Dr.Muhammad Masud Ahmed Naqshbandi Mujaddadi Mazhari (r.a): Arthur F.Buehler - Sufi Illuminations Journal

Fall 2008 Issue of Sufi Illuminations Journal is dedicated to Professor Dr. Mohammad Masud Ahmad Naqshbandi (r.a).

Dedication to Dr. Muhammad Masud Ahmed (ra) (d. 28 April 2008 in Karachi)

Arthur F. Buehler

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Masud Ahmed (may Allah preserve his inner heart) was born in Delhi in 1930, and acquired his early education from his father, Mufti Muhammad Mazharullah (rahmatullah alayhi d. 1966), before attending Madrasa-yi Alia and then Oriental College, both located in Delhi.
He migrated from India to Pakistan in 1948, where he continued his education at Punjab University ( Lahore) and at Sindh University, Hyderabad, Sindh. Graduating with honours for his M.A. and M.Ed. at Sindh University, Dr. Masud Ahmed finished a Ph.D. dissertation on "Quranic translations and exegesis in Urdu" in 1971, supervised by the renown scholar and sufi shaykh, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan (rahmatullah alayhi).
After this, Dr. Masud Ahmed continued researching the founder of the Barelvi school (Ahmad Rida Khan Barelwi, rahmatullah alayhi d. 1921), writing dozens of books and over one hundred articles on him after receiving his doctorate. He worked as lecturer, professor, and school principal, and examiner at Sindh University, Jamshoro; Khairpur University, Khairpur; and Punjab University, Lahore; as a paper setter for the Public Service Commission (Sindh); and as a supervisor of Ph.D. students at the University of Karachi and Khairpur University. He retired as Principal of the Government Degree College and Post-Graduate Studies Centre, Sukkur, Sindh, in 1992.
Dr. Masud Ahmed was initiated into both the Naqshbandiyya as well as Qadriyya lineages. His father, Mufti Shah Muhammad Mazharullah and Mufti Muhammad Mahmud Alwari (rahmatullah alayhi) from Hyderabad, Sindh are his two principal Naqshbandi shaykhs, while Zaynul�abidin Shah Qadiri (rahmatullah alayhi) from Nurai Sharif, Sindh and Mufti Shah Muhammad Mazharullah (rahmatullah alayhi) were his principal Qadiri shaykhs.
In 1992 the Government of Pakistan bestowed an award of excellence (Ijaz-i fadilat) upon him, the same year as he was recognised with an award from the Pakistan Intellectual Forum. Dr. Masud Ahmed founded the Idarah-i Masudia in 1992, which soon became a major centre of Islamic education and publications in Pakistan. In 2002, Jawid Iqbal Mazhari founded the Imam-i Rabbani Foundation in Karachi under the guidance of Dr. Muhammad Masud Ahmed. The aims of this foundation are:
1) To publish research articles on Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi (rahmatullah alayhi) who died in 1624 in Sirhind, India and is commonly known as the renewer of the second Islamic millennium, "Mujaddid Alf-i Thani."
2) To translate literature about Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi into Urdu from other languages.
3) To publish an encyclopaedia encompassing the biographies and teachings of the Naqshbandi-Mujaddidi lineages.
4) To hold an annual Imam-i Rabbani Conference and publish a journal Yadgar-i Majaddid.
5) To have communication with scholars studying the Naqshbandiyya- Mujaddidiyya on an international level.
At the time of Dr. Masud Ahmed's passing, the goals of the Imam-i Rabbani Foundation had manifested. His Jahan-i Imam-i Rabbani Mujaddid-i Alf-i Thani in eleven volumes had already been printed. The lifelong effort that Dr. Masud Ahmed has put into communicating the life and teachings of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi is exemplified by this mammoth and unparalleled collection of scholarly materials.
All of the above indicates the tangible, worldly form of Dr. Masud Ahmed's magnificent contribution to Islamic education and research. It fails, however, to convey the more subtle formless qualities and aspects of his life and teachings. I had the honour of meeting Dr. Masud Ahmed eight years ago in Karachi. His calm, radiant being has left me with the lasting impression of a truly great man. The only way I can put it into words is to say that Dr. Masud Ahmed's being emanates the fragrance of the inner sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him). If he had not published a word and if he had been totally unknown to the outside world, it would not have diminished his inner realisation at all. It is that realisation that can we can take with us when we return - as we all inevitably will - to our Lord.

Arthur F. Buehler
Senior Lecturer, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
4 November 2008

Mufti-i-Azam Shah Muhammad Mazharallah Naqshbandi Mujaddadi (r.a) - Idara Masudia

