Punjab is known as the land of saints. The spiritual culture of Punjab gave birth to the many saints and Sufi who spread the message of love, peace and humanity.
Shah Inayat Qadiri is also one of the saints of this land. He was a Sufi saint of Qadari-Shatari Silsilah in Qasur, Punjab, present day Pakistan. Shah Inayat Qadiri is most well known for being the spiritual guide of the famous Punjabi poet Bulleh Shah. He belonged to the Arain community and earned a living through agriculture or gardening. He also lived in Kasur for some time, but due to the animosity from the ruler of Kasur, he shifted to Lahore, where he remained until the end of his life.
“From the tribe of gardeners was brother Shah Inayat,
He received honor from Shah Raza Wali Allah.
He earned his living in the small town of Qasur Pathana.
The ruler Husein Khan of this town was his arch enemy.
From there Inayat Shah came to the city of Lahore;
Two miles to the south of the city he made his habitation.
It is at this place that we find his tomb.
In 1141 he departed from this world.”
Bulleh Shah says about his beloved teacher Enayat Shah:
“Bulleh has fallen in love with the Lord. He has given his life and body as earnest. His Lord and Master is Shah Inayat who has captivated his heart.”
Shah Inayat Qadiri’s mausoleum is situated at Queen’s Road (Shahra-e-Fatima Jinnah), Lahore.
Photography: Afzal Abbas
Shiraz Hassan is a magazine reporter and feature writer for Sunday Magazine in Lahore, Pakistan, where he covers social issues, art and culture. At the magazine, he has published more than 400 features related to social problems, culture and ‘show biz.’ Shiraz has also worked as a news editor at the radio network “MAST FM 103” in Lahore.
He writes about culture and heritage of South Asia, particularly Pakistan. He advocates rich culture of this land and tries to explore facts. Recently he was given an award from the Federal Ministry of Population Welfare for his article on population crises. Writers Guild also awarded him a Medal of excellence for his work.
