Azan Faqir (ajan Pir) – The Revered Sufi Saint Who United Assam Through Faith And Music

zan Faqir’s arrival marked a new chapter in the spiritual history of Assam. Through his deep wisdom, humility, and divine poetry, he worked tirelessly to unite communities across religions and ethnicities, especially along the Brahmaputra Valley. His teachings emphasized love, peace, and devotion — values that transcended religious boundaries.

The name Azan came from his practice of calling out the “Azan” (Islamic prayer call) five times a day. People affectionately referred to him as a Fakir, as he lived a life of simplicity — dressed humbly, carried a begging bag, and often called himself “Bhikhari Azan” (Azan, the beggar).

Azan Faqir’s contribution to Assamese culture is most profoundly reflected through his Zikirs and Zaris — spiritual songs inspired by Islamic devotion but influenced by Assamese folk melodies and even Vaishnavite traditions. These devotional compositions created a bridge between Assamese Muslims and Hindus, drawing parallels with the Borgeets of Srimanta Sankardev, another great saint of Assam.

He was a follower of the Chishti Sufi order, known for promoting love and tolerance. Accompanied by fellow Sufi saints like Khandakar Pir, Sawal Pir, and Saleh Pir, Azan Faqir sought to enlighten the Assamese society spiritually and morally.

However, his growing influence drew suspicion among local officials. An Ahom officer named Rupai Baruah Dadhora falsely accused him of being a Mughal spy. As a result, Azan Faqir was blinded under royal orders. Legend says that when his eyes were removed, he placed them in two earthen pots and asked that they be immersed in the Dikhow River. Moved by this miracle, the Ahom king repented and offered him land at Saraguri Chapari, Sivasagar, where he later built a Dargah (shrine).

Today, Ajan Pir Dargah at Horaguri Chapori (Sivasagar) is a sacred site visited by thousands every year during the Ajan Pir Urs Festival. Devotees from all faiths gather to celebrate his legacy of peace, brotherhood, and devotion.

Azan Faqir’s influence extends far beyond religion — his poetic and musical legacy continues to inspire Assamese culture. His Zikirs remain timeless, carrying messages of divine love and unity that resonate even in modern Assam.

Azan Faqir or Ajan Pir Quick Info Table 

FAQs on Azan Faqir or Ajan Pir

1. Who was Azan Faqir?
   Azan Faqir, also known as Ajan Pir, was a 17th-century Sufi saint and poet who spread Islam and cultural harmony in Assam through his teachings and devotional songs.

2. Where did Azan Faqir come from?
   He is believed to have come from Baghdad or Badaun (U.P.), arriving in Assam around 1630 CE.

3. What are Zikirs and Zaris?
   They are spiritual Assamese songs composed by Azan Faqir, combining Islamic devotion with Assamese folk traditions.

4. Where is Ajan Pir Dargah located?
   The holy Dargah is located at Saraguri Chapari near Sivasagar, Assam.

5. Why is Azan Faqir called a Fakir?
   He lived a humble life, calling himself “Bhikhari Azan,” meaning Azan, the beggar.

6. What is the significance of Ajan Pir Urs?
   It’s an annual spiritual festival held at Ajan Pir Dargah to honor the saint’s life and teachings.

7. Was Azan Faqir a contemporary of Srimanta Sankardev?
   He arrived in Assam about 200 years after Srimanta Sankardev, yet his Zikirs were influenced by Vaishnavite traditions.

8. What happened to Azan Faqir during his lifetime?
   He was falsely accused of espionage, blinded, and later honored by the Ahom king with land grants.

9. How did Azan Faqir unite communities in Assam?
   Through his devotional songs and teachings of love, he built harmony among Assamese Hindus and Muslims.

10. What is the legacy of Azan Faqir today?
    His Zikirs and Dargah continue to inspire devotion, peace, and Assamese cultural identity.