Mian Mir
Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Mian Mir (also spelt Miyan Mir) was a sufi saint of the Qadiri order who lived in Lahore in the 17th century. The Qadiri order is named after its founder, Shaikh Abd'ul Qadir Jilani. Mian Mir lived simply and was respected by both Muslims and Sikhs. Mughal royals honoured him too. He is often cited as an example of the shared religious culture of Mughal Punjab.
Example
Sikh tradition says that Guru Arjan invited Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar. Emperor Jahangir met him. Prince Dara Shikoh was a devoted follower, and Mian Mir's tomb is in Lahore. He died in 1635.
Don't confuse with
- Ahmad Sirhindi (d. 1624): a sufi of the same period, but from the Naqshbandi order. He took a strict, orthodox line, which was very different from Mian Mir's open outlook.