 MUFTI-I-AZAM SHAH MUHAMMAD MAZHARALLAH (d. 1386 / 1966 )By: Prof.Dr.Muhammad Mas'ud Ahmed, M.A. Ph.D (Gold Medalist)Translated by: Mrs. Sai’ma Faisal Mas‘udi IDARA-i-MAS'UDIA, KARACHIISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN Mufti-i-Azam Shah Muhammad Mazhar Allah was the famous grand son of Shah Muhammad Mas‘ud Muhaddis Dehlavi (1309/1892) and the son of Maulana Muhammad Sa‘id (d. 1307 / l889). He was “Hanafi” and “Naqshbandi Mujaddidi”. He was born on 15th Rajab l 303 Hijri corresponding 21st April 1886 at Delhi. When he was just four years he lost the paternal affection, after one or too years the auspicious shelter of his mother also left. At the early stages of his life he became orphan & motherless. After the death of his parents he was brought up by his grand father Shah Muhammad Mas‘ud but he was also died after two years then he was brought up by his paternal uncle Allama Muhammad Abdul Majeed (d. l 364 / 1944). His paternal family was a centre of knowledge and bounty but his maternal were also distinguished. His maternal grand father Hafiz Abdul Aziz belonged to a reputed family of the state of Jahjar, His birth took place on 1246/1830. After the revolution of 1857, when the state dismembered he was migrated to the state of Patodi (India) and became the teacher of the Nawabs of the state & other after that posted on the distinguished post of secretary. Al1 these details have been written by a cousin of him. Late Mr. Abdul Rasheed (Magistrate Class 1, state of Patodi, India) in a preface of a manuscript. 1. EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE: Mufti-i-Azam started his education with the study of Qura‘an-i-Hakim and in a short period he learnt it by heart and attained the perfection in Tajwid and Qir’at (art of recitation of Holy Qura‘an). The national and traditional knowledge was gained by his uncle Allama Muhammad Abdul Majeed whose succession of Hadith (tradition) belongs to Shah Wali Allah. Besides him he also got education from other contemporary scholars and got the proficiency by personal study. He started verdict writing at the age of sixteen or seventeen. Mufti-i-Azam had great proficiency in different subjects for example Qura‘anic Commentary and Fundamentals of Commentary, Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Jurisprudence, Logic, Philosophy, Mathematics, Geometry, Literature, Grammar, Tasawwuf (Islamic Mysticism), Knowledge of Inheritance, Poetry etc. But he devoted all his life to serve Islam. 2. DISCIPLESHIP & SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE :At the age of fourteen Mufti-i-Azam set off from Delhi with Maulana Shah Rukn al-Din Alwari in the service of sayyid Sadiq Ali Shah (d. 1317 / 1899) resident of district Gordaspur (India). Shah Sahib was the pupil of Shah Muhammad Mas‘ud and was the elder son of Sayyid Imam Ali Shah (d. 1282/1865). At that time Mufti-i-Azam was of fourteen years, when Sadiq Ali Shah had admitted him as a disciple in the Naqshbandiyya Mujaddidiya order. Since then after two years of discipleship his gracious guide died. Where upon his spiritual training was taken up by Shah Rukn al-Din Alwari. He granted him Ijaza or permission of Bay'a, allegiance in all four orders i.e. Qadiria, Chishtia, Naqshabandia and Suhrwardia. Mufti-i-Azam generally took Bay'a in the Naqshbandia order but some disciples also took Bay’a in the orders according, to their natural inclination and aptitude. A good number of devotees and followers of Mufti-i-Azam are spread in Pakistan and India. Mufti-i-Azam was a perfect man endowed with spiritual miracles, which have been recorded in a book entitled Karamat-i-Mazhari (Karachi 1995). Rukhsana Khan Ch. (London) has translated it into English. His religious, scientific and spiritual services are unforgettable. 3. IMAMAT (RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP) Mufti-i-Azam was the Royal Imam of Shah Jahani Mosque Fatehpuri, Delhi. That chain of Imamat has been transferred to him as a royal legacy from his grand father Shah Muhammad Mas‘ud Muhaddis Dehlavi to him. Mufti-i-Azam has been holding that legacy for seventy years and gave great bounty to the world. This chain of lmamat has been in vogue since the rule of Mughal Emperors. At present the grand son of Mufti-i-Azam, Allama, Dr. Mufti Muhammad Mukarram Ahmed is the Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque and Mufti (the jurist of Islamic law) in Delhi. 4. SUBMISSION TO SHARI'A Mufti-i-Azam followed the Sunna i. e. the tradition of Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) at every step. The love of Holy Prophet reflected as mirror on every aspect of his personal and practical life leaving no trace of any lacuna or void in his words and deeds. His prayers business, behaviour, and life all were transmitted full of love of Allah nd the Holy Prophet. He had performed the prayers of Tahajjud (midnight additional sunna prayers) since to age of fourteen till the last moment of his life. Fulfillment of obligations was well diffused by the Holy love. Though he was too old and physically infirm yet he never missed to keep fast in Ramdan al-Mubarak. More astonishing is that in those days special energy was observed in his physique. He offered the Tarawih prayers with congregation and seemed more active at the times of prayers than the ordinary days. Love of Allah and the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was on the peak when in 1945 he went for to Pilgrimage of Holy Ka‘aba and performed Hajj. Due to fascination and absorption of the Holy places, even the names of the children seemed to affaced from his heart, and he could not correctly identify and recognize his own sons. 5. DETERMINATION Mufti-i-Azam always acted on determination and resolution of will (Azimat). Determination and courage were the distinguishable qualities of his auspicious nature. Many incidents were observed; regarding his determination some incidents must be noted. 1. Nawab of Hyderabad Deccan (India) Mir Usman Ali Khan (d.1384 / 1967) invited him twice at his court (Darbar) but both the times he had refused the invitation and said, “If he wants to see me he may come but I have no need to see him”. These events are mentioned by Allama Akhlaq Hussain Dehlavi in Monthly ‘Aqidat (New Delhi, India) and Mr. Irtiza Hussain (Mulla Wahidi) in monthly Hamdard (Karachi). 2. In 1945 when he was present in the sacred place of Mecca to perform Hajj special invitations of royal banquet were presented to him by Shah Sa‘ud, but he had refused it by saying, “One who has come in the court of world's emperor doesn't need to attend any other court”. 3. During the time of British Rule Government invitations were often brought to him but Mufti-i-Azam never paid attention. After the partition of India he received official invitations many times but he did not attend and led his life fearlessly. 4. A splendid example of determination and extreme moral courage was witnessed when his scholarly charming young son Maulana Munawwar Ahmed expired in 1943 who took up the speck can feel its severity. When the dead body of Maulnna Munawwar Ahmed was shrouded and lied down Mufti-i-Azam stood on his head side kept on smiling and said, “O” Lord if you want to examine your servant will never feel afflicted, he is willing to abide your will”. Similarly the same unparalleled patience and perseverance were seen at the time of death of his young son Maulana Manzoor Ahmed who died at Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan) in 1949. 5. During the disturbance of 1947 he showed a marvellous determination and constancy which ought to be written with the letters of gold in the history of determination and moral valour. From 1947 to 1958 non-Muslim enemies hurled bounds and explosives on Fatepur Mosque approximately six or seven times but his firmness did not flinch at any stage. The most critical moments were in September 1947 when mosque was besieged by the enemies. At this critical juncture it was unexpectedly fear stricken people could be transferred to a secure place under the supervision of army. Mufti-i-Azam was requested to leave the mosque but he said “You all are permitted to go but leave me here. If Allah would say at the Day of Judgement that I had entrusted my house to you, on whose mercy and favour you left it? Then what answer shall 1 give”. Hearing this answer all the people were expressed their readiness and willingness to die in the House of Allah. Mufti-i-Azam had ascended to the pinnacles of glory where man becomes fearless and casts dangers and evils from his heart. 