Multan is occasionally referred to as “The City of Saints” due to its multitude of tombs dedicated to revered saints. Situated near the northwestern side of the Multan Fort, the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam fell victim to destruction at the hands of the British during the British Raj.
Introduction
Shah Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh, widely known as Shah Rukn-e-Alam, stands as an eminent 13th and 14th-century Punjabi Sufi saint from Multan, in present-day Punjab, Pakistan. Belonging to the Suhrawardiyya Sufi order, Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s life, teachings, and final resting place have left an indelible mark on the region’s history and culture.
Biography
Born on 26th November 1251 in Multan, Shah Rukn-e-Alam was the son of Pir Sadar-Al-Din Arif and the grandson and successor of Sheikh Baha-ud-din Zakariya. He dedicated his life to Sufism, and upon his death on 3rd January 1335, he was buried according to his own will in the mausoleum of his grandfather. Later, his coffin was transferred to the present-day mausoleum. Shah Rukn-e-Alam bestowed his spiritual succession upon Sufi sheikh Sultan Ul Tareeqin Sheikh Hameed ud Din Shah Hakim Al-Qureshi Asadi Al-Hashmi Suhrawardi, who is buried at Mau Mubarak in Rahim Yar Khan. His significant role as Shah Rukn e Alam’s Ataleeq-e-Awwal and Khalifa-e-Awwal adds to his spiritual lineage.
Mausoleum
Constructed between 1320 and 1324 CE, the mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam showcases the grace of pre-Mughal architecture. Initially commissioned by Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak during his Depalpur governorship, the tomb was later bestowed by his son, Muhammad bin Tughluq, to Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s descendants for his burial in 1330. Drawing over 100,000 pilgrims annually from South Asia, the shrine serves as a vital spiritual center. Beyond its religious significance, global tourists visit this ancient monument, appreciating its architectural beauty and historical relevance.
The Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, representing Tughluq architecture, stands among the oldest structures from the Tughluq dynasty’s rule in the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526). Established by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, the dynasty’s founder, the tomb’s completion between 1320 and 1324 embodies pre-Mughal architectural principles. In this era of flourishing Indo-Islamic architecture, its influence extends to subsequent constructions in Delhi and Uch Sharif. Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s tomb serves as a testament to the lasting impact of Tughluq aesthetics on the architectural legacy of the Indian subcontinent.
Undergoing comprehensive restoration in the 1970s by the Auqaf Department, the tomb’s interior was enhanced with new tiles and brickwork. Its architectural and cultural significance is further underscored by its consideration for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list.
Legacy and Memorandum
Shah Rukn e Alam’s legacy extends beyond his spiritual teachings, as his name is immortalized in the autonomous town of Multan, known as Shah Rukan e Alam. Additionally, the Shah Rukn-e-Alam Express, a daily train service between Multan and Karachi, was named in his honor. Although suspended in February 2011 due to locomotive issues, the train’s nomenclature serves as a testament to the enduring reverence for this esteemed Sufi saint.
Conclusion
Shah Rukn-e-Alam, the Pillar of the World, continues to inspire spiritual seekers and draw pilgrims to his mausoleum in Multan. His teachings and the architectural marvel of his tomb underscore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Punjab, Pakistan. The ongoing preservation efforts and UNESCO recognition serve to ensure that the legacy of Shah Rukn-e-Alam remains a cherished part of the region’s cultural tapestry.