Hazrat Pir Meher Ali Shah Golravi (RA) was a magnificent Sufi saint, a high-ranking Islamic scholar, a commentator of the Quran, a scholar of Hadith, and a great spiritual leader of the subcontinent. He is considered one of the strongest intellectual defenders of the Finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat ﷺ). He was not just a Sufi but also a researcher and a scholar of the highest order.
Birth of Pir Meher Ali Shah
Hazrat Pir Meher Ali Shah (RA) was born on April 4, 1859 (27th Ramadan, 1275 AH) in Golra Sharif, Rawalpindi. He belonged to the noble "Jilani" family, known for its spirituality and learning. Some records also mention his date of birth as April 14.
Family Background of Meher Ali
His lineage (family tree) connects to Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Azam Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) through 36 generations and ultimately reaches Syedna Imam Hassan (AS). His ancestors migrated from Sadhora (Ambala) and settled in Golra Sharif.
His father’s name was Syed Nazar Din Shah and his mother was Masooma Moosoofa, the daughter of Pir Syed Bahadur Shah.
Childhood
From a very young age, he showed signs of extraordinary intelligence and a deep interest in worship. At the age of 4, he joined the local Madrasa. His memory was so sharp that he would memorize his daily lessons instantly. By the time he finished learning to read the Quran (Nazira), he had already memorized the entire Quran by heart.
Education and Training
To provide him with the best education in Arabic, Persian, and grammar, his parents appointed Maulvi Ghulam Muhyuddin from Hazara as his teacher. At the age of 15, he traveled to Kanpur (India) for higher studies. He enrolled in the Madrasa of Maulana Lutfullah in Aligarh, where he earned certificates in Hadith and other sciences. These original documents are still preserved by his family today.
Spiritual Education
After completing his formal education, he turned towards spiritual knowledge. To satisfy his spiritual thirst, he took the oath of allegiance (Bay'ah) in two major Sufi orders:
- Qadri Order: First, he took Bay'ah at the hands of his uncle, Hazrat Pir Syed Fazal Din Shah.
- Chisti Order: Between 1878 and 1880, he went to Sial Sharif (Sargodha) and became a disciple of Hazrat Khwaja Shams-ud-Din Sialvi (RA). Before passing away, Khwaja Sahib granted him permission and Khilafat (succession) in all spiritual orders.
Love for the Holy Prophet (ﷺ)
Pir Meher Ali Shah was deeply in love with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Out of this intense love, he wrote many Naats (poetry praising the Prophet), which are still famous today.
Famous Poetry: His Punjabi and Persian poetry is soaked in the love of the Prophet (ﷺ). One of his most famous verses is:
Subhan Allah ma ajmalaka, ma ahsanaka, ma akmalaka
(Glory be to Allah, how beautiful you are, how handsome you are, how perfect you are)
Kithay Meher Ali kithay teri sana, gustakh akhiyan kithay ja lariyan
(Who is Meher Ali to praise you? Where have these bold eyes dared to look?)
In 1890, he intended to migrate to Madinah. After visiting the Prophet's (ﷺ) shrine, he was happy thinking he would spend the rest of his life under the shade of the Green Dome. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) appeared in his dream and commanded him: "Return to India, for Mirza Ahmad Qadiyani is distorting my Hadiths with wrong interpretations and misleading the Ummah." Following this command, he returned to India.
Encounter with the Qadiyanis
Upon returning, he started an intellectual and spiritual struggle against the Fitna of Qadiyanism. He challenged Mirza Qadiyani to debates in various places, saying, "If you are truthful, face me in front of the public."
- The Pen Miracle: He proposed a challenge that both would place their pens on blank paper; the one whose pen moved on its own to write the truth would be considered truthful. Mirza Qadiyani did not show up on the day of the challenge.
- The Tower Challenge: At another time, he challenged Mirza to jump from the minaret of the Shahi Masjid, stating that the one who is truthful would remain safe. Mirza was too afraid to face him.
Demand of the Qadiyani Delegation
Once, a Qadiyani delegation demanded that Pir Meher Ali Shah pray to heal a blind and a lame person, and Mirza would do the same. Pir Sahib not only accepted this but added: "If you want a contest in bringing the dead back to life, bring Mirza, we are ready." This was a result of his complete trust in Allah.
Famous Books and Writings
He was a high-ranking author. His books are like an ocean of knowledge:
- Saif-e-Chishtiya: The most authentic book written to refute Qadiyanism.
- Other Books: Tahqiq-ul-Haq fi Kalimat-ul-Haq, Shams-ul-Hidayah, Al-Fatuhat-us-Samadiyya, Fatawa Mehria, and Malfuzat-e-Meher Ali Shah.
His famous Naat, which reflects his deep longing for the Prophet (ﷺ), includes the lines:
Aaj sik mitran di wadheri hai, kyun dilri udas ganeri hai...
(Today the longing for the Beloved is great, why is the heart so very sad...)
Passing Away and Succession
Hazrat Pir Meher Ali Shah (RA) passed away on May 11, 1937 (29th Safar, 1356 AH). His shrine in Golra Sharif (Islamabad) is a place of pilgrimage for thousands, where spiritual blessings continue to flow.
He had one son, Hazrat Pir Syed Ghulam Muhyuddin Gilani (known as Babuji). The spiritual legacy continues today through Babuji's sons, Pir Syed Ghulam Moinuddin Shah and Pir Syed Abdul Haq Shah.
When is the Pir Meher Ali Shah Urs Celebrated?
His Urs (annual death anniversary) is celebrated every year from 25th to 29th Safar with great devotion at Golra Sharif. Thousands of followers attend, and his poetry is recited in the form of Qawwali to awaken the faith of the Muslim Ummah and fill their hearts with the love of the Prophet (ﷺ).