6. If the preaching of Islam Mufti-i-Azam proved himself so determined and courageous which hasn't any example. Before the partition of India he made thousands of non-Muslims embraced Islam with the same zeal and spirit he continued even after partition when no one had courage to do so due to Hindu domination. He preached and made the non-Muslims embrace Islam fearlessly in the midst of numerous hurdles and obstacles. Mufti-i-Azam had never been influenced or overawed by any superior authorities and never approached them for personal benefits with the result all respected him. Fatehpuri Mosque (Delhi) was the great centre of Ahl-i-Sunna i.e. Sunni. Scholars and saints call on him in a large number and paid reverence to Mufti-i-Azam. Before partition during their stay at Delhi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Shaheed-i-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan gave him great respect and Dr. Zakir Hussain (President of Republic of India) also showed dignity and honour to him. 6. ARRIVAL IN PAKISTAN After partition he did not come to Pakistan for long time because in his opinion photography was unlawful according to Sharia’. Mufti-i-Azam came to Pakistan first time in October 1961. On his arrival at Karachi Airport thousands of followers and disciples accorded a zealous welcome. During his stay in Karachi there was always a crowd of visitors and homage payers at his residence. Thousand of people were blessed and benefited. His devotees proved their love by giving him invitations. Allama Abdul Hamid Badayuni (President Central Society of Tabligh al-Islam) invited him at a grand reception in Karachi and in this great congregation the scholars addressed in praise of him and appreciated Mufti-i-Azam’s religious, spiritual as well as educational services. Different people had presented the Manqaba (poems in praise of Mufti-i-Azam) in which the following names may be particularly mentioned: Maulana Ziya al-Qadri Badayuni, Aziz al-Mulk; Maulana Muhammad Yousuf Sulaymani Jaipuri, Maulana ‘Abd a1-Salam Bandvi and Qazi Muhammad Himayatullah. Mufti-i-Azam also went to Hyderabad at the invitation of Allama Mufti Muhammnd Mahmood Alwari and Lahore and had a warm welcome on both places. Scholars, spiritual leaders and saintly persons also attended the gathering, the following persons presented the Manqabat at Lahore. Hazrat Zeba Narvi, Maulana Muhammnd Ahmed Quraishi. After two months stay in Pakistan Mufti-i-Azam left for Delhi in the end of November 1961. In July 1964 he came again in Pakistan but it proved to be his last visit. At that time also warm welcome had witnessed everywhere. He visited several places like Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Bahawalpur, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Sharaqpur, Lahore, Rawalpindi Muree etc. At all these places many disciples and devotees were present in appreciable number. 7. SAD DEMISE A few years before his death Mufti-i-Azam had such an overwhelming domination of Allah's Love in his heart and mind that love of all creatures even of his children emptied. The last moment of departure reached and on 14th Shaban al-Mu‘azzam 1386 on Monday (28th November 1966) at the time of evening the sun of knowledge and wisdom set down once and for all. “Inna Lillah-i-wa-Inna Llayh-i-Raji‘un” The holy shrine of Mufti-i-Azam is in the courtyard of Fatehpuri Mosque. It is the venue of visit for all people regardless of their caste and creed; certainly it is the reward for his determination, unparalleled constancy and firmness of faith and brief which he demonstrated for seventy years especially in the period of turmoil in 1947. The news of his death was announced by All India Radio on the same day and spread like a wild fee in Indo-Pak subcontinent. Many newspapers and periodical magazines also published this prominently upteen columns were written which shed light on his virtues and qualities. Some of them also published the chronogramic verses (Qat‘at-i-Tarikh). On this tragic Incident of demise, Azhar Dehlavi (Lahore), also had written a long dirge of mourning, various newspapers and magazines had written about Mufti-i-Azam details of which were published in Hiyat-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1974) and Tazkara-i-Mazhar-i-mas‘ud (Karachi, 1969). 8. FAMILY AND DESCENDANTS In respect of descendants Late Mufti-i-Azam were profusely blessed with bounty and grace of Allah. By mere a glance at his children and the children of his children and their offspring the famous verse of the Holy Qura‘an come unto the lips as if through a spontaneous utterance surging from the depth of the soul: Like a Holy Tree Whose Root isFirms standing and Branches are in the Heaven(Ibrahim: 24) The descendants of Mufti-i-Azam are spread in the different cities of Pakistan, India and abroad. The first wedding of Mufti-i-Azam was solemnized in 1903 but after few years his spouse expired, he married again in 1909. After two or three years his second wife also died in 1916 then he married third time but she too died in 1367 / 1947 in Delhi. He was blessed with seven sons and nine daughters by three wives. Among them four daughters and only one son are still alive by the Grace of Allah. The names of his sons are given below: Allama Mufti Muhammad Muzaffar Ahmed Karachi (d. 1970)Mufti Muhammad Musharraf Ahmed, Dehli (d.1981).Hafiz Qari Dr.Muhammad Ahmed, Delhi (d. 1970)Maulana Munawwar Ahmed, Delhi (d.1943)Maulana Manzoor Ahmed, Hyderabad, Sindh (d.1949)Prof Dr. Muhammad Mas‘ud Ahmed, Karachi (b.1930).Maulana Dr. Muhammad Sa‘id Ahmed, Delhi. (d. 1996). CALIPHS & SPIRITUAL REPRESENTATIVES The circle of his devotees is too vast and they are widely spread all over Pakistan and India. Some of his caliphs and spiritual representative are as follows: CALIPHS: 1) Allama Abdal-Majid, Ajmer, India2) Allama Mufti Hafiz Qari Muhammad Muzaffar Ahmed, Karachi, Pakistan. 3) Allama Hafiz Qari Mufti Muhammad Musharraf Ahmed, Delhi, India. 4) Alhaj Qari Hafiz Muhammad Hafiz Al-Rehman, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. 5) Maulana Qari Hafiz Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, Delhi, India. 6) Dr, Abu al-Khair Muhammad Zubair, Hyderabad, Pakistan. 7) Dr. Abd al-Karim Chittauri, India. 8) Mufti Maqbool al-Rehman Sevharvi, India. 9) Janab Muhammad Usman Tonki. India etc. SPIRITUAL REPRESENTATIVES: I. Hakim Muhammad Zakir, Karachi, PakistanII. Janab Bashir al-Din, Karachi, Pakistan.III. Janab Muhammad Yousuf, Karachi, PakistanIV. Hafiz Muhammad Saulihin, Karachi, PakistanV. Sufi Fazal-i-Ahmed, Karachi, Pakistan.VI. Janab Safdar Hassan, Lahore, Pakistan.VII. Mawlana Muhammad Ahmed Qureshi, Lahore, Pakistan.VIII. Prof Abul Kamal Shamsi Tehrani, Aligarh, India.IX. Sufi Muhammad Ibrahim, Karachi, Pakistan.X. Sayyid Nawab Ali, Hyderabad, Sindh.XI. Hakim Muhammad Aaqil Dhampuri, India.XII. Maulana Ghulam Ahmed Tonki, India etc. WRITINGS:Among the writings of Mufti-i-Azam, the Urdu translation of the Holy Qur‘an is the most prominent. It was published from Delhi before partition. Now the Zia al-Qur‘an Publication, Lahore is publishing its second edition in the near future. The top most among his writings are those verdicts, which he had been writing for nearly seventy years. These are unique in foresight and prudence and spread in the different parts of Pakistan and India. Its first and second volume had been published by the title Fatawa-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1970). Now the third volume has been included in the new edition (Karachi,1999). The academic and religious importance of his verdicts is admitted by the scholars of all schools of thought. The second great contributions are those letters which are preserved in India and Pakistan by many of his disciples and devotees. Its first volume has been published entitled Makatib-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1969). Now the revised edition has been published combined I and II volumes (Karachi, 1999). In addition to this some treatises are also included in his writings. The titles of some treatises are given below: Arakan-i-Din, printed by Hilali press, Delhi, 1331 / 1912.Mazhar al-Aqa‘id, printed by Hilali Press, Delhi, 1331 / 1912.Mazhar al-Aqa‘id, printed by Hilali Press, Delhi, 1331 / 1912.Kashf al-Hijab ‘an-Masa‘ala al-Bina al-Qubab,Printed by Jayyid Press, Delhi, 1344 / 1925. Tahqiq al-Haq, printed by A‘la Press, Delhi, 1346 / 1927.Risala Dar Ilm-i-Tauqit, 1350 / 193l.Khazina al-Kharyrat, Printed by A‘la Press, Delhi,1367/1947.lntifa al-Mihal fi Ruya al-Hilal, Printed by Jayyid Barqi Press, Dali, 1370 / 1980. Fatwa Ruya al-Hilal, Printed by Jayyid Barqi Press, Delhi 1378 / 1959. Qasd al-Sabil, Printed by A‘la Press Delhi, 1379 / 1959.Shajra-i-Manzum, Khandan-i-Aliya Naqshbandia Mujaddidiya Mazhariyya, Printed by Imperial Press, Delhi, etc. Treatise No. l to 3 have been published by Idara-i-Mas‘udia, Karachi, in 1998 in one volume entitled Zia' al-Islam, its English version will be published with the title of “Light of Islam” in the near future Insha Allah. Treatise no.5 published from Delhi in 1926, Abu al-Suroor Muhammad Masroor Ahmed has re-edited it and new edition has been published by Idara-i-Mas‘udia, Karachi, in 2000. Treatises No. 4, 8, 9 and 10 have been included in Fatawa-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1999). EPILOGUE BY SA'IMA FAISALFor thorough and detailed study on Shaykh al-Islam Mufti-i-Azam Shah Muhammad Mazharullah of Delhi end his descendants please see the following references. Shah Muhammad Mas‘ud Muhadith Dehlavii) Fatwa-i-Mas‘udi (Karachi, 1987).Shah Muhammad Mazharullahi) Fatwa-i-Mazhariyya (Karachi, 1999)ii) Makatib-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1999)iii) Mawa‘iz-i-Mazhari (Karachi 1969)iv) Baqiyat-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 2002) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mas‘ud Ahmed Karachi, 1969)I. Tazkara-i-Mazhar-i-Mas‘ud (Karachi, 1969)II. Faqih al-Hind (Karachi 1996)III. Hayat-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1974)IV. Mah-o-Anjum (Sialkot, 1983)Dr. Abul Khar Muhammad Zubairi) Bazam-i-Janan (Hyderabad, 1988)ii) Sindh Key Sufiya-i-Naqshband (Hyderabad, 1997). Dr. Sayyid S.M. Arifi) Aashiq-i-Rasool (Bhawalpur 1997)Dr. Abd-al-Naim Azlz.i) Dr. Mas‘ud Ahmed Aur Nathr-i-Urdu (Karachi, 2002)R.B. Mazharii) Jahan-i-Mas‘ud (Karachi, 1 985) M. Abd-al-Sattar Tahiri) Manzil ba Manzil (Karachi, 1991)ii) Takhasussat-i-Mas‘ud-i-Millat (Lahore,1994)iii) Tizkar-i-Mas‘ud-i-Millat (Lahore, 1999).iv) Makatib-i-Mas‘udi (Karachi, 2002) Muhammad Masroor Ahmedi) Mas‘ud-i-Millat Kay Aathar-i-Ilmiyya (Karachi 1997)ii) Imam Ahmed Riza Aur Harat-i-Naqshbandia (Karachi, 1999).10. Dr. Ijaz Anjum Latifi i) Dr. Mas‘ud Ahmed life and works, Bihar University, India (Karachi, 2002) 11. Jawaid Iqbal Mazhari i) Malfoozat-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1990)ii) Manaqib-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1999) 12. Late Haji Muhammad Younus Barii) Anwar-i-Mazhariyya (Karachi, 1990) 13. Haji Muhammad Ilyasi) Karamat-i-Mazhari (Karachi, 1990) 14. Prof. Nabila lshaque Ch.i) Imam Ahmed Raza Aur Mas‘ud Millat (Karachi, 2000)

