There is a Punjab in Jerusalem

Pakistan is rich in the history of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. For the longest time, the valleys beside the Indus River have been the centers of human civilization.

Known for its fertile soil and riches, the land has always been desired by most of the empires of the world. As the heart of human civilization, this land has seen the rise and fall of many religions and empires in its history.

The land has massed this diversity in culture to become one of the places with the richest of world history that has well-established connections to the farthest places around the globe.

An example of such a connection is a building in the very center of Jerusalem called the Punjab of Jerusalem.

The Father of the Punjab of Jerusalem

Established almost 800 years ago by Baba Farid, the Punjab of Jerusalem serves as a memorial to one of the biggest Sufi saints of Punjab.

Baba Farid belonged to a prominent Central Asian family established in Kabul. His ancestors were forced to flee from their roots to Punjab fearing persecution from the powerful nomadic tribes.

Baba Farid’s journey into Sufism

Baba Farid was raised in a household deeply ingrained with Islamic values and he used Punjabi to spread the knowledge about his religion to his new hometown. His devotion to his cause attracted a huge crowd of devotees.

During his wanderings in Punjab, he came across the city of Jerusalem. In those times, this city was recently liberated. There he found the Punjab of Jerusalem.

Time in Jerusalem

His time there was spent praying in masjid Al Aqsa or writing his verses. During that time he lodged in khanqah of Rifai order near Herod’s Gate.

This lodge after his departure was seen as the Zawiyah. It became significant for the sufis and people of Hind, for they were always welcomed warmly.

Conclusion

Over the years, with the changing tides of time, the lodge was passed from owner to owner. It saw great renown during the Ottoman Empire but fell into dissolution with the empire’s demise.

Now the Punjab of Jerusalem flaunts two Indian flags in its front and has become a historical artefact of South Asians.

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