Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar is one of the most famous and revered saints of the Indian Subcontinent. He spread the light of Islam and spirituality that was first kindled by Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (Moinuddin Chishti) and Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki throughout the region. Today, because of his spiritual radiance, the entire land shines. He belonged to the Chishti order, and his shrine in Pakpattan, Pakistan, remains a great center of divine blessings and manifestations.
Early Life of Baba Fariduddin
Baba Fariduddin was born in 569 AH (1174 CE) in Khotwal, near Multan. His father’s name was Maulana Jamaluddin Suleman, who is said to have descended from King Farrukh Shah of Kabul. His respected mother, Bibi Qasimah Khatun (also called Qarsam Khatun), was the daughter of Maulana Khajandi.
Title “Fariduddin”
It is said that the title Fariduddin was bestowed upon him by the great mystic Hazrat Fariduddin Attar of Nishapur. Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, his spiritual master, affectionately called him Baba. His actual given name was Masood.
The Title “Ganj Shakar”
There are several accounts of how Baba Farid came to be known as Ganj Shakar (Treasure of Sugar):
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First Incident: Once, in Delhi, there was heavy rain, and Baba Farid, though fasting for seven days, was eager to meet his master, Bakhtiyar Kaki. On the way, he slipped in the mud, and some of the dirt entered his mouth. Miraculously, it turned into sweet sugar.
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Second Incident: On another occasion, a man was transporting sugar on camels. When Baba Farid asked him what he was carrying, the man deceitfully replied, “Salt.” Baba Farid said, “Very well, it will be salt.” When the man reached his destination and opened the sacks, he was shocked to find that the sugar had indeed turned to salt. Frightened, he returned to Baba Farid and apologized. Baba Farid then asked him again: “What was on the camels?” This time the man truthfully answered, “Sugar.” Baba Farid said, “Very well, it shall be sugar.” When the man checked the sacks again, the salt had turned back into sugar.
Because of such incidents, people began to lovingly call him Ganj Shakar, a title that remains famous to this day.
Education and Training
From an early age, Baba Farid showed deep interest in learning. His initial education was at home, but in order to acquire more knowledge, he moved from his town, Khotwal, to Multan. There, he studied religious sciences and quickly excelled. He was intelligent, obedient, and dedicated, mastering Islamic teachings, Arabic, and memorizing the Qur’an in a short period. Later, he traveled to Kandahar, where he perfected his outward scholarly knowledge.
Meeting with Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
When Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki came to India, he briefly stayed in Multan. Baba Farid went to meet him there and was so inspired that he asked to accompany him to Delhi. But Khwaja Kaki advised him:
“First complete your outward education. Then come to me. A dervish without knowledge becomes a toy in the hands of Satan.”
Following this counsel, Baba Farid stayed in Multan and devoted himself to study with great effort. In time, he became a distinguished scholar of religion.
Travels Through Islamic Lands
After completing his studies in Multan, his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He went to Kandahar and studied there for five years. Later, he traveled widely across Islamic lands, meeting many great saints and scholars. Among those he benefited from were:
- Hazrat Shahabuddin Suhrawardi
- Sheikh Saifuddin Khazri
- Sheikh Saeeduddin Hamwi
- Sheikh Wahiduddin Karamani
- Sheikh Fariduddin Attar of Nishapur
- Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya of Multan
Arrival in Delhi
After completing his outward education and travels, Baba Farid returned to Multan, but soon he set out for Delhi. There, he visited Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, took residence in a cell (hujra), and began receiving spiritual training and inner knowledge from him. In a short time, he attained great spiritual excellence.
Khwaja Kaki gave him his special prayer mat and staff as spiritual trust. He instructed:
“I will entrust these to Hamid Nagauri. When you visit my grave five days after my passing, he will hand them to you.”
When Bakhtiyar Kaki passed away, Baba Farid came from Hansi to Delhi. As promised, Hamid Nagauri handed over the trust to him.
Settlement in Pakpattan
Leaving Hansi, Baba Farid finally settled in Ajodhan (now known as Pakpattan). The local qazi (judge) was a fierce opponent, but his hostility could not harm Baba Farid. Despite conspiracies and attempts to issue fatwas against him, the ulema of the time, out of respect for saints, refused to cooperate. Thus, his opponents failed, while Baba Farid continued guiding people.
Marriage to Sultan Balban’s Daughter
It was Baba Farid who foretold that a man named Ulugh Khan would one day become king. When this prophecy came true and he ascended the throne as Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban, he honored Baba Farid by giving his daughter, Bibi Nahiza, in marriage to him.
Marriages and Children
Baba Farid married four times:
- Bibi Nahiza
- Bibi Kulthum
- Bibi Sharah
- Bibi Sukr
He had five sons and three daughters:
- Sons: Khwaja Nasiruddin Nasrullah, Sheikh Shihabuddin, Sheikh Badruddin Suleman, Sheikh Nizamuddin, and Sheikh Yaqub.
- Daughters: Bibi Mastura, Bibi Sharifah, and Bibi Fatimah.
Worship and Spiritual Discipline
Baba Farid found immense joy in worship and spiritual struggle. At times, he would remain so absorbed in prayer that he could not attend the gatherings of his master, Khwaja Bakhtiyar, for weeks.
In Delhi, large crowds began to gather outside his cell, which made him uneasy. Out of humility, he withdrew and moved to Hansi.
Simplicity and Daily Life
Hunger and poverty were common in his household. He often fasted and broke his fast with a simple drink of water infused with raisins. He usually had two loaves of bread: one he ate, and the other he distributed among others.
He owned only a small blanket, which he used as a mat during the day and a cover at night. His reliance on Allah was complete: whatever came to him, he spent immediately. Along with being a great scholar, he was eloquent and unmatched in speech.
Writings of Baba Farid
Baba Farid was also a poet. His famous work “Fawaid al-Salikin” contains the sayings of his master. Other works attributed to him include Maujood Wajood, Risalah Guftar, and Ilahi Nama.
Once, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani wrote to him:
“Between us, it is a matter of love and play.”
Baba Farid replied:
“Between us, it is indeed love — but not play.”
Some Incidents and Sayings of Baba Farid
Baba Farid left behind many wise sayings for both the common people and seekers of the path. (For full detail, see the separate article on Sayings and Teachings of Baba Farid.)
Passing of Baba Farid
While reciting “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum”, Baba Farid departed from this world on the 5th of Muharram, 670 AH (according to some historians, 664 AH).
His blessed shrine is in Pakpattan Sharif, Pakistan, a fountain of blessings and grace. Every day, thousands of people visit to present their respects and seek fulfillment of their needs.
His Spiritual Legacy and Successors
Baba Farid had many descendants, spreading across Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and throughout India. The descendants of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (Mehboob-e-Ilahi) are from Baba Farid’s maternal line.
Among his most famous successors (khulafa) were:
- Hazrat Qutb Jamaluddin Hansvi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
- Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari (his nephew)
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya frequently visited Baba Farid’s shrine. It was he who built Baba Farid’s fasting cell (roza) and said about the Jannati Darwaza (Gate of Paradise):
“Whoever enters through it shall find peace.”