An Index to Life and Service of Imam Bari Sarkar

Early Life

Imam Bari Sarkar’s birthname was Syed Abdul Lateef Shah Kazmi and the name of his father was Sakhi Mehmood Shah Kazmi. His family tree extends to Hazrat Ali Murtaza (RA) via 32 links. His Kazmi elders migrated from Iraq to the Indian Punjab. His birth took place in the town of Kursaal Shareef, Rawalpindi, in the year 1617 AD (1026 Hijri). He was born in a family which had high regard for religion and mysticism. His lineage has several notable Ulema and Sufis.

Imam Bari traveled the world to learn more about theology. He traveled to Kashmir (India/Pakistan), Mashhad (Iran), Badakhshan (Iran), Najaf (Iraq), Karbala (Iraq), Samarqand (Russia/Turkey) and many other cities as well.

Character and Persona

Narm dum guftagu, garm dum e justaju

(Soft spoken, a seeker of conscientiousness)

Razm ho ya bazm ho, pak dil o pak baaz

(Be it war or peace – pure heart and pious)

Imam Bari’s character and persona is harmonious with The Holy Prophet’s integrity. Some key points on the life of Imam are given:

- He was a true knowledge seeker and lover.

The wondeWonders and Manifestationsrs of awliya and saints are proven by the Quran. For instance, the case of Hazrat Suleman’s follower, Asif bin Barkhia: who brought Queen Bilqis’ throne within a flash of light. Allah, through his nature, gives signs. If these blessings are being discussed with context to Prophets, then they are called as a maujiza (miracle), but if we refer them with respect to any follower of a Prophet, then they are called as kiraamaat (wonders), and if they are related with a non-Muslim, then they are termed as istadraaj (lure). 

Many manifestations of Imam Bari have been told by historians, and many of them were passed onto the next generations by the elders. He was not only known for piety and great persona, but also, was a highly learned entity. In those times, Islam and Islamic knowledge were not focused much. But through his wisdom and the will, granted to him by the Almighty, he became the torchbearer in the era of gloom and despair.

His miracles are not only limited to humans and jinns, but also to other creatures like; herbs, shrubs, animals and the four states of existence (nasood, malakoot, jamarood, lahoot). For instance, the rejuvenation of a shriveled farm, resurrection of a slaughtered buffalo, gift of an offspring to an infertile couple, a Sikh woman’s prayers got answered, regrowth of a dried-up tree, revival of a deceased, an evil spirit turning into a stone etcetera. But his greatest marvel was to reignite the spirit of Islam in the Potohar region.

Mufti Ghulam Sarwar Lahori in his book “Hadeeqa-tul-Auwliya” writes about Bari Sarkar:

“Shah Lateef Bari’s miracles and manifestations can’t be counted. Hazrat was a pious devout, dervish, in an ecstatic state of mind. His many admirers got enlightened by him. He was disciple of Hazrat Hayat Al-Mir, who himself was a grandson of Ghaus-e-Azam.”

Once Imam Bari Sarkar was resting under the shade of a dried-up tree. A group of Hindu devotees were headed towards river Ganges to perform rituals. They stopped by the same tree, and Imam Sarkar preached about Islam to them, they imposed a condition to bring life back in the tree. After they left the site, Imam Bari got down on his knees and bowed before Allah and prayed to breathe life back in the dead plant. Before the return of Hindu devotees, the tree was blessed with a new life with the grace of Allah, and devotees accepted Islam.

Historical Significance

Historians have discussed an event of great significance, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb Alamgir reigned in the era of Imam Sarkar, and their paths crossed. Someone reported to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Prince Aurangzeb Alamgir that the Sufi saint had called for a revolt against their regime. Upon the orders by Shah Jahan his son gathered some soldiers, who left for Nurpur Shahan, Rawalpindi, but before acting, he decided to cross-check the rumor.

When Aurangzeb reached his court, Imam Bari was teaching his pupils. He was so involved in his lecture that he avoided Aurangzeb. His sermon put the audience in ecstasy, which made the Prince emotional. After his lecture, he specially addressed the prince in his sermon and gave him some important advice:

He further said to the Prince, “O Prince, when you assume power, work for the progress of Islam, do not oppress your people.”

Upon his return, Aurangzeb reported to his father that Imam is a Sufi saint and servant of Islam, Shah Jahan seemed satisfied by his son’s interaction with Imam Bari.

The Renunciation of Faith by Tahurr Tribe

Dhirkot’s population consisted of idol worshippers majorly. Due to Hazrat’s excellence stone-worshippers embraced Islam. When he broadened his sphere of influence, the Tahurr tribe declared animosity against him. After a long struggle, the chief of the tribe along with his whole tribe renounced their faith and accepted Islam, and that’s how Islam spread in whole Potohar region.

Hua hai gou tund o taiz, lekin chiragh apna jala raha hai

(At times steady, at times quick, but the lamp remains illuminated)

Wou mard-e-dervish jis ko haq ne diye hain andaaz Khusrwana

(God bestowed his special blessings on the Dervish)

- Allama Iqbal

Annual Urs Processions

His urs processions are commemorated and last for five days between any Sunday to Thursday (last week of April and first week of May). Imam Bari in his last ages, devoted his life for the services of Islam. He left this world at the age of 91 (1171 Hijri, 1709 AD).

Tamanna dard e dil ki hou tou kar khidmat faqeero ki

(If you wish to mend hearts, then devote your life for righteousness)

Nahi milta ye gohar badshahon ke khazeeno main

(You won’t find such gems in any emperor’s trunk)