Bābā Farīd, also known as Sheikh Farīduddīn Ganjshakar, was a revered Sufi saint and poet who lived in the 12th-13th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. He is one of the most celebrated saints in the Sufi tradition and is considered a spiritual luminary whose teachings continue to inspire millions.
Farīd was born in 1173 CE in Kothewal, a village near Multan in present-day Pakistan. He was born into a family of Sayyids, who claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Farīd's early life is shrouded in legend, but it is believed that he received his early education in Multan and later traveled extensively, seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Farīd's spiritual journey led him to become a disciple of the Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, and later he became a disciple of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. Through his spiritual practices and asceticism, Farīd attained a high level of spiritual realization and became renowned for his piety, wisdom, and humility.
Farīd's teachings emphasized the importance of love, devotion, and selflessness in achieving spiritual union with the divine. His poetry, composed in Punjabi and Siraiki languages, is characterized by its simplicity, depth, and profound spiritual insights. His verses, known as "shlokas" or "saloks," are collected in the "Guru Granth Sahib," the holy scripture of Sikhism, as well as in the "Adi Granth" and "Guru Granth Sahib."
Farīd's shrine, located in Pakpattan, Pakistan, is a place of pilgrimage for devotees from different religious and cultural backgrounds. His teachings continue to resonate with people around the world, transcending religious boundaries and inspiring seekers on the path of love and devotion.
Bābā Farīd, passed away on 7 May 1266.
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