Coutesy : Idara Masudia http://www.almazhar.com/bio_hazrat_shah_mazharullah.php

Hazrat Syed Imam Ali Shah Naqshbandi Mujaddadi (R.A) - Idara Masudia

HAZRAT SYED IMAM ALI SHAH R.A. By Prof. Munawar Hussain The great Hazrat Aboul Barkat Imam Ali Shah was borne at Rattar Chattar in 1212 A.H. His birthplace is presently known as Makkah Sharif. His father, Syed Haider Ali Shah was a herbal physician (Tabeeb). He was yet a child when he lost the benign shelter of his father. He received his basic religious education from Moulana Faqeer Allah Din Koti and was trained in his ancestral field of medication by Hafiz Muhammad Raza and Moulana Noor Muhammad Chishti. He was very intelligent and he surpassed his fellow students in every discipline. However, from his very child-hood, he possessed a sensitive nature and was inclined towards poetry. Even during the days, when he as a student, he could compose verses with felicity and ease. In those days when he was quite young, he happened to visit the holy shrine of Hazrat Baba Fareed Gunj-e-Shakr where he met a fortune-teller who, by dint of his knowledge of physiognomy, read the promising signs of saintlihood on the face of the young saint and predicted: "This lad will command a sublime position in future and will be favoured by an elderly person of his family." Hazrat Sahib became anxious on hearing this prophecy and tried to visualize that particular person of his family, who was destined to lead and guide him on the Divine Path. In this respect, faces of all the members of his family flashed across his mind but he could not identify that special personality. That special personality was that of Syed Hussain Shah who was the pride of his family. As the Providence had already set it. Hazarat Imam Ali , soon met his spiritual godfather who, at once, noticed the brilliance radiating from his blessed face and asked him, "My boy, which book do you read?". Before Hazrat Imam Ali Shah could manage an answer, Shah Sahib advised him. "You should read "Masnavi of Moulana Room. Its reading will benefit you a lot. It will reform your deeds, enlighten your heart and enrich your soul". This was the lesson that Syed Hussain Shah taught to the young boy who was going to occupy a prominent position as a spiritual leader of excellence among the Muslim saints. According to a tradition, the Holy Prophet Sallalho Alyho Wasalam had given special instructions to Hazrat Syed Hussain regarding the training and spiritual upbringing of Hazrat Imam Ali Shah Next day Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah called him and explained to him a few verses of the "Masnavi Shrif". The words of his teacher stirred the very heart of Hazrat Ali Shah The very first lesson produced in him a great desire and urge to learn more of it. His interest rose to such a pitch that he started regular readings of the book. Whereas he proved himself a devoted student, his teacher, too, was not less devoted.The method of teaching of Hazrat Shah Sahib was superb. The manner in which he explained the difficult verses of the "Masnavi" was matchless and unique. When he spoke, the listeners were charmed and infatuated by the spell of his beautiful oration. The more Hazrat Imam Ali Shah learnt from Syed Hussain Shah the more he was inspired by his great and sublime personality. Hazrat Imam Ali Shah himself narrated that once, during his education, he had to visit Hafiz Mahood at Jehlum, along-with Hazrat Shah Sahib He witnessed strange phenomenon at the meeting of the two great personalities of that time. People from the surrounding areas were present to show their allegiance to Hafiz Sahib. Hazrat Imam Ali Shah also requested him to shower his spiritual blessings upon him. At this Hazrat Hafiz Mahmood said, "Allah will bless you with the love of your mentor". In fact, he was referring to Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Hazrat Imam Ali Shah said: "From that day, my heart was filled with love of and affection for my mentor. When we returned, I requested my mentor to grant me asylum in his spiritual regime. He was gracious enough to accede to my humble request and admitted me to his spiritual circle. He advised me to indulge in "ZIKAR" (remembrance of Allah). Within a short span of time, by virtue of of his own diligence and hard work, and by the special attention with which his mentor treated him, he rose to such an eminence of spiritual status for which divine seekers endeavour for many years. Allah had blessed him with such miraculous powers as could purge the hearts of astray men at a single glance. He used to stay at the bank of a pond called "Dholi Dhab" for many consecutive nights. The pond was far from human habitation and was an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. He faithfully followed the routine, which his mentor had prescribed for him, throughout his life. He had a great respect for his mentor and held him in high esteem and reverence. He left no stone unturned to rise to the expectations of his mentor and served him to the best of his capacity. His love for his mentor had implanted in him a rare and special kind of humility as well. He crossed all limits in expressing this humility. He himself used to collect the excrement of his mentor as well as that of his horse in an earthen pot, carry it on his head and dispose it of into the river. This, indeed exhibited the humblest expression of his love and respect for his mentor. This is why Syed Hussain Shah had a great regard for him and held him very dear. Allah had bestowed upon him many blessings and a beam of light always sparkled on his face. Even after the demise of his mentor, Hazrat Imam Ali Shah kept the sentiment alive. A famous incident happened in his family. Once he got annoyed with his son Sahibzada Sadiq Ali Shah Sahib on some thing. All the well-wishers tried to resolve the matter but in vain. At last the Sahibzada made a request to God at the tomb of Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah in the following manner: "If a father gets annoyed with a son, the latter has no place in the whole world to resort to. My father is not only my parent but also my spiritual guide. For God's sake, help me in my predicament and helplessness". When Hazrat Imam Ali Shah learnt of it, he called his son and asked. "What appeal have you made to Hazrat Hussain Shah ?. The Sahibzada replied, "The secret is open to you". Hazrat Imam Ali Shah , at once mellowed down and said." Since you have approached the higher court, I forgive you". It is said that Hazrat Shah Hussain had permitted Hazrat Imam Ali Shah even during his lifetime, to take oath of allegiance from those people who were anxious to enter his spiritual circle. After the grant of this permission, he promoted the Naqshbandia School of Spiritual Order a great deal. A brief account of the valuable places of advice that he gave to his disciples is given as under: Emphasizing the respect of mentor he said: "A 'Mureed' (follower) must cherish respect from his mentor to such a degree that, so long as he is present in his company, he should not speak without his permission; should not daringly make an eye to eye contact with him. He should prefer his mentor to all other things in the world. "Treeqat" is, in fact, just another name for respect. A disrespectful person remains deprived of the blessings of his world as well as those of the hereafter". At another point he said: "Be all ears to listen to what your mentor says because to hear his advice is better than to read thousands of books. Perform whole-heartedly what your mentor enjoins you to do." Defining the word, 'Mureed' (disciple) he said; "A 'Mureed' is one whose carnal of desires have been burnt down by the fire of Divine Love. When he gets up in the morning, tears flow from his eyes on account of sorrow and regret at the life he has wasted. He is humble and un-resourceful. He feels sad at his past sins and aspires for Divine favour in future. He is time-bound for deeds upright and bears all hardships with patience. He always confesses his fault and is a candidate for the forgiveness of Allah. He does not waste away even a single breath without remembering Allah; rather at every breath, he thinks that he is taking his last breath". Regarding spiritual benefits he said: "The bounties and blessings that descend upon a mentor also descend upon the follower, but a follower can not get benefit directly from the Divine Court because four basic elements of his existence and his carnal desires obstruct his exaltation. Since a mentor is free from these shackles, and remains attached to Allah Almighty; therefore a follower can also get benefit from his mentor." He further said: "Repent is such a manner that you may never think of committing a any sin again". Describing the merits of 'ZIKR' "There are innumerable benefits of "ZIKR'. The heart of a person, who remembers Allah and remains busy in 'ZIKR', leaves no space in it for any other thing except Allah. That is why every object in this world is in his control". Talking of Spiritual maladies, he said: "Allah Almighty disapproves that the followers of the beloved Prophet Sallalaho Alyhe Waslam may be condemned in any way (as earlier people were condemned). However, those, who do not fear or do not obey Allah are condemned for they blacken their hearts and do not refrain from sin'. He advised his followers that they should never become idle. They should always remain busy in work and contented with their lot, and cherish the belief that God is the Sustainer and that He alone provides food to His creatures under all circumstances. However, it is impossible to get more than their due share. Therefore they should not disobey Almighty Allah by making complaints because disobedience causes damage in this world as well as in the hereafter. Allah Almighty had especially blessed and gifted Hazrat Imam Ali Shah with two great qualities which he had acquired by dint of his great obedience to the Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alyhe Wasalam. One of the quality was his healing look and the other one was his brilliant fact. Many non-Muslims embraced Islam at his hands and many misled Muslims reformed themselves and got the real spirit of the Faith. Such was a little show of the stupendous miraculous powers he possessed. It is that sick people got rid of their illness at his hands. Once a Sikh, who was a chronic patient of paralysis was brought for Hazrat Sahib. As soon as the patient had a look at the glowing face of the great saint he got up, embraced Islam, remained in his company throughout his life as a servant. It is stated that even in the season of winter, the said person used cold drinks in order to keep himself normal. He used to say: "Since the day Hazrat Sahib has cast his benign and kind glance at me, nothing soothes me down except cold drinks. It seems as if my whole body is on fire". Many lepers got rid of their disease by applying to their bodies, the wasted water used by him for ablution. Once a man brought his only son, who was blind, to Hazrat Sahib and requested him to help the boy, Hazrat Sahib put a little saliva into the eyes of the blind boy and prayed for him. In a couple of visits, the eyesight of the blind boy was restored. This account of Hazrat Imam Ali Shah's spiritual perfection and miraculous powers will remain incomplete if we fail to mention his highly appreciated and lovable book "Mura-tul-Mohaqqeen". The book is in the Persian language and is reckoned as a masterpiece of brevity and concision. It depicts the artistic qualities of the author in a superb manner. It has been written in such a captivating and attractive style that one likes to read it time and again. The book has been divided into two parts. Its first part deals with the life history of Hazrat Shahbaz-e-Toheed Hussain Shah, while its second part consists of the sayings and quotations of Hazrat Imam Ali Shah In the following extract Hazrat Sahib has explained how we can get rid of the charms and attractions of this moral world. He says: All material things that exist in this world impress the human heats very much and the impression is like a screen or veil between man and his Master. This impression gets deeper into the heart of man by adopting bad company, by seeing colorful shapes of different things and by indulging in idle pursuits. Therefore, to wipe out this impression, man should strive to get away from them. The other thing that strengthens this impression is the study of immoral books and man's participation in musical gatherings and idle talks. All these things widen the distance between man and Allah Almighty. It is, therefore, necessary to shun them and to become attentive towards Allah. Only then man can get his heart purified. The purification of the heart can not be achieved without giving up carnal desires and without negating physical demands." At another place he says: "Let it be known to man that the real comfort lies in heaven. So, he should bear the hardships of this world where his stay is only for a few days so that he may find eternal peace and comfort in the next world. In all cases, whatsoever, he should follow the examples set by his forefathers in religion. He should always offer his regular prayers in congregation (JAMAT) and acquire the knowledge of Hadith. He should not run after popularity and worldly fame as these things cause a great trouble. He should not be proud of having a high rank; rather should spend his days in anonymity." In his last days Hazrat Sahib fell ill. He breathed his last on 14th Shawal 1282 A.H. and embarked on his way to heaven. He was buried at Ratat Chatar (Makan Sharif India). He is spiritually alive till today and his valuable teachings will remain a source of guidance for the seekers of truth for all times to come. After his demise his son, Sahibzada Sadiq Ali Shah, succeeded him. REFERENCEKhazina-e-Marfat by M. Ibrahim Kasuri, Sher-e-Rabbani Number Monthly Noor-e-Islam Sharqpur Sharif by Sahibzada Mian Jamil Ahmed Sharqpuri Naqshbanid Note: Above matter extracted from Sher-e-Rabbani Digest.

Courtesy : Idara Masudia http://www.almazhar.com/bio_imam_ali_shah.php

Video Makan Sharif http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTUIJrGaJeM

Khwaja Abdul Ahad Naqshbandi Mujaddadi (RA) - Luari Sharif Dargah

  Khwaja Abdul Ahad, known as Khwaja Wahdat (Q), was the fifth son of Khwaja Muhammad Saeed (Q) and commonly known as Shah Gul Sa'di(Q). He got his early education from his father. Later he joined the disciples of his uncle Khwaja Muhammad Masoom(Q) and completed under his benevolent guidance and became a pole of spiritualism.Khwaja Abdul Ahad (Q) was a strict observer of religious obligations and Sufi rituals proposed by Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). Besides he had contributed substantially for preaching Naqshbandia order. He had written a number of letters to Mughal elite and impressing upon them to correct their faith. His deputies were many in number who travelled far and wide and initiated The Naqshbandia order in Arabia and Africa. He had good sense of poetry also. 'Wahdat' was his penname in his verses. His poetic works include a Dewan and Mathnavi Chahar Chamman, besides a number of books on religion and Sufism.In his last days, he went to Shahjehanabad saying that Sikhs would attack Sirhind. In fact, after two or three months Sikhs attacked Sirhind. Khwaja Abdul Ahad (Q) passed away on Dhul Hajj 27, 1127 AH., December 24, 1716 A.D. His body was taken to Sirhind and was laid to rest near the hermitage of Khwaja Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). He was succeeded by his son Khwaja Muhammad Hanif (Q). 

Courtesy : Luari Sharif-http://www.luarisharif.net/predecessors.html

Khwaja Muhammad Saeed Naqshbandi Mujaddadi (RA) - Luari Sharif Dargah

Khwaja Muhammad Saeed (Q) was the second son of Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). He was born in Sha'ban 1005 AH or March-April 1597 A.D. He learned his early and higher education in both secular and spiritual sciences from his father Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). At the age of 10 years, he not only graduated in secular sciences, but also reached the zenith of spiritualism.Khwaja Imam-e-Rabbani (Q) used to say: "My Son Muhammad Saeed is a perfect scholar." Many notable scholars like Molana Abdul Hakim Sialkoti, Mula Sa'adullah, minister of then sultan of India, were among his pupils. He had, on a number of occasions, arguments relating to altercations in the religion, but no one could stand before his grip over the references and diversity of knowledge.Khwaja Muhammad Saeed (Q) had also authored a number of books on Sufism and jurisprudence. A compilation of his letters is equally important to Maktoobat-e-Mujadidia of Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). His other works include a book on those Hadith on which the Hanafi jurisprudence is based. He also had written an antithesis about raising forefinger during prayers.About his spiritual attainment, Khwaja Imam-e-Rabbani (Q) said: "Muhammad Saeed (Q) has written about his affairs, all are true and noble. These affairs are not divulged on any of the friends with the peculiarity."He also used to say "anyone who would enter into the heaven, but by the stamp of Muhammad Saeed." Khwaja Muhammad Saeed (Q) also performed Hajj along with his younger brother Khwaja Muhammad Masoom (Q). It is related in his various accounts that when he went to pay respects at the Shrine of Prophet (PBUH) a celestial voice was heard, "Quickly, quickly; I am desirous of you."His name and fame Prevailed far and wide. Even the ruler of India king Alamgir also heard a lot about his marvels. He summoned him in Shahjehanabad. Khwaja Muhammad Saeed (Q) went to him, but fell sick. He took permission of the king and proceeded back, but bode adieu to the mortal world at Sanbalakh, 36 miles away from Shahjehanabad, on Jumadi-al-Sani 8, 1070 AH., January 15, 1665 A.D. His sacred body was taken to Sirhind. His brother Khwaja Muhammad Masoom (Q) ordered to lay him to rest in the shrine of Khwaja Imam-e-Rabbani (Q). Though initially, there was no space available there, but later it happened. He was succeeded on the Seat of The Naqshbandia order by his son Khwaja Abdul Ahad (Q).

