Urs of Data Gunj Bakhsh Lahore

Hazrat Ali ibn Uthman al-Hujwiri R.H (approximately 400–465 AH / 1009–1072 CE), universally known as "Data Ganj Bakhsh" (Bestower of Treasures), was the first major Sufi saint to settle in Lahore and the author of "Kashf al-Mahjub" (Revelation of the Veiled) — the oldest and most authoritative Persian treatise on Sufism ever written. He was born in Ghazni (modern Afghanistan) and received his spiritual training from Hazrat Abu al-Fadl Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Khuttali R.H. He traveled extensively across the Islamic world before settling in Lahore, which was then on the frontier of the Muslim world in the Indian subcontinent.

His masterwork "Kashf al-Mahjub" is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Sufi thought — covering the lives of early Sufi masters, the stations (maqamat) and states (ahwal) of the spiritual path, and the principles of authentic Tasawwuf. It remains a required text in Sufi studies worldwide after nearly 1,000 years. His title "Data Ganj Bakhsh" was given by Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti R.H who visited his shrine over 100 years after his death and declared: "Ganj Bakhsh faiz-e-aalam, mazhar-e-noor-e-Khuda / Naqisaan ra peer-e-kamil, kamilaan ra rahnuma" (Ganj Bakhsh is a blessing to the world, a manifestation of Allah's light / A perfect guide for the imperfect, and a guide for the perfected ones).

Among his karamaat, it is narrated that when he first arrived in Lahore, another saint was already established there who initially opposed his presence. Data Sahib R.H sent him a cup of milk filled to the brim — the other saint placed a rose petal on top without spilling a drop, signifying there was room for both. They became spiritual allies thereafter.

He is credited with the peaceful Islamization of Lahore and the surrounding Punjab region — his spiritual presence attracted thousands to Islam through love and wisdom. His shrine in Lahore is the most visited dargah in all of Pakistan — the daily langar feeds thousands of people regardless of faith, and the Thursday night gatherings draw massive crowds. The famous saying about Lahore goes: "Lahore is Lahore because of Data Sahib." His annual Urs on the 18th of Safar is one of the largest religious gatherings in Pakistan, drawing millions over several days for Qawwali, Fatiha, Dhikr, and the legendary langar that feeds all who come to his blessed door.