His name was Shaikh Sharafudeen but generally known as “Bu Ali Shah Qalandar” His lineage goes back to one of the four schools of fiqh of Muslims; imam Abu Hanifa.He was born in Panipat, India in 600 A.H. Other reports say that he was born in Ganja, Azerbaijan, former Russian federation.

He was Sufi scholar and as the fact is that all Sufi connections culminate to the Commander of the Faithful, the Chief of Sufis, the Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.).

He is reported to be praying and meditating a lot; even he used to stand in water for several days. It is said that one day he was meditating, he heard a voice saying, “Sharafudeen, we granted your prayer, say, what do you want?” He replied, “I need none save you.” It is reported that a saint picked him up from water and put him on the soil. It is reported that the saint was the Chief of Sufis, Imam Ali (a.s.) himself. From that day on he was called “Bu Ali Shah Qalandar”

There is another legend that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) visited him in his dream and asked him for his wish. The Qalandar requested for the vilayat to which he (s.a.w.a.s.) replied that Imam Ali was the last Vali. The Qalandar asked for at least the fragrance of Imam Ali (a.s.) which was granted. Hence, from that time he was called “Bu (Fragrance) Ali Qalandar”

It is reported that he received spiritual training from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.)

He stayed in Panipat, India and spread Islam. The Rajputs living around were the main beneficiaries of his efforts. 

He wrote his famous couplet as under:

                                                  Hayderium, Qalandaram, Mustam

                                                  Banda-e-Murtaza Ali Hastum

                                                  Peshwa-e-Tamam Rindan Num

                                                  Kay Sage-Kuo-e-Sher-e-Yazdan Num 

Meaning:                                  I am Hayderi (a follower of Haider, Imam Ali), I am a Qalandar, and I am intoxicated (with inspiration)

                                                  I am a devote of Murtaza Ali (Imam Ali)

                                                  I am a leader of all Saints

                                                  Because I am a dog of the lane of Allah's Lion (Imam Ali) 

One of the hundreds of names of Imam Ali (a.s.) was “Asadullah” Lion of Allah 

He died on Ramazan 17, 724 A.H. His tomb is in Panipat, India.