sufi
Mentor) gave him the title of Bari Imam (The leader of the earth).
Every
year at the Urs (Birth celebration) of the saint, gains momentum; devotees in
their thousands set out for the Margalla foothills and gather at Noorpur Shahan
to pay their respect. Although there is many swarm the shrine all year round.
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