Daud Khel (Zia Niazi)
The 118th annual Urs of Pir Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA) concluded with a collective prayer after three days of religious and spiritual activities. Thousands of devotees and followers from across the country participated in the Urs celebrations throughout the three-day event.
The religious services of Gharib Nawaz Khawaja Khawajgan Mehboob Allah-us-Samad, Tajdar-e-Astana Aalia Mera Sharif, Hazrat Khawaja Ahmed Chishti Nizami Sulemani Merovi (RA), are unforgettable. He converted hundreds of non-Muslims to Islam and illuminated the light of Islam in the rugged and remote region of Mera Sharif.
The three-day Urs celebrations were organized by Hazrat Khawaja Pir Muhammad Shahzad Ahmed Chishti Nizami Merovi, Sajjada Nashin of Astana Aalia Mera Sharif, at the shrine of Mera Sharif. Renowned religious scholars from across the country attended the event and paid tribute to the services of Pir Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA) for Islam.
Among the distinguished scholars and speakers who participated were Allama Maulana Shaukat Sialvi, Khateeb-e-Azam Sial Sharif; Qari Rehan Habib Suharwardi; Qari Muhammad Shahzad of Islamabad; Allama Maulana Nisar Noori of Rawalpindi; along with dozens of other scholars and Naat reciters.
The speakers highlighted various aspects of the life and mission of Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA). They stated that he spread the message of Islam during extremely challenging times and endured numerous hardships in the path of religion. They added that this is the reason why his 118th Urs continues to attract growing numbers of followers and devotees every year.
The scholars noted that thousands of devotees visit the shrine of Mera Sharif daily during the three days of the Urs. They also stated that the current Sajjada Nashin, Sahibzada Shahzad Ahmed Merovi, is carrying forward the mission of promoting Islamic teachings and serving the faith. He has established a religious seminary in Mera Sharif where students are provided with quality Islamic education.
The speakers further remarked that the life of Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA) serves as a model for all Muslims. He spent his life in the mountainous region serving Islam and introducing people to the teachings of their Creator. Originally belonging to Manghrot Sharif, Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA) received his education in Taunsa before arriving in Mera, which was then an unknown mountainous area. Following his arrival and efforts, the area became known as Mera Sharif and gained recognition throughout the country.
All the scholars paid rich tribute to Khawaja Ahmed Merovi (RA) during their speeches. Thousands of disciples and devotees attended the gathering.
On the final day of the Urs, Sajjada Nashin Sahibzada Shahzad Ahmed Merovi performed the Dastarbandi (turban-tying ceremony) of students who had completed the memorization of the Holy Quran and those who had qualified as Qaris and religious scholars. He also presented them with commemorative shields and bouquets of flowers.
The Urs concluded with a collective prayer for peace and prosperity. A large-scale Langar (free meal) arrangement was also made for the thousands of devotees who had arrived from different parts of the country.