Data Darbar Shrine

# Islamic Perspective on the Data Darbar Shrine View Experiment ## Islamic Ethical Framework for the Study This experiment at Data Darbar Shrine - the mausoleum of the 11th century Sufi saint Data Ganj Bakhsh - must adhere to Islamic principles of research: ### 1. **Respect for Sacred Space (Hurmah)** - Cameras must avoid pointing directly at: - The actual tomb chamber (Gumbad) - Areas where private worship occurs - Any gender-segregated spaces - Recording during prayer times (especially Fajr and Maghrib) should be minimized ### 2. **Intentions (Niyyah)** - Research objectives must be clearly: - For improving visitor experience - Enhancing safety - Preserving the sanctity of the shrine - Not for commercial exploitation or sensationalism ### 3. **Privacy Considerations (Satr)** - Islamic law emphasizes protecting people's privacy: - Facial blurring mandatory in all footage - No recording of devotional acts that should be private - Special care for women's privacy requirements ### 4. **Beneficence (Maslahah)** - The study should ultimately benefit: - The zaireen (visitors) - The shrine's custodians - The broader Muslim community ## Recommended Islamic Research Practices 1. **Seek Shrine Khuddam's Approval** - Formal permission from shrine caretakers - Consultation with resident scholars 2. **Avoid Disruption of Ibadah** - No data collection during: - Thursday night gatherings (special dhikr) - Friday congregational prayers - Urs anniversary period 3. **Sacred Time Considerations** - Note spiritual significance of: - Times between Adhan and Iqamah - Tahajjud time (last third of night) - Duha hours 4. **Data Handling** - All digital storage should be: - Protected from inappropriate access - Purged after study completion - Never used for facial recognition or tracking individuals ## Suggested Improvements from Islamic Perspective 1. **Add Spiritual Metrics** - Measure impact on: - Visitor tranquility (itmi'nan) - Accessibility for dhikr and dua - Flow for circumambulation (if applicable) 2. **Incorporate Shariah-Compliant Tech** - Use anonymous crowd counting instead of facial recognition - Thermal sensors rather than detailed video where possible 3. **Benefit the Community** - Share findings to help: - Improve wudu facilities - Optimize sadqa/charity distribution - Enhance security while preserving sacred atmosphere Would you like me to focus on any specific aspect of Islamic research ethics as applied to this sacred space?

Visited this place for prayers and had a peaceful experience performing Nawafil. A serene and spiritual environment. However, the issue is that they charge too much money for keeping shoes, which should be more reasonable.

Visiting Data Darbar yesterday was a profoundly spiritual experience. An aura of peace and devotion prevailed, as countless devotees gathered to pay homage to Hazrat Ali Hajveri (may Allah have mercy on him), also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh The atmosphere was filled with the fragrance of faith and love for Allah and His saints. Recitation of naats and Quranic verses created an inspiring atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on my heart. It is truly a place that reflects Lahore's rich spiritual heritage and is a source of solace for visitors. But The management is very poor, and they charged me 160pkr only for my shoes.... WTH.... And they wrote only 10pkr for shoes but if someone tries to explain them they start fighting... According to them, they are paying 10CR for this "theka"....

Visiting Data Darbar is a profound and unforgettable experience for many — spiritual, emotional, and deeply cultural. Here's a description that captures the essence of being there, whether you're a pilgrim, a curious traveler, or a local seeking peace: The smell of incense, flowers, and food stalls mixes with the city's air. Devotees line up or sit in quiet prayer around the marble tomb, reciting verses, whispering wishes, or simply finding peace. You see people from every walk of life: the rich, the poor, women with children, old men in quiet reflection, young seekers lighting candles. One of the most humbling parts of the visit is sharing a simple but warm meal with

Data Darbar (Punjabi: داتا دربار, romanized: Dātā Darbār) is an sufi shrine located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia. It was built to house the remains of al-Hujwiri, commonly known as Data Ganj Baksh or more colloquially as Data Sahab, a Sufi saint from Ghazni in present-day Afghanistan, who is believed to have lived on the site in the 11th century CE.

Always a pleasure and good time visiting the shrine of Hazrat Ali bin Usman al maroof Ganj baksh Rehmatullah alai

Visiting Data Darbar Shrine yesterday was a profoundly spiritual experience. The aura of peace and devotion was overwhelming, as countless devotees gathered to pay their respects to Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh. The atmosphere was filled with the fragrance of faith and love for Allah and His saints. The recitation of naats and Qur’anic verses created an inspiring ambiance, leaving a lasting impact on my heart. It is truly a place that reflects the rich spiritual heritage of Lahore and a source of tranquility for all who visit.

Data Sahib Lahore – A Symbol of Spiritual Heritage and Unity Located in the heart of Lahore, Data Darbar, also known as Data Sahib, is one of South Asia’s most significant and revered Sufi shrines. It is the resting place of Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (RA), famously known as Data Ganj Bakhsh. His full name was Abul Hassan Ali bin Usman al-Hujwiri, and he was a prominent 11th-century Sufi saint, scholar, and preacher of Islam who played a crucial role in spreading Islamic teachings in the Indian subcontinent. --- Historical Background Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (RA) was born in Ghazni, Afghanistan, and traveled extensively in search of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. He finally settled in Lahore, where he preached Islam and Sufism. His teachings emphasized love, tolerance, humility, and service to humanity. His tomb, constructed in the 11th century, gradually evolved into a major shrine, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world. The name “Data Ganj Bakhsh” translates to “the master who bestows treasures,” a title given in recognition of his spiritual generosity and divine knowledge. The shrine complex has undergone many renovations and expansions over centuries, especially under various Muslim rulers and later during the modern period under the Government of Punjab. --- Architectural Features Data Darbar is not just a spiritual center but also a magnificent example of Islamic and Indo-Persian architecture. The shrine is constructed with white marble and intricate tile work, featuring calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral designs. The main tomb is housed in a beautifully decorated chamber with a silver railing and a green dome overhead. The surrounding complex includes: Mosques A library Educational institutions Langar Khana (free food distribution) Hostels for travelers and devotees The Langar system, providing food to thousands daily, reflects the Sufi commitment to service and equality, regardless of caste, creed, or status. --- Spiritual and Cultural Significance Data Sahib holds a unique position in the spiritual landscape of Pakistan. It is considered the spiritual heart of Lahore. People from all walks of life—rich and poor, educated and illiterate—visit the shrine seeking blessings, healing, guidance, and spiritual peace. On Thursdays, and especially during Urs (death anniversary) celebrations, the shrine is filled with pilgrims who engage in various spiritual practices, including: Recitation of the Holy Quran Qawwali (Sufi devotional music) Zikr (remembrance of Allah) Offering of flowers and chadars (ceremonial cloths) The shrine promotes interfaith harmony, where even non-Muslims sometimes visit to pay respect and experience the tranquility and hospitality associated with Sufi traditions. --- Contribution to Sufism and Knowledge Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (RA) was not only a spiritual guide but also a prolific scholar. He authored the famous Persian book “Kashf al-Mahjub” (Revelation of the Veiled), considered one of the earliest and most authentic texts on Sufism. It explains complex Sufi concepts in simple language and introduces the reader to various Sufi saints and spiritual practices. This work has influenced generations of Sufi thinkers and is still widely read and respected across the Muslim world. --- Social Services and Welfare Data Darbar is also known for its welfare work. The shrine administration, supported by government and private donations, runs a large-scale social welfare system, including: Daily meals for thousands Shelters for the homeless Free medical services Educational opportunities for the underprivileged This commitment to social justice is a core principle of Sufi Islam, inspired by the life and teachings of Data Sahab.