Maroof (Faizabad) () is a village situated on Jalalpur–Gujrat Road in Gujrat District, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Village Maroof, situated in District Gujrat of Punjab, Pakistan, holds a rich historical and cultural heritage that dates back to the Mughal era. This village was established by Qazi Muhammad Panah, the son of Sheikh Maroof Gujjar, whose name the village proudly carries. The origins of Village Maroof are deeply tied to the social, religious, and administrative developments of the Mughal period, when many learned and influential families contributed to the spread of education, justice, and Islamic values across the Indian subcontinent.
During the Mughal era, the Qazi (judge) system played a central role in maintaining law and order according to Islamic principles. Qazi Muhammad Panah, being a man of learning and piety, was known for his wisdom and fair judgment. His family, belonging to a respected lineage of scholars, enjoyed great influence in the region. Recognizing the fertile lands and strategic location of the area, Qazi Muhammad Panah founded Village Maroof, naming it after his father, Sheikh Maroof, as a tribute to his family’s legacy.
Over time, the village became a center of learning, hospitality, and community life. Descendants of Qazi Muhammad Panah continued his tradition of service, education, and leadership, shaping the village into a respected settlement within the Gujrat district. The architectural and cultural elements of the area still reflect traces of Mughal influence, seen in the design of old mosques, graves, and traditional houses.
Today, Village Maroof is not only a place of residence but carries the legacy of its founder. The memory of Qazi Muhammad Panah’s contributions continues to inspire the people of the area to value education, justice, and community welfare — the same principles that guided their ancestor centuries ago.
In essence, the story of Village Maroof is more than just the tale of a settlement; it is a reflection of the Mughal era’s intellectual and moral heritage carried forward by one distinguished family whose vision shaped generations to come.
The first person in the family to convert to Islam was Sheikh Maroof, father of Qazi Muhammad Panah. His great grandson was named Hadayat Ullah, who was father of Azmat Ullah. The late Chouhdary Faiz Ahmad was the great grandson of Chouhdary Badar ud din, who was a grandson of Sheikh Azamat Ullah.
Today, the people of Village Maroof still honor Sufi traditions, with many local customs tied to religious practices. The village thus stands as a testament to the historical shifts in Punjab, reflecting centuries-old traditions alongside the influence of Islam, which continues to shape the identity and values of the community.
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