Source: Luari Sharif http://www.luarisharif.net/predecessors.html

Hazrat Khalid al-Baghdadi (r.a) - Spiritual Foundation

Hazrat Khalid ibn Husayn al-Baghdadi al-Uthmani [d.1242 H - 1826 CE] 'alayhir ar-rahman w'al ridwan

Khalid al-Baghdadi was a Naqshbandi shaykh and founder of the Khalidi branch of the Naqshbandi order. He was born [in the year 1193 H./1779 CE] in Shehrezur, Karadag an area near to Sulaymaniye in northern Iraq. His full name was Khalid ibn Husain taking the nickname "Ziyauddin" and al-Baghdadi later.
His grandfather was Par Mika'il Chis Anchit, which means Mika'il the Saint of the six fingers. His title is 'Uthmani because he is a descendant of Sayyidina 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, the third caliph of Islam. He studied the Qur'an al-kareem and its explanation and fiqh according to the Shafi'i school. He was famous in poetry. When he was fifteen years of age he took asceticism as his creed, hunger as his horse, wakefulness as his means, seclusion as his friend, and energy as his light.
Young Khalid studied with the two great scholars of his time, Shaykh 'Abdul Karam al-Barzinji and Shaykh 'Abdur Rahim al-Barzinji [Allah be pleased with them], and he read with Mullah Muhammad 'Ali. He studied the sciences of mathematics, philosophy, and logicas well as the principles of jurisprudence. He studied the works of Ibn Hajar, as-Suyuti, and al-Haythami. He memorized the commentary on Qur'an by Baydawi. He was able to find solutions for even the most difficult questions in jurisprudence. He memorized the Qur'an according to the fourteen different ways of recitation, and became very famous everywhere for this.
He then entered seclusion, leaving everything he had studied behind, coming to Allah's door with all kinds of pious actions and much dhikr, both loud and silent. He no longer visited the sultans, but kept to himself and to his murids, until the year 1220 H./1806 CE, when he decided to make the Pilgrimage and to visit the Beloved Prophet . He left everything and went to Hijaz through the cities of Mosul and Yarbikir and ar-Raha and Aleppo and Damascus, where he met its scholars and followed its Shaykh, the master of both the ancient and the modern knowledge and the teacher of hadith, ash-Shaykh Muhammad al-Kuzbara. He received authorization in the Qadiri Tariqat from Shaykh al-Kuzbari and his deputy, Shaykh Mustafa al-Kurdi, who travelled with him until he reached the city of the Beloved Prophet .
He praised the Prophet in Persian poetry in such a way that people were astonished at his eloquence. He spent a long time in the City of the Beloved Prophet . He reported,
"I was looking for someone of rare piety in order to take some advice when I saw a Shaykh on the right-hand side of the Blessed Gravesite (Rawdatu-sh-Sharifa). I asked him to give me advice, counsel from a wise scholar to an ignorant person. He advised me not to object when I enter Makkah to matters which might appear to be counter to the shari`a, but to keep quiet. I reached Makkah, and keeping in my heart that advice, I went to the Holy Mosque early on the morning of Friday. I sat near the Ka’ba reading Dala'il al-Khayrat, when I saw a man with a black beard leaning on a pillar and looking at me. It came to my heart that the man was not showing the proper respect to the Kacba, but I didn't say anything to him about the matter.
"He looked at me and scolded me, saying, 'O ignorant one, don't you know that the honor of the heart of a believer is far more than the privilege of the Ka`ba? Why do you criticize me in your heart for standing with my back to the Ka`ba and my face to you. Didn't you hear the advice of my Shaykh in Madinah who told you not to criticise?' I ran to him and asked his forgiveness, kissing his hands and feet and asking him for his guidance to Allah. He told me, 'O my son, your treasures and the keys to your heart are not in these parts, but in India. Your Shaykh is there. Go there and he will show you what you have to do.' I didn't see anyone better than him in all the Haram. He didn't tell me where to go in India, so I went back to Sham and associated with its scholars."
He then returned to Sulaymaniyyah and continued his teachings of self-denial. He was always looking for someone to show him the way. Finally, there came to Sulaymaniyyah the Shaykh Mawlana Mirza Rahimullah Beg al-M'aruf, known by the name of Muhammad ad-Darwish 'Abdul 'Azim al-Abadi, one of the khalifs of the spiritual pole, Qutb al-A'zam, 'Abdullah ad-Dehlawi (q). He met with him and gave him respect and asked him about the perfect guide to show him the way. He told him, "There is one perfect Shaykh, a Scholar and a Knower, showing the seeker the way to the King of Kings, expert in this delicate matter, following the Naqshbandi Way, carrying the Character of the Beloved Prophet , a guide in the Knowledge of Spirituality. Come back with me to his service in Jehanabad. He had told me before I left, 'You are going to meet someone, bring him back with you.'"
After travelling to India where he studied under revivalist Naqshbandi Sufi Shaykhs he returned to Syria where he engaged himself in teaching his students. He died in 1242 after Hijri [1826 Common Era]. His funeral was performed at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

Coutesy : Spiritual Foundation http://www.spiritualfoundation.net/sufisshaykhs5.htm#111014245

Belief & Islam by Mawlana Khalid (r.a)
http://www.hizmetbooks.org/Belief_and_Islam/

Shaykh Abdal Haqq Muhaddith Dehlvi: Spiritual Foundation

Shaykh as-Shah Abd 'al Haqq Muhaddith Dehlvi [ d. 1052 H - 1642 CE ] 'alayhi al-rahmah wa'l-ridwan.

 Hadrat Mawlana as-Shaykh as-Shah 'Abd-al-Haqq al Muhaddith Rahmatullahi alayh was born in Delhi [Dehlwi, Dehlawi, Dehlvi], India. His father Saif al-Din Rahmatullahi alayh was a very pious and intellectual man, and this is a reason why Shah 'Abd-al-Haqq Rahmatullahi alayh's education and breeding was based on similar well founded principles. He was extremely fond of education and had a particular zest for learning from a very young age. Many hours of the day and the night were spent in reading and writing. After gaining his education in India, he was directed towards the Haramayn, Makkah in 996H. He stayed there for approx 3 and a half years, in which he attained his knowledge of hadith and also authored several books.Some of his most popular and recognised works are listed below;-
Ash'at al-Lam'at : This is a commentary on the Mishqat Shareef, and is recognised as one of his important works.Tarikh al Madina' : Another well known and important book.Madarij an-Nabbuwaah' : A highly acclaimed classic.Akhbarul Akhyar' : A ground breaking piece of writing in which the respected positions of the Saints of Hindustan are mentioned.'Momin ke Mah o Sal' : Months & Years for a Believer
Shah 'Abd-al-Haqq Rahmatullahi alayh was also a noted poet who went by the pen name of Hanfi. During his time the King known as Jahangir was a great believer in him. Jahangir praised many of his works, and also had many of his letters published.
On Dhikr, Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi Rahmatullahi alayh says:
"Undoubtedly, loud Zikr is permissible. One of its proofs is the saying of Allah Ta'ala, 'Remember Allah as you used to remember your forefathers'". (Ash'atul Lam'aat, Vol. 2, pg. 278) Allah Ta'ala also says in the Qur'an al karim :
"Then, when you have finished your prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on your sides". (Surah an-Nisa: 103)
In Sahih Muslim, it is reported from Abdullah Ibn Zubair Rahmatullahi alayhi : "When the beloved Rasool Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam uttered the Salutation at the end of his Salaah, he used to say 'LA ILAHA ILLALLAHO WAHDA HU LA SHARIKA LAHU' aloud" (Mishkaat, pg. 88)
Commenting on this Hadith Shareef, Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi Rahmatullahi alayhi says: "This Hadith is categorical proof that Rasoolullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam used to perform loud Zikr". (Ash'atul Lam'aat, Vol. 1, pg. 419)
Shah 'Abd-al-Haqq Rahmatullahi alayh passed away at the age of 96, [17th Rabbi al Awwal 1052AH - 1642 C.E.] and is buried near the shrine of Khawaja Qutb al-Din Bahtyar Kaki Rahmatullahi alayh, in Delhi, India.
Madarij An Nabuwwah-Vol 1 urdu Madarij An Nabuwwah-Vol 2 urdu

Courtesy : Spiritual Foundation
http://www.spiritualfoundation.net/sufisshaykhs5.htm#111014245

Shah Abd'al Aziz Muhadith Dehlvi - Spiritual Foundation Net

Hafiz Ghulam Halim Shah Abd'al Aziz Muhaddith Dehlwi [d.1239AH/1823CE] 'alayhir al rahman w'al ridwan

Shaykh Abdul Aziz Rahmatullahi alayh was born on the 25th of Ramadan al-Mubarak, in 1159AH [1746 Common Era], Dehli, India and was the eldest son of Shah Wali Allah . Shaykh Abdul Aziz Rahmatullahi alayh memorised the Qur'an al kareem at an early age, and by the time when he was only 17, he became an expert in the sciences of tafsir, hadith, fiqh, Usul al Fiqh, Aqaid, mantiq, kalam, maths, history, geopgraphy etc. He had a great passion of all mental and written sciences. Shah Abdul Aziz was the most learned Islamic theologian in India, and his views on Muslim law were accepted by all parties among the Sunnis. Unlike most Muslims during this period, he recognized the value of learning English, and displayed no bitterness toward the conquerors. But he was a teacher and thinker rather than a leader.Shah Abdul Aziz translated the Qur'an into Urdu, 50 years of the Persian translation by Shah Wali 'Allah, when the Urdu language had started to replace the Persian. He completed the exegesis of his father from Surat al-Maida to the thirteenth verse of al-Hujurat.Shah Abdul Aziz soon built a reputation and a big following at his lectures which were extremely cultured and eloquent. When he spoke, he commanded his audience so much that his listeners were totally absorbed in his words. He would state some of the most difficult issues in an amazing clear way. His memory was matchless, he would dictate extremely long texts from books almost immediately after reading them. His compilations were reliable and trustworthy among the people of excellence. His compliations were reliable and trustworthy among the people of excellence.
Some known students of Shah Abdul Aziz Rahmatullahi alayh ;
Mawlana Sayyid Shah Al'e Rasul Qadri Barkati MarahrawiSayyad Ahmad BarelwiMawlana Fazl-e-Haq KhayrabadiMawlana Mahboob Ali Dehlawi Mufti Sadr al-Din Aazurdah Mawlana Muhammad AliMawlana Ahmad Ali
He wrote and dictated many books, some of which were ;
'Taufa Ithna Ashari' (Gift to the Twelvers) [Refutation of the shi'ah sect]
'Sirush Shahadhathayn'
'Fatawa Aziz', another famous book, is the collection of Fatawa (questions and answers on religious issue)
'Tafsir Fath al-Aziz' or 'Tafsir-i-Aziz' (in Persian)
Shaykh Abdul Aziz Rahmatullahi alayh passed away in the year 1823 [Common Era], 1239 After Hijri.

