The tomb is dedicated to the Punjabi Muslim mystic Bahauddin Zakariya, founder of the Suhrawardiyya order of Sufism.

It considered to be one of the most important shrines in the wider Punjab region, and is the prototype for Multan's classical architectural style.

[4] Unusual for a dervish, the structure was paid for at the expense of Bahauddin Zakariya - highlighting his unique financial independence.

[1] Dara Shikoh unsuccessfully attempted to win the loyalty of Multan's citizens by donating 25,000 Rupees to the shrine following his defeat by his brother at the Battle of Samugarh in 1658.

[4] The walls surrounding the courtyard were built by the Durrani governor of Multan, Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan Khakwani in the 18th century.

[8] The mausoleum is built of brick, and is the earlier building to be decorated with glazed blue tiles,[1] which later became a typical style of Multan and south Punjab.

[12] A class of devotees known as Qureishi, associate themselves with Zakariya and claim descent from the Quraysh tribe of the Prophet Muhammed.