Introduction
Syed Shah Jamal Uddin Naqvi Bukhari, also revered as Baba Shah Jamal, stands as a prominent Sufi saint known for his significant role in promoting orthodox Islam during the Mughal era. This article explores his ancestry, life, shrine, and the continued spiritual legacy upheld by his descendants.
Ancestry and Lineage
Syed Shah Jamal traced his lineage to Makhdoom Syed Sadruddin Rajan Qattaal, a direct descendant of Makhdoom Syed Sultan Ahmad Kabir Bin Makhdoom Syed Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari. Belonging to the Suhrawardiyya School, his descendants predominantly reside in Kotli Shah Saleem, Shakargarh. The tomb of his grandson, Syed Shah Saleem, stands in Kotli Shah Saleem village.
Life and Opposition to Din-i-Ilahi
During the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great, Syed Shah Jamal lived in Lahore’s Ichhra neighborhood. Akbar, in his pursuit of religious syncretism, introduced the Din-i-Ilahi, a religion amalgamating elements from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. Syed Shah Jamal staunchly opposed Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi, striving to uphold orthodox Islam and guide the people back to its tenets.
Shrine and Festivals
Syed Shah Jamal passed away in 1671, and his shrine, located near Muslim Town in Shah Jamal Lahore, serves as a focal point for devotees. Weekly festivities are observed every Thursday, and an annual Urs is conducted on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of Rabi’ al-Thani, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees. The shrine’s rituals include the participation of Pappu Sain, known for playing the dhol during the ceremonies.
Khalifa Akbar & Sajjada Nasheen
The spiritual legacy of Syed Shah Jamal is continued by his Khalifa Akbar and Sajjada Nasheen, Pir Dr Syed Ali Hussain Shah Naqvi al Bukhari Hussaini. As a descendant and Trustee of Baba Shah Jamal through the Silsila tul Zahab (Golden Chain), he plays a crucial role in preserving and propagating the teachings of the Sufi saint. Regular Khatam Khawajgan and the issuance of Fatwas are among the responsibilities he upholds.
Conclusion
Syed Shah Jamal Uddin Naqvi Bukhari’s life and legacy stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to orthodox Islam and the spiritual upliftment of his followers. The shrine continues to be a site of reverence, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and cultural richness that transcends generations. The Khalifa Akbar and Sajjada Nasheen play vital roles in ensuring the perpetuation of Baba Shah Jamal’s spiritual heritage.