THE REVERED SAINTS RESTING IN THE MAUSOLEUM OF PIR DASTGEER SAHIB

KHANYAR SHARIEF.
Ala Inna Awliya Allahu la khawfun alaihim wala yahzanoon – (Holy Quran)
Indeed Allah’s friends have no fear nor are they grieved.
HAZRAT SAKHI SHAH MOHAMMAD FAZIL QADIRI GILANI (RA)
The celebrated ancestor and founder of the Sadat-i-Gilani of Khanyar Sharief was Hazrat Sakhi Shah
Mohammad Fazil Qadiri (RA), who migrated from Peshawar to Kashmir in 1092 AH along with his
brother Hazrat Shah Abul Hasan (RA). The later returned to Peshawar on the spiritual direction of
Hazrat Gaus-ul Azam (RA). Thus Shah Fazil stayed here to promote Silsila Qadiria and to shower
spiritual blessings on his disciples. Initially Shah Sahib rested at Idgah Srinagar along with about a
hundred family members and servants. An influential citizen of the time Abdul Qadir Khan Chewoo
became a devout disciple of Shah Sahib and offered some of his houses and land at Khanyar Sharief
to his revered Pir Sahib. In fact Khanyar name had got derived from the name of Khan Abdul Qadir
Khan who lived there. The mohalla Khanyar became the centre for attraction to the general public
and many scholars and sufi saints stayed there to receive the spiritual guidance from their master
Shah Fazil Sahib. Miracles performed by Shah Sahib can form a volume. His Shajra Nasb (family
tree) meets Hazrat Gausul Azam (RA) , who is reported to have guided and visited him spiritually on
many occasions calling him (Ya Waladi)- O’my son. Hazrat Shah would often remain busy in
prayers and possessed a donating hand. He would distribute whatever he received from any source.
That is why he was called ‘SAKHI PADSHAH’-the giver king. He passed away on 9th Jameed-ul-
Awal 1117 AH and was buried in the mausoleum at Khanyar Sharief Srinagar. He was followed by
Sayid Mahmood (RA) as his successor.
SAYID GHULAM-UD-DIN AZAD (RA)
He was the son of Sayid Mahmood (RA) son of Sayid Abdul Qadir known as Sayid Padshah. He
became the successor of Sayid Mahmood and was born in 1146 AH and remained under the guidance
of his grandfather from mothers side Shah Mohammad Gaus Lahori (RA) and selected his pen name
as ‘Azad’. He was a great Sufi, scholar and renowned poet of his time. The present mausoleum and
khanqah was got constructed by him and he has written its date as:
Saal-i-tarikh ein bina Azad—– Guft shud khanqah-i-Gilani (1172 H)
He passed away on 18th Jamid-ul-Awal 1202 H and was buried near his ancestors.
HAZRAT SAYID BUZARAG SHAH QADIRI (RA)
He was the renowned son of Hazrat Azad and attained a stage of spiritual excellence under the
guidance of Noor-ud-Din Pampori. He was unparalleled in offering free donations and maintained
grandeur, which surprised people of the time. Many jagirs were assigned to him by the rulers of the
time and a ‘langar khana’-free kitchen was established by him where the poor, needy and orphans
would get meals at both the times of the day. The scholars and mashaikhs would be given
scholarships. Despite all this pomp and show, he would himself engage in prayers day and night. The
ruler of the time Sardar Abdullah Khan was his favourite disciple, who revered his Pir with great
reverence. It was in his time that in 1221 AH an Afghan citizen brought ‘Moi Mubarak’ of Hazrat
Gaus-ul Azam with him, which was purchased by Sardar Abdullah Khan for Rs. 11000/- after due
verification and was gifted by him to his revered Pir Sahib. Sayid Buzarag Shah got constructed a
grand khanqah in honor of the relic, where it was put to public display on Urs days. Hazrat Buzarag
Shah (RA) passed away on 4th Rajab 1233 AH and was buried near his ancestors.
