Hazrat Syed Usman Marwandi, famously known as Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, was a revered Sufi saint, divine scholar, and spiritual leader of the Indian subcontinent. He spent most of his life in Sehwan Sharif (Sindh, Pakistan).
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was born in the 12th century CE in Marwand (present-day Afghanistan). From a young age, he dedicated himself to acquiring knowledge and spiritual insight, achieving high levels of asceticism and piety.
His title "Shahbaz" (Royal Falcon) symbolizes his elevated spiritual flight and heavenly vision. The name "Lal" (Red) comes from his signature red attire and spiritual grace.
Teachings and Legacy
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar spread a message founded on the unity of existence (Wahdat-ul-Wajood), divine love (Mohabbat-e-Ilahi), and the service of humanity. His gatherings were known for their atmosphere of light, spiritual remembrance (zikr), ecstasy (wajd), and true devotion (ishq-e-Haqiqi). It is said that he firmly established the religion of Islam in the hearts of the people through sincerity, love, and tolerance.
The Shrine in Sehwan Sharif
His shrine in Sehwan Sharif is a center of grace that has attracted devotees, dervishes, and pilgrims for centuries. The air there is constantly filled with blessings (Durood), devotional music (Qawali), and the powerful calls of "Dum Mast Qalandar".
The shrine has become a symbol of unity and love for followers of various faiths, serving as a focal point for spiritual peace. People from all backgrounds visit the shrine with sincerity and devotion, seeking spiritual benefit.
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Accounts of Miracles (Karamat)
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's life is marked by several extraordinary events, known as miracles (karamat), demonstrating his profound spiritual power.
Miracle 1: The King of Seven Years
On one occasion, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was deep in divine worship in a waterless, barren desert. He had two sticks planted a short distance apart in the ground near him.
A man, who was preoccupied with the thought of one day becoming king (as he had dreamt it), passed by. As he walked between the two sticks, he suddenly felt as though he had passed through a grand gate and entered a city.
He found a large crowd there. Upon inquiring, he learned that the city's king had died without an heir, and the people were gathered to choose a new king. The selection method involved releasing a bird called a Huma. Whoever the Huma landed on would be crowned king. Moments later, the Huma bird landed on the man's head, and the people joyfully made him their king.
He ruled the country for seven years. One day, while on a leisurely outing, he reached the very gate through which he had entered the city. As soon as he passed through the gate, he found himself back in the same spot, between the two sticks he had originally passed. Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was still engrossed in worship, and it seemed as if no time had passed at all.
Miracle 2: The Cat Brought Back to Life
In another incident, the ruler of Sehwan decided to test Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The ruler invited the saint to a meal and ordered his cook to slaughter and prepare a cat, which was then to be served to the saint.
When the dish was placed before him, the saint, with profound certainty and calm, said: "Qūmī bi-idhni Allāh" (Arise by the command of Allah). Immediately upon his words, the cat came back to life.
The cat jumped out of the pot, ate the food from all the other dishes present, and then left. Witnessing this spectacle, the ruler of Sehwan was terrified and deeply ashamed. He fell at the saint's feet, begging for forgiveness. From that day on, the ruler had complete faith in the spiritual rank and miracles of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Miracle 3: The U-Turned Village (Ulatī Bastī)
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar lived in Sehwan Sharif at a time when the region was plagued by luxury, vice, and oppressive rule. The ruler was a corrupt and godless king named Chopat Raja, whose tyranny had severely distressed the public.
The saint made Sehwan his home and began spreading the message of Islam, humanity, love, and justice. His words had impact, his character shone like a guiding light, and his spiritual power quickly brought about a revolution in the region. As people were drawn to the path of truth, Chopat Raja's power waned, filling him with fear and jealousy.
The Raja made several failed attempts to drive the saint out of his territory. When he ordered his soldiers to attack Qalandar's tent and arrest him, a strange miracle occurred: as the soldiers approached the tent, their bodies became motionless, as if they were rooted to the ground. When they retreated, they could move again. The baffled soldiers returned, recounting the incident.
The enraged Chopat Raja consulted his astrologers. They informed him that this was the very dervish mentioned by the elder Sikandar Bodla, who was imprisoned and constantly announced, "My Murshid (spiritual guide) is coming".
Spiritually, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar called out to his disciple: "Bodla, come now!". Immediately, Bodla's chains in the prison broke, the door opened, and he joyfully rushed to his guide's feet.
The Raja dismissed this miracle as magic and ordered his sorcerers to compete with the saint, but they all failed. Finally, the sorcerers advised the Raja that the only way to neutralize Qalandar's spiritual power was to make him consume unlawful food. The Raja sent various dishes prepared with unlawful meat.
The saint, with his spiritual insight, recognized the impure food. He became angered, overturned the food, and declared: "Destruction is written in the destiny of this infidel; no one but Allah can avert it!".
As soon as he spoke these words, the earth shook, an earthquake struck, and Chopat Raja's magnificent fortress was completely overturned. As a result of this miracle, the people of Sehwan were permanently freed from the tyrant king.
The ruins of this fortress still exist in Sehwan Sharif today, known as "Ulatī Bastī" (The U-Turned Village). This historic site, where the Raja's palace and village were flipped, remains a living testament to the saint's miracle. It symbolizes that when a friend of Allah remains firm in His command and divine love, even the greatest kingdoms collapse, and the signs of oppression and falsehood are erased. Pilgrims visit the site to renew their faith in the saint's grace and the power of Allah.