Courtesy : Spiritual Foundation http://www.spiritualfoundation.net/sufisshaykhs5.htm#111014108

SHAYKH AHMAD SIRHINDI (r.a)- IDARA MASUDIA

AHMAD SIRHINDI (r.a)
Translated by Late Prof. F.M. Shaykh Revised by Munir Hussain Ma‘sudi(Birmingham, U.K)

Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi Mujaddid-i alf-i thani (revivalist of the second millennium) was born in 971/1563 in Sirhind (East Punjab, India). His family lineage joins with that of Amir ul-Mu'mineen ‘Umar the second Great Caliph of Islam at the 29th tier of the genealogical order. He learnt Philosophy, logic and the Traditional sciences from his father Shaykh ‘Abd-al-Ahad (d. 1007/1598) and other scholars of the time including Mawlana Kamal al-din Kashmiri, Mawlana Muhammad Yaqub Kashmiri and Qazi Bahlul Badakhshi. He acquired proficiency in these disciplines and sciences when he was only seventeen years of age. He arrived in the capital city Akbarabad in 998/1589. Here he met the two famous personalities of the Royal Court of Akbar, Shaykh Abu al-Fazl (d. 1010/1601) and his brother Shaykh Abu al-Fayz Fayzi (d. 1004/1595). He also helped Fayzi in compiling his Tafsir Sawati ‘al-llham. He carried along with them for a good time but when they drifted and deviated from the established norms of Sharia (Islamic Law) he parted company with them at grave risk of his own future ambitions for the cause and uplift of the mission of Islam in its true pristine and uncorrupted form. Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi had permission to impart and enlist in various chains of mystic orders, notably in the Silsila-i-Chishtiya from his father Shaykh Abdul Ahad (d. 1007/1598), in the Silsila-i-Naqshbandiyya from Khawaja Muhammad Baqibillah (d. 1012/1603) and in Silsila-i-Qadiriyya from Shah Kamal Kaythali (d. 981/1573). Khawaja Baqibillah acknowledged and appreciated the spiritual accomplishments of Shaykh Mujaddid and showed honour and reverences on him as befit the Shaykh or the head of the Silsila. He started the mission of social reforms for the benefit and uplift of the masses within the criterion of Sharia. During the reign of King Akbar (963/1556----1014/1605) he carried on his mission with resolute despite the displeasure of the Royal Court. The rest of the Mughal emperor’s rule was the period of the Mujaddid’s strenuous endeavors in his grand mission; but real success eluded him till after the end of Akbar’s rule and it was in the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1014/1605----1037/1628) that his endeavours bore fruit. He had cordial relations with the ministers and other dignitaries of the Royal Court. The familiarly and acquiescence of the royal personages afforded him grand opportunities, not secretly but in the full knowledge of the king, for the dissemination of his mission which attracted a large segment of the general public and maintained the affairs of the government. He was made the target of Emperor Jahangir's fury by those who held enmity towards him at the Royal Court. Hence, Jahangir had the Mujaddid imprisoned at Gawalior Fort for one year (1028-1029 AH). Afterwards he felt ashamed and released the Mujaddid awarding him some valuable gifts. Henceforth Emperor Jahangir kept him in his company (1618-24-1028-34) along with other ministers and high officials of the State. This provided the Shaykh the facility and opportunity to carry on his mission with calmness and rectitude in enlightening the people with the teachings of Islam. He brought about a revolution and reformation in the timeworn attitude and behaviour of the people, and presented before them the pristine and sacrosanct teachings of the Divine Religion of Islam. This resulted in an unbelievable transformation in their social and personal life. In other words, he proved to be the real ‘Mujaddid’ (revivalist) or a ‘vanguard’ of the great revolution of revivalism, which paved the way for the onward advancement of the Divine mission of peace and tranquility on earth. He continued his efforts for the establishment of an Islamic state (in India); non co-operation with non-Muslims (as their presence or inclusion) in any exclusive and purely Islamic revivalism might encourage them under some alien influence to sabotage the movement. He also worked tirelessly for the establishment of Muslim India. He rendered invaluable services in the fields of Sharia (Islamic Law), and Tariqa (mystic interpretation and application of Qur’an and Sunna), politics, government, social and economics reforms. The people in general as well as the well-to do among them were drifting away from the Sharia and falling prey to un-Islamic ceremonies and rituals. The Mujaddid, through his scholastic dissertations, mutual conversations and letters to inquisitive personalities of the country, transformed the thinking and modes of behaviour of the people and brought them round the norms of Sharia and thus showed them the line of guidance and liberation from the darkness of transgression to which they had fallen; if it were not for the timely deliverance by the great Mujaddid they would have become the victims of evil and liable to serious accountability not only in this world but also the hear after. The dismal picture of the drift from the right path was not only confined to the laymen but the men who claimed to be the Sufis and saints were also the unwilling victims of unsaintly and blind emulators of customary and ritual practices borrowed from non-Muslim neighbours and comrades in professions, and thus tarnished the fair visage of Islam and its Divine revealed teachings. Such persons were salvaged from the path of deceptive practices and brought back to the pristine track of righteousness by the constant persuasive endeavours of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi. On the pathways of scholastic ideologies, the situation was not all that rosy. The two broad based concepts of Wahdat al-Wujud (unity of existence) and Wahdat al-Shuhud (unity of witnessing), were intermingled and confounded in a manner and on a pattern that led many unwary participants to the blind alleys in which lay only darkness. The Shaykh not only cleared the confusion regards this but also convinced the truth-seekers that true deliverance lay in the correct understanding and adherence to the ideology of Wahdat al-Shuhud rather than that in the Wahdat al-Wujud, which latter worked as an intoxicant to the self-seeker, while the former (Wahdat al-Shuhud) opened the mental perspective to witness and admire the colour and beauty scattered all over the expanse of nature and the universe. Incidentally this was the ideological concept (Wahdat al-Shahud) interpreted and propounded by Mujaddid-i alf-i thaniwhich attracted and influenced the ideological outlook of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (d. 1357/1938) and which prompted the great poet to consolidate the foundational base of his Islamic philosophy (specially the concept of Khudi) and arouse the slumbering intelligentsia to truer and more lasting reality of wakefulness and persistent endeavours for the success of Divine Message of Prosperity of the humanity at large. It is, therefore not wrong to say that had there been no Mujaddid there would have been no Iqbal. Mujaddid-i alf-i thani was the ideological goal of Iqbal as also his everlasting desire, eager to be fulfilled as a thirsty tavern visitor looks at the cupbearer to quench his thirst! In the fields of Politics and administrative governance of the country which was based on nationality rather than foresight and performance, the Mujaddid's vision had a negative impact on Emperor Akbar's Hindu/Muslim one nation theory, and affirmed the separatist entity of Hindus and Muslims constituting two national entities rather than the one envisaged by Akbar; this in due course of time became the famous ‘Two Nation Theory’ which led to the Freedom Movement in the sub-continent and the ultimate emergence of Pakistan in 1366/1947 as a sovereign Islamic state. In a sense he gave a fresh and renewed impetus to the everlasting irreconcilable entities of Islam and Kufr (disbelief) or Muslim and Non-Muslim religious-cum-political blocs on the surface of the globe. This theory or ideology gained momentum and expansion with time and latter on great personalities took up the cause of Muslims. Amongst whom were Shah Wali Allah (d. 1176-1762), Ahmad Riza Khan Bareilwi (d. 1340/1921), Dr. Iqbal (d. 1357/1938) and Muhammad Ali Jinnah (d. 1367/1948). The efforts of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi bore fruits during the time of Emperor Jahangir whom at the behest of the great Shaykh appointed a commission to manage and regulate the affairs of the state in accordance to Islamic Law. This commission comprised the learned scholars of the time. Hence, this reduced the influence and intervention of non-Muslim officials in state problems particularly those related to Islamic jurisprudence and other sacred laws. This also led to the gradual but sustained disintegration of infra communal Institutions under the auspices of the state and the Muslim establishment came to be recognized as a separate and self-existing entity. This helped the growth and expansion of Muslim society and Islam as a religion flourished far and wide till by the time of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir (d. 1068-1658/1118-1706) the endeavours by the great Mujaddid and his sons reached the zenith of their success. Emperor Alamgir himself was the mystic disciple of Khawaja Muhammad Ma'sum (d. 1079/1668) who was the son of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi and received spiritual guidance and enlightenment from Khawaja Sayf al-Din the son of Khwaja Ma‘sum. Undoubtedly the Mujaddid dynasty left a permanent impact on the Mugal Empire and on the thought process of Muslim intellectual and religious scholars. It also brought about the great revolution in spiritual and intellectual patterns of the Muslim establishment. Dr. Iqbal has rightly proclaimed the Mujaddid as the guardian patron of Islamic culture and education in India, who was endowed with a foresight which guarded the Islamic treasure of knowledge and warned the Muslim nation of the pitfalls that lay ahead, so as to make precautions to offset and thwart the impending dangers.
After having accomplished his revivalist and reformatory mission he bade farewell to Emperor Jahangir (in 1033/1624) and came back to Sirhind were he undertook solitary confinement which consumed the remaining days of his auspicious life in the remembrance of Almighty Allah and prayer for the unity and sustained development of the Muslim people, whom had yet to pass through graver and more complex trails and tribulations for the cause of Islam and its own survival in the land of uncertainties that was the Indian subcontinent. After a few months he left this mortal world on 28th Safar 1034/1624. He was survived among others by his two illustrious sons Khawaja Muhammad Sa’id(d. 1070/1660) and Khawaja Muhammad Ma'sum(d. 1079/1668) at whose door steps the princes of the Royal Family proudly paid their respect and homage and whose patronage the rulers regarded as a great honour and privilege. The marvels of his authorship are the famous Maktubat (letters) which run into three volumes and are invaluable treasures of enlightenment and wisdom, continuously shedding the Divine Light which Khawaja Baqibillah had observed, this Light reached far and wide illuminating the nooks and corners of its own dissemination. Suggested further reading: - 1. Abu al-Hasan Zayd Faruqi: Hazrat Mujaddid And His Critics, (Translation, Mir Zahid Ali Kamil), Lahore, 19822. ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlwi: Majmu al-Makatib etc. Dehli, 19133. ‘Abd al-Qadir Badauni: Muntakhib al-Tawarikh, (Urdu tr.), Lahore, 19624. Ahmad Sirhindi: Maktubat, vol. I, II, III, Karachi, 19725. A.H. Rizwi: Muslim Revivalist Movement, Lucknow, 19966. Badr al-Din Sirhindi: Hazrat al-Quds, (Urdu tr.), vol. II, Lahore, 19227. Burhan Ahmed Faruqi: Mujaddid’s conception of Tawhid, Lahore, 19478. Jawaid Iqbal Mazhari etc: Jahan-i-Imam-i-Rabbani Mujaddid Alf-i-Thani, 7 volumes, Karachi, 20059. Habib al-Haq Nadvi: Islamic Resurgent Movement, Durban, 198710. I.H.Qureshi: Ulema In Politics, Karachi, 197211. Iqbal: the Reconstruction of Religious thought in Islam, Lahore, 194412. Jahangir: Tuzak-i-Jahangiri, Lucknow13. Muhammad Aslam: Din-i-Ilahi Aur Uska Pasa-i-Manzar, Lahore, 196914. Muhammad Hashim Kishmi: Zubda al-Maqamat, Kanpur, 188915. Muhammad Mas‘ud Ahmed: Seerat-i-Mujaddid-i-Alf-i-Thani, Karachi, 197616. Muhammad Mas‘ud Ahmed: The Influence of Hazrat Mujaddid Alf-i-Thani on Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Karachi, 1996 17. Nizam al-Din: Tabaqat-i-Akbari, Lucknow, 187518. Yohannan Friedmann: Shaykh Ahmed Sirhindi, London, 1971

