Urs of Haji Waris Ali

Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah R.H (1235–1323 AH / 1819–1905 CE) was a renowned Sufi saint of the Qadiri order based in Deva Shareef, Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh — a town that has become synonymous with his blessed name and is now one of the most important pilgrimage centers in northern India. He was born into a Sayyid family and from his youth displayed extraordinary spiritual inclination. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage an remarkable number of times — some accounts say over 20 pilgrimages — earning him the title "Haji" that became inseparable from his name.

Each journey to the Holy Lands deepened his spiritual connection and elevated his station with Allah SWT. His most distinctive quality was his universal service to humanity — he established a massive langar (free kitchen) at Deva Shareef that fed thousands of people daily regardless of their religion, caste, or social status. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and people of all backgrounds ate together at his table — a revolutionary act in the rigid caste-based society of 19th-century India.

Among his famous karamaat, it is narrated that during a severe plague in the region, he distributed blessed water to the afflicted — not a single person who drank it died from the plague, while surrounding areas suffered heavy casualties. Another narration states that a British official who came to investigate his growing influence was so overwhelmed by his spiritual presence that he fell to his knees and declared: "This man is truly a friend of God" — and became his devotee. He was known for his saying: "Serve humanity without distinction — for in every human being resides the light of Allah, and to serve them is to serve Him." His shrine complex in Deva Shareef includes a beautiful mosque, a massive langar hall that continues to feed hundreds daily, and a serene courtyard where devotees gather for Dhikr and contemplation.

He passed away in 1905 CE at the age of 86, having spent over six decades in continuous service to humanity. His annual Urs on the 1st of Safar draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India to Deva Shareef for Fatiha, Qawwali, Dhikr gatherings, and the legendary langar that embodies his universal message.