Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan: The Sufi Saint Who United Jharkhand town Deoghar in Love and Faith
By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
23 May 2025
In Madhupur, the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan stands as a powerful symbol of unity, drawing people of all faiths through love, service, and spiritual harmony.
Main Points:
1. Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan was a 20th-century Sufi saint revered for his message of love, humility, and spiritual healing.
2. His Dargah in Madhupur, Deoghar attracts people of all faiths, symbolising unity and shared humanity.
3. The Urs has been celebrated annually since 1985, promoting communal harmony and local culture.
4. The shrine and Urs fair blend devotion with vibrant local tradition, creating a space of joy and inclusion.
5. His legacy remains vital today as a beacon of peace amid rising societal divisions.
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Introduction
In the midst of Madhupur, a picturesque town in Deoghar district of Jharkhand, lies the Dargah of a revered Sufi saint whose spirit continues to transcend religious and cultural frontiers, Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan. His shrine has, for decades, been a site of spiritual solace, social harmony, and cultural assimilation, attracting followers of all faiths. The biennial Urs celebrated in his honour is a strong testimony to the enduring impact he has had and the timeless appeal of Sufism.
A Life Based on Divine Love
Very little is documented in formal hagiographies about Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan’s early life and ancestry. Yet, oral traditions and local memory confirm that he was a 20th-century Sufi saint renowned for his mystic nature, inclusive outlook, and healing presence. He came to reside in Madhupur, a burgeoning railway town known for its curative climate and soon became famous for his spiritual practices based on love (Ishq), service (Khidmat), and remembrance of God (Zikr).
His philosophy aligned with the eternal Sufi principles of humility, mercy, and detachment from materialism. In an area inhabited by a diverse population of tribals, Hindus, and Muslims, Hazrat Baba Mastan was a bridge, offering guidance, blessings, and affection to all indiscriminately.
Establishment of the Dargah
After his demise, his devotees and the local people constructed a simple Dargah Shareef near his grave on Nabi Baksh Road, near the Bhedwa locality. Over time, this Dargah developed into a clean and well-maintained pilgrimage site, visited by people from all over Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. It reflects both Islamic aesthetics and local cultural sensitivities, with elements such as the ritual dome (gumbad), devotional flags (Alam), and ornate entrance doors.
The Yearly Urs: A Reflection of Interfaith Harmony
The death anniversary (Urs) of Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan has been observed since 1985, and hence 2025 marks the 40th annual Urs. Organised by the local Urs Committee, the festival takes place on the 16th and 17th of May and attracts thousands of followers, including Hindus, Muslims, and others.
Devotees participate in Chadarposhi (offering of ceremonial cloth), recitations of Naat and Qawwali, Milad, and communal feasting (langar). What is especially noteworthy is that the celebrations are free from sectarian boundaries, grounded in love, mutual respect, and shared humanity.
The fair associated with the Urs includes over 100 stalls offering sweets, devotional items, toys, and household goods, turning the location into a spiritual carnival. The Urs not only commemorates the life of the saint but also stands as a living expression of Ganga–Jamuni Tehzeeb, India’s composite Hindu-Muslim cultural ethos.
Organisational and Civic Engagement
Key figures such as Janab Haji Muhammad Altaf Hussain, Janab Rashid Khan, and other members of the Urs Committee work tirelessly each year to ensure the event is successful and holistic. Their efforts involve coordination with municipal authorities for sanitation, lighting, water supply, medical facilities, and security. The committee also ensures special arrangements for women and elderly visitors, a clear indication of inclusivity and considerate planning.
In 2025, despite severe heat and logistical challenges, the event was executed with professionalism and care, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and effective civil cooperation.
The Legacy in Contemporary Context
At a time when communal tensions often dominate headlines, the legacy of Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan serves as a poignant reminder of the inclusive spirit of Indian Sufism. His Dargah is not merely a place of Waseelah but a beacon of cultural continuity and peaceful coexistence.
The message of the saint is clear: spiritual enlightenment cannot be confined within the boundaries of any single religion. It must radiate outward, through love, service, and shared human experiences. His shrine, like those of many Indian Sufi saints, represents a people’s spirituality, organic, accessible, and deeply rooted in the local context.
Conclusion
Hazrat Baba Abdul Latif Shah Mastan of Madhupur may not occupy extensive space in academic texts or classical Sufi literature, but in the hearts of countless people, his memory lives on through the lived traditions of healing, peace, and unity. The uninterrupted celebration of his Urs for four decades stands as a testimony to his spiritual charisma and the social inclusivity of his message.
As Jharkhand and India continue to evolve, the teachings and legacy of saints like Hazrat Baba Mastan are more relevant than ever. They remind us that the journey to the Divine is best undertaken not in isolation, but in fellowship, with open hearts and shared compassion.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is the author of 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', a research book based on the history of Sufism in Bihar.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-baba-mastan-sufi-saint-faith/d/135630
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