Coutesy: Idara Masudia http://www.almazhar.com/bio_s_ahmed_sarhandi.php

HAZRAT KHAWAJA BAQI BILLAH R.A. - IDARA MASUDIA

HAZRAT KHAWAJA BAQI BILLAH R.A.
By Prof. Khalid Bashir

Khawaja Baqi Billah was the originator and pioneer of the Naqshbandia Order in the sub-continent. His name was Razi-ud-Din Muhammad Baqi but he was commonly known as Khwaja Baqi Billah His father Qazi Abdul Salam Khilgi, Samarkandi Qureshi was a famous scholar and saint of Kabul. KHAWAJA BAQI BILLAH was born at Kabul in 971A.H or 1563A.D. His lineage reaches Kh. Ubaid Ullah Ahrar R.A. through his maternal grandfather. His grandmother came of a Syed family. Hazrat Baqi Billah was admitted to the school of Khawaja Saad at five to learn the Holy Quran. He learnt by heart when he was eight years old. After getting elementary education, he went to Maulana Sadiq Hilvahi R.A.., a famous scholar at the age of 30. Saintliness was reflected from his face from his early childhood. He liked solitude and simple life. He went to Mavara-un-Nahr, which was considered as the centre of Muslim saints at that time. There he met a large number of Sufis and Saint from whom he gathered a lot of spiritual knowledge. Firstly, he attended Khawaja Ubaid R.A. a spiritual caliph of Maulana Lutf Ullah but he was not satisfied. Then he stayed with Hazrat Sheikh Samarkandi who prayed for him but even in his company he did not get the requisite satisfaction. Thereafter, he attended the company of Hazrat Ameer Abdullah Balkhi R.A. from whom he got a little peace of mind. During the period of learning, he was going through a book on Sufisim. Suddenly, he saw that the place was illuminated with light. He saw that Khawaja Baha-ud-Din Nashbandi R.A. was standing before him and showering spiritual favour on him. After this incident, his heart was filled with the love of Allah and the Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alyhe Wasalam. He wandered from Central Asia to India He traveled to Lahore and Multan on foot. Once, when he was offering prayers in a mosque at Lahore, a terrible voice rose from his heart. All the people in the mosque felt terrified. Hazrat Khawaja left the mosque at once after completing his prayers. One of his devotees narrated that, once, when Hazrat Khawaja R.A. was leading prayers, he was looking to Qibla as well as to the people behind. After the prayers Hazrat Khawaja Sahib R.A. advised his devotees not to divulge this secret to anyone else. Hazrat Khawaja Baqi Billah was blessed with great spiritual qualities because of his extra-ordinary love for and obedience to the Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alyhe Wasalam once related that a painful voice came out of the holy heart of the Holy Prophet Sallalaho Alyhe Wasalam while he was offering the prayers. He could see before himself and behind himself at one and the same time. Hazrat Khawaja Baqi Billah once travelled to Mavara-ur-Nahr. On his way, he dreamt that Hazrat Khawaja Amkangi R.A. was calling him and waiting for him anxiously. So, he went to see him at his abode and stayed there for three days. Khawaja Amkangi R.A. blessed him with his Khilafat (spiritual caliphate) and said: "Go to India because this Order (Naqshbandia Silsila) will be established there by you" Hazrat Khawaja Baqi Billah humbly said to his spiritual guide that he could not do that difficult task, but Khawaja Amkangi R.A. insisted and ordered him to get guidance from "Istikharah" (prayer for getting judgment from Allah), Hazrat Khawaja performed "Istikhara". In a dream he saw a parrot sitting on the branch of a tree. He thought that if the parrot sat on his hand, he would consider this journey as a lucky one. No sooner did this thought flashed across his mind, than the parrot flew towards him and perched on his hand. Hazrat Baqi Billah put his saliva into its beak whereas the parrot put sugar into his mouth.Next morning Hazrat Baqi Billah related the whole dream to his guide, who said that he should act in the light of the Istkhara. So, his guide ordered him to leave for India at once. Under the instructions of his guide, he travelled to India and stayed at Lahore for a year. Here a lot of scholars and nobles of the city met him and got spiritual blessings from him. Then he proceeded to Delhi and stayed at Qilla Ferozabad. It was a beautiful place situated on the band of River Jamna. He set up his dwelling in a mosque over there. Sardar Ali Ahmed Khan has highlighted the politico-religious trends of India at the time of Hazrat Khawaja Baqi Billah at page 92 of his book. "The Naqshbandis" as under: "Emperor Akbar's reign (1556-1605) was mostly marked with denial and heresy. In the beginning. Akbar was a Sunni Muslim but under the influence of his tutor Abtul Latif he adopted very liberal views and became a liberal thinker. During his reign he was surrounded by Hindu nobles and scholars as well as by his Hindu wives who had influenced his religious views to a great extent. Faizi and Abw-al-Fazal, two of his couriers, had wormed themselves into his confidence. They enjoyed his patronage, and adroitly influenced and determined his views. Unique in learning and scholarship, they were selfish, and intent upon worldly gains. Asna-Ashrite (a sect of Shite) in their religious views, they did not like that the Sunni Ulama, by gaining the emperor's confidence, should gain precedence over them. Accordingly, they persuaded the ignorant king to introduce Din-i-Ilahi, (Divine monotheism) in the year 1581 A.D, investing him with the rank of a prophet, and Abu-al-Fazl becoming the vice-regent in this respect. Before his evil influence, Akbar held the Ulama in deep respect. As is well known, Jahangir was born in response to Sheikh Salim Chistee's prayer in whom Akbar had profound faith. He also went on foot from Agra to Ajmer for thanks-giving at Khwaja Muinuddin Chistee's Dargah and to reiterate his faith in him. But after the introduction of Din-i-Ilahi, he tried to deform Islam. Like the Hindus, he marked his forehead with the Qashqa (to mark forehead), worshipped the sun, and married daughters of the Hindu Rajas and kept dogs and pigs as pets. Instigated by Abu Al-Fazl, he asked the Ulama to subscribe to Din-i-Ilahi, and on their refusal, they were expelled from the court. All the same, there were some self-seeking Ulama who embraced Din-i-Ilahi and issued Fatawas (decrees) in support of Akbar's anti-Islamic activities. They accepted him as the supreme head of religion and grand arbiter in spiritual and religious controversies." Hazrat Khwaja Baqi Billah strengthened the Naqshbandia Order in India. His contacts with the nobility of the Mughal Empire proved useful for the reformation of the Muslims of India. He took bold steps and played a heroic role to stop the prevailing heresy known as Din-i-Ilahi. His writings and counsels encouraged the people to combat this very innovation. The nobility also favoured him and he used their power for the betterment of the Muslims. He stressed on Sharia during the whole of his life and influenced the people by virtue of his piety and his strict adherence to the Sunnah. He preferred Sharia to Tariqah (Sufism) and reformed the Sufis and Ulama of that time. Khwaja Muhammad Kishmi, a disciple of Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Sani, writes about the achievements of Hazrat Baqi Billah as under: “Probably his greatest achievement is that in two or three years, he firmly established the Naqshbandi Order in India, whereas others of the same Order lagged behind and worked for many years". A tribute higher than, the following one paid by Hazrat Mujaddid Ali Sani R.A. to Hazrat Baqi Billah cannot be paid to any one else:"I am convinced that such training as I received from him has hardly been given by anyone else after the Holy Prophet Salallaho Alyhe Wasalam. I did not enjoy the Prophet's company but I thank Allah, I was not denied the honour of Khwaja Baqi Billah's R.A. Company." In fact, extra-ordinarily firm faith in the supremacy of God Almighty and strict adherence to Sunnah had elevated Hazrat Baqi Billah to such heights of spiritual excellence as could not be attained by any other saint of the Naqashbandi Order. He is indisputably, reckoned to be the greatest herald and torch-bearer of the Order, which he practised. He is incomparable and a class apart in his own line All words, deeds and actions of Hazrat Baqi Billah which were in the wake of the Holy Prophet Sallalho Alyhe Wasalam, worked miracles quite spontaneously. Many of his miracles, reflecting his immense love for his fellow beings and exhibiting his sympathy with other creatures of Allah Almighty adorn the pages of books, which have been written on him. Since it is difficult to mention all his miracles in this short article, only a few of them have been related as under: One, late at night, a few guests of Hazrat Baqi Billah came to see him. Since no foodstuff was available at home, he asked the baker, who held Hazrat Baqi Billah in great esteem and reverence, to serve the guests as directed. After having served the guests, the baker appeared before Hazrat Baqi Billah and demanded his remuneration. Hazrat Sahib asked the baker how much he was to pay for the dinner. On his own part, he tried to pay the price of the dinner but the baker declined to accept the remuneration in terms of money. The baker requested Hazrat Baqi Billah to make him just like him. Out of great love, which Hazrat Baqi Billah cherished for his fellow beings. Hazrat Baqi Billah took the baker into his (Hujra) room, embraced him, and transformed him into his own facimile When Hazrat Baqi Billah and the baker came out of the room, both of them resembled each other so closely that it was difficult for the people to distinguish between the two. The only difference between them was that whereas the actual Baqi Billah performed his duties, as usual, in a normal way, the transformed Baqi Billah lay lost in trance. Being unable to bear the stress of the great spiritual blessing showered upon him, the baker expired after three days. Another miracle, showing Hazrat Baqi Billah's love for any sympathy with other creatures of God, deserves special mention. It is said that one night Hazrat Baqi Billah after having offered his Tahajad prayers, stepped towards his bed to take some rest. To his great surprise, he saw a cat couching in his bed. Blessed and gifted as Hazrat Baqi Billah was with a kind and benign heart, he did not disturb the cat. He quietly sat down on the floor and passed the rest of the night in the chilly winter, whereas the cat enjoyed a sound sleep till morning. According to Hazrat Khwaja Baqi Billah Tovakkal (trust in Allah) does not mean that a person should not earn his living and become idle. This would be an act of disobedience to Allah. A person should do some work to earn his living, and should have a strong faith that only Allah is the Sustainer. Work is just like a source, mediation or an intersessor. There is a great moral lesson for our modern youths to learn from the philosophy and preaching of this great saint. In fact, according to all Nashbandi Sufis and saints, escape from the struggle of life is a cowardly and a selfish act. According to Hazrat Khwaja Baqi Billah R.A a hermit lives in a world of dreams, whereas to the adventurous and the brave, this world offers a splendid scope to struggle for existence. Sardar Ali Ahmed Khan, has remarked as under: "Judged by results, the greatest event of the life of Hazrat Baqi Billah. was the enrolment of Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Sani as his disciple in 1599."
Hazrat Khwaja Baqi Billah R.A went his way to eternity on 25 Jamadi-ul-Sani 1012 A.H. or 1603 A.D. His grave is situated in Delhi near the Qadam Sharif (foot-prints) of the Holy Prophet Sallalho Alyhe Wasalam at a platform. No dorne was constructed over his grave according to his will. There is no tree to cast a shadow on the grave. In spite of this, the visitors do not feel the effect of heat when they stand barefooted beside the grave.

