The literary works of Mian Ali Haider Multani, a 17th-century Sufi saint and Punjabi poet, continue to hold a significant place in Pakistan”s formal education system, where his verses are studied by students from the Matric level through to Master of Arts programmes. This enduring academic relevance highlights the profound and lasting impact of the spiritual figure, whose teachings originated from the Pir Mahal area of District Toba Tek Singh four centuries ago.
Born in 1601, Mian Ali Haider Multani lived an impactful life spanning nearly nine decades, passing away in 1690. His final resting place, a shrine located in the village of Qazi Ghalib near Pir Mahal, remains a site of spiritual pilgrimage for visitors.
His lineage is traced back to ancestors who migrated from Iraq to the Indian subcontinent. One forefather, Sheikh Ameen Hashmi Qureshi, settled in the Multan state area near the River Ravi and was appointed as a Qazi, or judge, during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. The settlement that formed, Qazi Ghalib, is named in recognition of this history.
The poet’s contributions to Punjabi literature have been the subject of extensive academic inquiry. Scholars from prominent Pakistani universities, including Professor Javed Chandio, Professor Chaudhry Hanif, and Professor Shaukat Ali Qamar, have completed doctoral research focusing on his literary output.
Among his most notable writings are Laal Heere, Kulliyat-e-Ali Haider, Kook, and Waseeb. These collections are considered treasures of Punjabi literature, reflecting on themes of divine love, inner purification, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.
The spiritual importance of the Sufi saint is underscored by the historical connection of his shrine to other eminent figures. Pir Meher Ali Shah of Golrra Sharif notably spent a month in devotion at the site, while Khwaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi, Khwaja Suleman Taunsvi, and Hafiz Jamal Multani were all instrumental in the mausoleum”s construction.
Today, Mian Allah Bakhsh serves as the custodian of the shrine, working to preserve and promote the teachings of his ancestor. He states that the core message of Mian Ali Haider Multani is one of love, unity, and humanity, a sentiment echoed by visitors who report finding both spiritual comfort and inner peace at the location.
The shrine functions as more than a historical monument; it operates as a living institution for spiritual learning, continuing to inspire society with enduring values of tolerance and human connection. The teachings of the Sufi poet serve as a guiding light that has illuminated hearts for generations.