SAYID HASAN QADIRI (RA)
He was the favourite son of Hazrat Buzarag Shah Qadiri, equipped with unique combination of
knowledge within and without. He was married to the daughter of Raja Teg Singh of Kishtwar. He
breathed his last in his prime youth on Friday and was buried in the graveyard of his ancestors. He
was instrumental in freeing Khanqahi Mualla from Sikh occupation. His chronogram is recorded in a
hand written manuscript of our ancestors with due calculations:
Shab buwad Shab-i-Barat wa tarikhash dil ba Ah guft— Azad shud Aan Buzarag Sayid ze wajood
dar roz-i-hasan (1241 H)
MIR YASIN QADIRI (RA)
Hazrat Hasan Qadiri had no issue. The next successor was Hazrat Mir Yasin Qadiri who was from
the progeny of Shah Abul Hasan brother of Shah Mohammad Fazil and was the grandson of Hazrat
Buzarg Shah. He remained under the guidance of his maternal uncle Sayid Hasan Qadiri. He was
unique in his abstinence and free donations. He succeeded his maternal uncle on his death and
expanded the ancestral constructions, besides beautifying the Ziarat. He became very popular and
Dogra rulers Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Maharaja Partap Singh honoured him extensively. The
jagirs fixed for Langar Khana was also increased.
Since the khanqah needed further expansion, the work was carried out by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl in
1294 AH after spending about Rs. 45,000/- only, besides making it more attractive to look.
Mir Yasin Qadiri passed away in 1305 H.
MIR SAYID AHMAD GILANI
He was extremely God-fearing and pious and passed away when his father Mir Yasin Qadiri was still
living. This shock turned Mir Yasin Qadiri in to gloom, but he would not make others feel about it.
MIR HASAN SHAH GILANI
He was the son of Mir Ahmad Sahib. He was brought up by his grandfather Mir Yasin Sahib with
great care and equipped him with outer and inner blessings. He was good natured and donorlike his
ancestors. He had sufficient hold on Arabic and Persian knowledge. He maintained the langar khana
as before and would distribute ‘Pulav’ among Pirs on Urs days. He would pay in kind the wages to
the up keepers of the ziarat and others concerned. He was against the collection of ‘nazr wa niyaz’ or
donations from the people. He transferred all his property and jagirs to his progeny to make it safe
from the hands of the rulers, so that the langar khana continues to run.
MIR MAQBOOL GILANI
Mir Hasan Shah had three sons: Mir Maqbool Gilani, Mir Ghulam Husain Gilani and Mir Mohi-ud-
Din Gilani. All the three brothers passed away. Out of all these three brothers, only Mir Mohi-ud-Din
had chidren. His son Sayid Masood-ul-Hasan Gilani is the Sajjada Nisheen and organizer of Ziarat
Khanyar Sharief. Mir Maqbool Gilani passed away as a migrant at Rawalpindi.The other brothers are
buried in their ancestoral graveyard at Khanyar.
An unfortunate fire accident burnt the Khanqah of Pir Dastgeer Sahib recently, which sent shock
waves among all those who revere this place due to the centuries of attachment and its sacred history.
Though efforts are on to make a replica of the Khanqah that existed before the fire accident, yet we
shall miss the blood and soul that was put by our ancestors, be it artisans, calligraphers, carpenters,
masons, painters etc. most of the time voluntarily. Let us hope that due precautions are taken to
prevent recurrence of such accidents in all the structures of our reverence and heritage.
THE ZIARAT OF KHWAJA NAQSHBAND AT KHWAJABAZAR SRINAGAR
Posted on December 24, 2011 by shahishaharyar
Standard
4 Votes
HAZRAT KHWAJA MOIN-UD-DIN NAQSHBANDI (RA) (d. 1085 H)
After screening the facts from the recorded history, it appears to be authentic that Hazrat Khwaja
Khawand Mahmood migrated from Kashghar, Bukhara to Gujrat in in the reign of Akbar.