BIBLIOGRAPHY- M. Ikram: Maadn-e-Karm. Aastana Aalia Hazrat Karman wala Okara 2001, A.D.S. Zarwar Hussain: Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Sani Karachi 1989. Masadn-e-Karam P.293.Sardar Ali Ahmed Khan: The Naqshbandis Sharaqpur Sharif-1992.

Coutesy: Idara Masudia http://www.almazhar.com/bio_hazrat_k_baqibillah.php

Khwaja Muhammad Zahid (Q) -Luari Sharif Dargah

Khwaja Muhammad Zahid (Q) was the most glorious disciple of Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar (Q). He belonged to Samarqand and descendant of the daughter of Hazrat Yaqoob Charkhi. He met Khwaja Ahrar (Q) in village of Shadiman while on his journey to Herat, Afghanistan circa 895 AH., or 1490 A.D.Khwaja Zahid (Q) went to visit Khwaja Ahrar (Q) when he was in the village for some personal engagement. Khwaja Ahrar (Q) read his intentions and asked Khwaja Zahid (Q) that there was no need to go to Herat. Despite deepest impression of spiritual power of Khwaja Ahrar, Khwaja Zahid (Q) was still intending to go to Herat but not without permission of Khwaja Ahrar.One day Khwaja Ahrar (Q) called him and took him to his place. Khwaja Ahrar (Q) took hold of his hand and Khwaja Zahid (Q) immediately achieved. This way Khwaja Ahrar (Q) entered Khwaja Zahid (Q) into the laity of Naqshbandia Saints.Khwaja Ahrar (Q) granted him permission to leave for Herat with certain admonishments to avoid: company of corrupt scholars who exploit religion; the dancing Sufis, who are like children; and, arguments of the philosophers and the people who understand nothing of Tassawwuf (Sufism).Khwaja Zahid (Q) headed towards Bukhara but he returned back from Tashkent to Samarqand where Khwaja Ahrar (Q) lived. For many years, Khwaja Zahid (Q) lived in Samarqand with him, until Khwaja Ahrar (Q) left this world.Shaikh Muhammad Zahid (Q) died on Rabi-al-Awwal 12, 936 AH., or November 3, 1529 A.D., in Samarqand. He was succeeded by to his nephew, and his pious deputy Darvesh Muhammad Samarqandi (Q).

Source: Luari Sharif Dargah; https://www.luarisharif.net/

Hazrat Yaqoob Charkhi (Q) -Luari Sharif Dargah

Hazrat Yaqoob Charkhi (Q) was born in Charkh, a suburb of Ghazni, between the two cities of Qandhar and Kabul. In his youth, he went to Herat for education. Later, he also went to Egypt where he learned the Islamic sciences and courses of logic. He conned Holy Qur'an as well as 500,000 Hadiths, both the authentic or the dubious. One of his teachers was Shihabuddin Shirawani, known as living encyclopedia during his time. He excelled in education and was allowed to issue Fatwa (decree).After completing worldly education, the spark of attaining spiritual light kindled in his heart. Once in Fatahabad, where he lived at that time, he was meditating towards shrine of Shaikh Alam Saiful Haq Bakhirzi (R), he was revealed to go to Khwaja Naqshbandi (Q). He took journey to Qasr Arifan and subordinated to his allegiance and was blessed by his training. At the time of Khwaja Naqshband's (Q) demise, he was in town of Kash, so grieved and disappointed over the demise of Khwaja Naqshband (Q), he decided to join some other spiritual guides but again Khwaja Naqshband (Q) revealed him to go to Khwaja Attar (Q). Later he had his completion under the guidance of Khwaja Attar (Q).Hazrat Yaqoob Charkhi (Q) passed away in the village of Hulaftu, on Safar 5, 851 AH. or April 22, 1447 A.D. He had many deputies. He was succeeded by Khwaja Ahrar (Q).--

Courtesy:Luari Sharif Dargah

https://www.luarisharif.net/

Hazrat Ubaidullah Ahrar (Q) - Luarisharif.net

Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar (Q) was born in the village of Shash in Ramadan, 806 AH., or March 1403 A.D. His father was a prominent dervish. He was brought up in Tashkent by his uncle Ibrahim Shashi, a great scholar of his time who gave him early education. When he graduated in the worldly sciences, his uncle sent him to Samarqand for acquiring heavenly knowledge.The signs of sainthood were visible in him since his childhood. Khwaja Ahrar (Q) used to say: "from the age of three years, I was in the Presence of Allah. When I studied the Qur'an with my teacher my heart was in God's Presence. I used to think that all people were like that."Initially, he joined the disciples of Nizamuddin Khamush in Samarqand who was a prominent saint of his time and deputy of Khwaja Ahrar. At the age of 22, he went to Bukhara and outside Bukhara the city met Shaikh Sirajuddin Birmisi. After a brief stay with Shaikh Birmisi, he continued his journey to Bukhara.Here he found the favourable tutelage of Shaikh Alauddin Ghajdwani. Khwaja Ghajdwani was an excellent and exceptional orator. When Khwaja Ahrar met Khwaja Ghajdwani, he was 90, then. Khwaja Ghajdwani, despite of being old age, never discontinued the recitation, nor he refrained from making his auspicious company with his disciples and pupils. Khwaja Ahrar received the spiritual mass from Khwaja Ghajdwani, while both were busy in meditation at the grave of Shah Naqshband.Later on, he went to Khurasan via Merv. He reached Herat and stayed over there for four years with Syed Kasim Tabrizi, In Herat, he heard praise of Khwaja Yaqoob Charkhi (Q). He decided to benefit from him and started journey to Hulaftu and subordinated to him.Service to the humankind, physically or spiritually, was his motto. There were numerous instances of his benevolence. He used to say: "To help and serve people is better than recitation and meditation. Some people think that to do the supererogatory Sunnah is better than serving and helping those in need. It is our view, however, that to take care of people and to help them and to show them love is better than anything else." "...I didn't take this Tariqah from books, but I pursued this Tariqah by serving people." " I entered this Spiritual Order through the door of service." "...Sufism requires you to carry everyone's burdens and not to put yours on anyone."Khwaja Ahrar (Q) authored many books on Sufism and the knowledge relating to seeking closeness of Allah. Besides, he also established a big school and mosque which are still a centre of learning.Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar (Q) died on Saturday, Rabi ul-Awwal 29, 895 AH,. or February 20, 1490 A.D., in Samarqand after Isha prayer. His funeral attracted all and sundry. King Ahmad of Samarqand along with his troops also attended the funeral. The sultan carried his coffin. He was laid to rest in Samarqand.He gave the Noor of The Naqshbandia order to Shaikh Muhammad Zahid Qadi Samarqandi (Q).----

Courtesy:Lauri Sharif http://www.luarisharif.net/hahrar.htm