Imam Ali-ul-Haq

Imam Ali al-Haq is mentioned in a book by Ganesh Das Wadhera titled "Chār Bāgh-i-Panjāb", an account which is later published by Indu Banga and J. S. Grewal in their book "Early Nineteenth-Century Panjab." The book states that Imam Ali al-Haq led an army to Sialkot from Arabia between 970-971 A.D where he was killed in a battle with Raja Sahan Pal.

According to this book, many Muslim associates, who were riding with Imam Ali al-Haq, were also killed. After this happened, Sultan Nasir al-Din Sabuktigin of Ghazni allegedly invaded the Punjab in 980 A.D. To avenge the Imam, he devastated the city and demolished the solid walls of its fort.

Problematically, since there is no information about Imam Ali ul Haq in any other literature compiled on the history of India, like Tarikh-e-Farishta, the details of aforementioned book cannot be verified, especially given that the author himself comes 850 years later. For this reason, the book has been criticised for providing fabricated information.

Imam Ali al-Haq's shrine is situated in Sialkot. The path leading to his tomb is often lined with numerous pilgrims. The mausoleum complex is a maze of narrow corridors and steps leading to several other tombs of men from his army whose names are not known, including the shrines of pir (holy men). The tomb of Imam Ali-ul-Haq is to the right, through a mirrored gateway and is tiled with Quranic inscriptions and geometric designs.

See also

• List of Sufi saints
• Sufism