Explanation – Baba Farid, also known as Sheikh Farid or Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, was a 12th-century Sufi saint and poet. He is a prominent figure in Sufi Islam and Punjabi literature. Baba Farid is best known for his spiritual teachings, devotional poetry, and his contributions to the Chishti Sufi order.

His poetry, written in Punjabi, emphasizes themes of love, devotion, and the search for the divine. His works are part of the Sikh scripture Granth Sahib

Baba Farid is said to have meditated at a place in Jerusalem for 40 days. Baba Farid during his travels to Jerusalem prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and stayed at a lodge. This lodge later came to be known as Zawiya Al-Hindiya, meaning “the Lodge of Hind.” After Baba Farid’s departure, the lodge maintained its association with India.

The medieval traveller Evliya Chelebi described Zawiya Al-Hindiya as one of the largest Zawiyas in the city in 1671. This lodge is currently under the ownership of the Waqf Board of India and is accessible only to individuals of Indian citizenship or heritage.

Source: ForumIAS