MIAN MIR, HAZRAT (1550-1635), well known Sufi saint of the Qadiriyah order, was a contemporary of Guru Arjan (1563-1606) and Guru Hargobind (1595-1644). His real name was Shaikh Mir Muhammad. He was born the son of Qazi Sayandanah (Sain Datta to some chroniclers) bin Qazi Qalandar Faruqi in 957 AH/AD 1550 at Sahvan (also called Sevastan) in the present Dadu district of Sindh in Pakistan. The family claimed descent from Hazrat Umar Faruq, the second Caliph successor to Prophet Muhammad. Mir Muhammad`s father died when he was a young boy and he grew up under the care of his mother, Bibi Fatimah, daughter of Qazi Qazan, who put him under Shaikh Khizr Sevastani for study of Qadiri Silsila (School) of Sufi thought.
Under the guidance of his renowned teacher, he traversed various `stations` and `stages` of the mystic Sufi path in rapid succession and completed his studies at a comparatively young age of 25.He then shifted to Lahore where he joined the school of Maulana Saad Ullah and subsequently of Maulana Ni`mat Ullah and Mufti Abdus Salam to study traditional and rational philosophies. He remained steadfast in his devotional prayers and spent most of his spare time in meditation in gardens and forests outside the city. He soon became known as a distinguished `Alim (scholar) much sought after by seekers of religious instruction. But Shaikh Mir Muhammad demurred at the publicity he was receiving and liked solitariness and was very selective in making disciples.
Perhaps for this reason he left Lahore and went to stay at Sirhind, but the climate at the latter place did not suit him and he returned after a year to Lahore where he stayed for most of his remaining life revered by kings and commoners alike.Emperor Jahangir in his Tuzuk (autobiography) praises his piety and selflessness.Prince Dara Shukoh was one of his devout munds (disciples). The Sikh tradition is inclined to count several years of mutual friendship between Hazrat Mian Mir and Guru Arjan, though their actual spans of life will not support this. The latter is said to have had the foundation stone of the Harmandir in the midst of the sacred pool of Amritsar laid by the former in 1588.
Mian Mir could not save Guru Arjan from the bigotry of Jahangir which resulted in the Guru`s martyrdom in 1606, (probably the Emperor had not met the Shaikh by then), but he was instrumental in securing the release of Guru Hargobind from Gwalior Fort where he had been detained under Jahangir`s orders. Hazrat Mian Mir died at Lahore on 7 August 1635. His mausoleum in Hashimpura outside the old city lends his name, Mian Mir, to the whole locality.
References :
1. Sohan Kavi, Gurbilas Patshahi Chhevin. Amritsar, 1968
2. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35
3. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala, 1970
4. Satbir Singh, Puratan Itihasik Jivanan. Jalandhar, 1969
5. Macauliffe, M. A., The Sikh Religion. Oxford, 1909
6. Madanjit Kaur, The Golden Temple: Past and Present. Amritsar, 1983
7. Harbans Singh, The Heritage of the Sikhs. Delhi, 1983
Hazrat Mian Mir remains one of South Asia’s most revered Sufi saints—a beacon of deep spirituality and interfaith harmony whose life continues to inspire seekers of truth across diverse traditions.
Early Life and Spiritual Formation
Born as Mir Muhammad in 1550 in Sahvan (modern-day Dadu district, Sindh, Pakistan), Mian Mir was raised in an environment steeped in spiritual traditions. His early life was marked by personal loss, as he lost his father at a young age, and he was nurtured by his devoted mother, Bibi Fatimah. Under the guidance of his esteemed teacher, Shaikh Khizr Sevastani, he absorbed the mystic teachings of the Qadiri order. These formative experiences instilled in him a profound sense of devotion and an enduring commitment to the inner pursuit of the Divine rather than the trappings of worldly power .
The Lahore Years and Scholarly Pursuits
Mian Mir’s journey eventually led him to Lahore, where he deepened his studies in traditional and rational philosophies by learning under renowned scholars such as Maulana Saʽad Ullah and others. In the cultural heart of Lahore, he became known not only for his scholarly acuity but also for his unwavering humility. Eschewing public acclaim, he preferred solitude and a life immersed in sincere prayer and meditation—a choice that resonated with both the devout Muslim community and seekers beyond his faith .
A Bridge Between Faiths
Perhaps the most celebrated aspect of Mian Mir’s legacy is his unique relationship with the Sikh community. Sikh tradition holds that in 1588, Mian Mir laid the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar—a symbolic act that transcended religious boundaries and reinforced mutual respect. His rapport with Sikh Gurus, notably his close association with Guru Arjan Dev Ji and his instrumental role in securing the release of Guru Hargobind from detention, underscores his commitment to unity and interfaith dialogue. His actions conveyed an enduring message: that true spirituality bypasses man-made divisions and that divine love is a universal pursuit .
Teachings and Enduring Legacy
At the heart of Mian Mir’s teachings was the belief that the essence of spirituality lies in cultivating an intimate relationship with God—a journey marked by selfless devotion, compassion, and the shedding of ego. His life embodied the principle that inner transformation outweighs external show, a message that resonated powerfully during tumultuous times under Mughal rule. Even his encounters with imperial power, such as the telling meeting with Emperor Jahangir, highlighted his steadfast adherence to humility and equality, leaving a remarkable legacy of moral fortitude and mystic insight .
