Rukn-e-Alam

Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fath (1251–1335) commonly known by the title Rukn-e-Alam (pillar of the world) commonly called Shah Rukne Alam was among the eminent Sufi saints from Multan, India (now in Pakistan).

The Shaikh was the son of Pir Sadar-Al-Din Arif born at Multan on Friday, the 9th of Ramadan 649 Hijri (26 November 1251). He was the grandson and successor of Shaikh Baha-Ud-Din Zakariya.

Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam (Rukn-al-Din) died on Friday, the 7th of Jumada al-awwal 735 Hijri (3 January 1335). He was buried in the mausoleum of his grandfather, according to his own will. After sometime, however, his coffin was transferred to the present mausoleum. Upon his death the Sheikh conferred his spiritual succession to Sheikh Hamid ud Din al Hakim, buried at Mau Mubarak in Rahim Yar Khan, who was his Khalifa e Awal and was married to his aunt, the daughter of Sheikh Baha ud Din Zikriya.

The saint is still revered today and his tomb is the focus of the pilgrimage of over 100,000 pilgrims from all over South Asia who visit and commemorate his memory. Makhdoom Shahabuddin is the current Sajjada Nashin and custodian of the Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam.