Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar was a man of simplicity, deep knowledge, and one of the most renowned saints of the Chishti order in India. Historians have recorded numerous incidents from his blessed life, including his miracles, character, temperament, and spiritual states. In these events and sayings, there are lessons and guidance for both the common people and seekers of the spiritual path. Below are a few incidents and sayings:
The Childhood Incident of Prayer
It is narrated that his blessed mother would often place a small packet of sugar beneath his prayer mat and tell him: “Children who perform their prayers find that Allah places sugar under their mat.” This inspired young Farid to love prayer and worship from an early age. Gradually, prayer, worship, and spiritual struggle became his constant occupation.
The King and the Devotion of the People
The people had immense love and devotion for Baba Farid. His residence was always crowded with seekers. Such was their respect that if the sleeve of his robe was left hanging on the wall, people would come and kiss it for long periods.
Despite having many children, he always remained content and practiced simplicity. Once, Sultan Nasiruddin sent him some money and the deed of a village. He accepted the deed but soon returned it, saying:
“What has a dervish to do with wealth?”
Baba Farid’s Prayer for Shamsuddin
Once, the well-known poet of his time, Shamsuddin, recited a poem in Baba Farid’s praise. Baba Farid asked: “What is the purpose of this praise?” The poet replied: “I am poor; kindly pray for me.” Baba Farid said: “Go, I give you my prayer.” By the blessing of that prayer, when the poet later went to Delhi, he was granted the position of minister by the Sultan.
Sayings for the People of the World
Baba Farid gave counsel to both the common people and the seekers of the spiritual path. His sayings were such that not only travelers of the mystic way, but also ordinary men and women could benefit from them.
- “Do not abandon your burning task because of the cold words of others.”
- “The day of disappointment is the night of ascension for true men.”
- “The desire to live an easy life in this world is a sign of weakness.”
Some Famous Sayings of Baba Farid
- “Do not regard a fool as living.”
- “Do not sell that which cannot be bought.”
- “Do not eat everyone’s bread, but feed everyone with your bread.”
- “Do not take pride in sin, and do not chase after adornments.”
- “Abandon lies that appear like truth.”
- “From the one who fears you, always remain cautious.”
- “Lost strength has no substitute.”
- “The debate of two men is better than two years of solitary thought.”
- “He who feeds little sparrows, one day the royal bird Huma will also visit him.”
When sending his beloved disciple Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya to Delhi, Baba Farid advised:
“Keep your enemies as pleased as possible, and repay debts without delay.”
The Stations of Love
Baba Farid said that love has seven hundred (700) stations. The very first is to bear patiently whatever trial or difficulty comes from the Beloved.
Four Questions to Seven Hundred Saints
Baba Farid narrated that four questions were asked from seven hundred saints of the path, and all gave the same answers:
- Who is the wisest among men? The one who abandons sin.
- Who is the most intelligent? The one who is not disturbed by anything.
- Who is the richest? The one who is content.
- Who is the poorest? The one who abandons contentment.
The Character of Baba Farid
He was unmatched in worship, spiritual discipline, service, detachment from the world, and simplicity. He disliked fame and preferred deep absorption in God. Patience, forbearance, contentment, love, and spiritual ecstasy were his hallmarks. He also had a great love for sama (spiritual music) and often recited this Persian quatrain:
“I wish to always live in Your pleasure,
Turned to dust, I wish to live beneath Your feet.
My aim in both worlds is none but You,
For Your sake I live, and for You I die.”
The Shrine of Baba Farid
His blessed shrine is located in Pakpattan Sharif, Pakistan. Every day thousands of devotees come to pay respects at his sacred resting place, seeking blessings, love, and spiritual benefit, and they return with hearts filled with grace and peace.