Baloo Ja Quba: The Shrine of Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari alias Baloo Faqeer
Baloo Ja Quba is a historic graveyard located north of Nawabshah city ,10 Km away from city , in District Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh. It is the final resting place of Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari, also known as Baloo Faqeer, a revered, warrior, and diplomat of the Kalhoro era. His legacy is deeply embedded in Sindh’s spiritual and historical fabric, making his shrine a site of devotion and cultural significance.
Baloo Ja Quba Meaning
Baalo Ja Quba (بالو جا قبا) means “Tombs of Baalo” in Sindhi. It is a historic graveyard north of Nawabshah, where Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari’s shrine stands. The site also houses various tombs of other revered faqeer-type spiritual figures, making it an important religious and cultural landmark.
The Life of Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari
Born in 1705, Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari was the son of Meer Khan and grandson of Marko Khan. From an early age, he displayed spiritual wisdom and military prowess, eventually serving under Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro as a soldier, statesman, and Sufi figure.
His dual role as a warrior and saint made him a respected personality, as he was not only a defender of Sindh’s sovereignty but also a spiritual guide for many.
Nadir Shah’s Invasion and the Hostage Settlement
At the age of 35, Faqeer Bilawal played a key role in Sindh’s diplomacy when Nadir Shah invaded in 1740. To prevent destruction, Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro negotiated a settlement based on two conditions:
- Hostage Agreement: Mian Noor Muhammad’s two sons—Mian Murad Bakhsh and Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro—along with Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari were taken as hostages to Nadir Shah’s court in Iran.
- Sindh’s Autonomy: The Kalhora dynasty maintained rule over Sindh under Persian oversight.
This exile experience strengthened Faqeer Bilawal’s reputation, as he remained firm in his faith and commitment to Sindh.
Death and the Construction of His Shrine
After returning from Iran, Faqeer Bilawal continued his spiritual and political guidance until his death in 1764. Recognizing his immense contributions, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro built a magnificent shrine over his grave in 1768 at Baloo Ja Quba.
The Influence of Hakim Ali Zardari’s Grave on the Shrine’s Popularity
One of the main reasons for the shrine’s growing popularity in recent decades is the presence of the grave of Hakim Ali Zardari and his wife at Baloo Ja Quba. Hakim Ali Zardari was a prominent politician, landowner, and influential figure in Sindh, and most importantly, the father of Asif Ali Zardari, the two-time President of Pakistan.
Since Asif Ali Zardari regularly visits his father’s grave at Baloo Ja Quba, the media coverage of these visits has significantly increased the shrine’s recognition, both locally and internationally. These visits have turned Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari’s shrine into a widely known spiritual and historical landmark beyond just Sindh, drawing political figures, historians, and journalists, along with traditional devotees.
Spiritual Traditions at Baloo Ja Quba
The shrine of Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari has become a place of deep spiritual devotion, where people gather regularly to seek blessings and pay their respects. Several traditions are followed here:
1. The Weekly سومار (Soomaar) Traditional (religious)
Every Monday (locally called “سومار”), devotees visit the shrine of Faqeer Bilawal to offer prayers and express gratitude. This weekly ritual is a sign of continued spiritual devotion, as Mondays are considered an auspicious day in Sufi traditions.
People from nearby villages and cities gather to pray for blessings, health, and prosperity, strengthening the connection between the saint and his followers.
2. The Monthly چوڏهين(14th ) Moon Night
Another significant tradition observed at Baloo Ja Quba is the gathering on چوڏهين (14th) night of every lunar month (the full moon night). This special occasion brings together devotees, Sufi followers, and spiritual seekers, who come to the shrine to recite prayers, sing Sufi poetry, and celebrate the saint’s legacy.
The چوڏهين (14th) moon night gathering is a moment of reflection and gratitude, where Qawwali (spiritual music), storytelling, and candle-lighting often take place, creating an atmosphere of peace and devotion.
3. The Annual Chadar Ceremony on 2nd Shaban
Every year, on the 2nd of Shaban (the eighth month of the Islamic calendar), a Chadar (sacred cloth) is placed over Faqeer Bilawal’s shrine in a grand ceremony. This important event attracts a large number of devotees, historians, and Sufi scholars, marking a day of spiritual renewal and respect.
Legacy of Baloo Ja Quba
Baloo Ja Quba is more than just a graveyard—it is a sacred landmark of Sindh’s Sufi and historical heritage. The shrine of Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari continues to inspire devotion, unity, and reverence, with traditions such as:
- The weekly سومار (Soomaar) gatherings (every Monday)
- The چودھين (14) moon night prayers (14th lunar night of every month)
- The annual Chadar ceremony on 2nd Shaban
Additionally, the presence of Hakim Ali Zardari’s grave and the visits by Asif Ali Zardari have turned this once local spiritual site into a nationally and internationally recognized landmark.
Conclusion
Faqeer Bilawal Khan Zardari was a saint, warrior, and diplomat whose legacy remains deeply woven into Sindh’s spiritual and political history. His shrine at Baloo Ja Quba continues to be a site of faith, history, and cultural significance, visited by people seeking blessings and inspiration.
With weekly, monthly, and annual traditions being upheld, Faqeer Bilawal’s legacy endures, illuminating the hearts of those who visit his sacred resting place.
Furthermore, the graves of Hakim Ali Zardari and his wife, along with the regular visits by Asif Ali Zardari, have brought Baloo Ja Quba into national and international attention, making it a historic and spiritual landmark beyond just Sindh.