Noor Muhammad Maharvi

Khawaja Noor Muhammad Maharvi (Punjabi: محمد مہاروی; born 2 April 1746, died 3 August 1793) was a Sufi saint of Chishti Order in Chishtian, Punjab, modern Pakistan.

Maharvi was born in 1746 at Chhotala near Bahawalnagar in the Sikh Empire in a Punjabi Muslim Rajput family of Punwar Kharal tribe.^[1] He started his early education in the small village of Mahar Sharif at the age of 4 under the supervision of Masood Mahar, located near Chishtian. He later pursued his education in Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Delhi, and Pakpatan.

Noor Muhammad pledged his allegiance to Maulana Fakhruddin on February 1752 AD,^[2] which made him a member of the Fakhri branch of Chishti Order. In the same year, he arrived at Pakpattan together with Maulana Fakhruddin, which marked the end of his education. Fakhruddin then instructed Maharvi to return to Mahar Sharif and preach to the public.^[2]

Maharvi was initially given the name "Bahbal" but was later changed to "Noor Muhammad" by his teacher Maulana Fakhruddin.^[3]

Maharvi was well-known in the region of Bahawalpur, especially after Bahawal Khan Abbasi II, ruler of Bahawalpur, became associated with him.^[2] The famous Sufi poet Ghulam Fareed also considered Noor Muhammad his spiritual guide,^[4] writing in a poem about their friendship.^[4]

Maharvi's teachings influenced conversion to Islam of many native tribes in Punjab and Sindh.

Maharvi had over 40 disciples, including Suleman Taunsvi.^[2][5]

Noor Muhammad Maharvi had three sons (Noor us Samad, Noor Ahmad, and Noor Hassan) and two daughters.^[6]

His shrine is located in Chishtian where his urs (death anniversary) is observed every year on the 1–3 day of the month Dhul al-Hijjah.^[3]

The shrine of Maharvi was built shortly after his death. His disciple Suleman Taunsvi bought an acre of land surrounding his tomb and started the construction of the shrine. Later works were managed by his disciple Muhammad Aqil, who took responsibility for constructing the shrine's dome, and Muhammad Jamal Multani who played a major role in erecting the outer walls. Shelter for pilgrims are located on the right side of the courtyard, which was constructed by his descendants.^[2]

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