Syed Nadir Ali Shah, (1897 - 8 October 1974) (Sindhi: سيد نادر علي شاهه, Urdu: سید نادر علی شاہ) popularly known as Murshid Nadir Ali Shah, was a Sufi saint of the Qalandariyya sufi order of Islam, a Muslim preacher, ascetic, mystic, philanthropist and humanitarian. Born in Gandaf in the north-west of the Indian subcontinent, he eventually settled in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh. He was a spiritual descendant of the well-regarded Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and the custodian of the revered Sufi Khanqah, Kafi Saki Sarwar located in Sehwan Sharif. Nadir Ali Shah's legacy primarily revolves around his distinction as one of the most remarkable figures among the saints of the Qalandariyya Sufi order. He is renowned for his pursuits in Islamic preaching, mysticism, and asceticism. Beyond his spiritual contributions, he is recognized for his substantial efforts in advancing human welfare and uplifting the underprivileged, in line with the teachings of the Qalandariyya Sufi order of Islam. Notably, he also served as the custodian of the shrine of the Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi.
Early life
He was born in Gandaf, District Swabi in 1897 to a Pashtun Syed family. He received his early education from his father Syed Ghulam Shah. He was young when his father died.
Quest for a Murshid
In his early youth, he obtained permission from his mother and embarked on a long journey of finding a Murshid (spiritual guide) for himself. He travelled for years and covered the entire Indian subcontinent, seeking knowledge from saints and scholars in Lahore, Sirhind Sharif, Delhi, Ajmer and Quetta before finally settling in Sehwan Sharif. During his stay in Quetta, he had recurring dreams of seeing Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, directing him to reach Sehwan Sharif as soon as possible.
Finally, in Sehwan Sharif, at the sufi centre near the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, he met his long-awaited Murshid (spiritual mentor), who was destined to have the greatest influence on his life, Deedar Ali Shah. Murshid Deedar Ali Shah, the successor of the Qalandariyya sufi order and custodian of the Sufi centre named Kafi Sakhi Sarwar, warmly greeted him, as he was already anticipating and eagerly awaiting his arrival that day. Nadir Ali Shah then formally pledged his allegiance to his spiritual teacher, who later appointed him as his successor. Thus, after Deedar Ali Shah's death in 1931, Nadir Ali Shah became the custodian, assuming the name of Murshid Nadir Ali Shah.
Self-restraint
He chose an extremely ascetic life, spending much of his time meditating, praying, and remembering God. He gave up solid food altogether early in his life. Nadir Ali Shah stayed in a cave near Sehwan Sharif for a period of two years, remembering God. He would only consume a liquid diet and wore faqirs' clothes and a Qalandari cap (a cotton cap with flaps over the ears). He was known as "an advanced pilgrim" for his extraordinary journey. Nadir Ali Shah observed fasting for fifty consecutive years, fasting all day and praying all night. He would sit for hours at night with raised hands in dua, or supplication, to God.