The author of Tuhfa Naqshbandya Kh. Abdur-Rahman Naqshbandi writes about his ancestor:
Mahboobi Ilahi Hazrat Khwaja Khawand Mahmood Naqshbandi entered this paradise in 1010 H in
the reign of Akbar, by the route of Gujarat and in 1017 H constructed ‘Khanqah Faiz Panah’ in
Mohalla Sikandar Pora, now known as Khwaja Bazar and appointed his son Hazrat Kh. Moin-ud-Din
as his successor for the propagation of Naqshbandi order and as caretaker of Naqshbandi Khanqah
and that of the jagirs attached to it. Himself he settled in Lahore in the reign of Shah-i-Jahan (1037-
1076), When Zafar Khan Ahsan was the Governor of Kashmir. He settled in Dar-us Saroor Lahore,
where his other sons were residing. He got constructed a Jami Mosque and a Madrasa at Begum-Pora
Lahore near Shalimar Garden there. He died there in 1052 H.
Kh. Azam Dedmri writes in ‘Waqat-i-Kashmir’:
In the Mohalla where his progeny resides, he got constructed a Khanqah for his disciples, where
there was actually the house of the King of Kashmir Husain Shah and built a small mosque. When
the Naqshbandi order progressed and the circle of disciples expanded, he intended to construct a vast
Khanqah and it is said he was blessed in a dream by Prophet Muhammad (PBH) and got shifted the
Khanqah of Hazrat Mir Baba Uwaisi at Isham village and a small mosque was built in its place at
Isham. Tarikh-i-Hasn states that Husain Shah Chak had established a vast garden near the ziarat of
Hazrat Kh. Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi and had passed a water channel (Lachma Khul) through it with
installation of fountains and in the Mughal period Hazrat Kh Khawand Mahmood occupied it and
constructed a Khnqah in it.
The records of history reveal that Hazrat Khwaja MOIN-UD-DIN NAQSHBANDI (RA) had entered
Kashmir in 1010 H in the reign of Akbar, along with his father Hazrat Khwaja Khawand Mahmood
(RA) and his family but had to leave Kashmir along with his father and reside at Lahore on the royal
orders and later on Kh. Moin-ud-Din returned to Kashmir for permanent settlement and to propagate
Naqshbandi order and look after the affairs of Khankahs and the disciples. Besides propagation of
Naqshbandi order, he performed the job of writing books and took care of Khankahs and after his
death , when all his three sons had died in his very life-time, the affairs were managed by his pious
wife named GUL BEGUM- ( the daughter of Awrangzeb’s sister wedded to Kh. Abdur-Rahim
Dahbidi ). Besides his grandson Kh. Nizam-ud-Din was too young to take this huge responsibility.
Histories are surprisingly silent about the details of the efforts made by Kh. Moin-ud Din Naqshbandi
in propagation of Naqshbandi order, his teaching of disciples in Khanqah, sermons and other
engagements, but whatever details could be obtained are mentioned here-under:
Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi got educated and initiation under the famous Islamic
Muhaddis Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlavi. He obtained knowledge of Hadis also from
him. Initial education he had received from his father. After obtaining the certificate of Fiqh and
Hadis from Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlavi, he got engaged in the religious engagements and
when he shifted from Lahore to Kashmir for staying permanently and to promote Naqshbandi order
as recorded in various histories of Kashmir- all the known Scholars, Fuqaha, Fuzala called on him
and their association continued with him till the last day. Among these renowned scholars were
Mulla Mohammad Tahir ( son of renowned Fazil, Faqih, Scholar Moulana Haidar Allama- who too
was the disciple of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlavi and a handwritten manuscript copy
of Sheikh Muhaddis Dehlavi in five orders-(Qadirya, Shazilya, Madinya, Chistya and Naqshbandya)
bestowed to Allama Haidar bin Feroz Kashmiri, is presrved in our library as our ancestor Sheikh
Mohammad Moomin Shah Sayid Suhrawardy was a contemporary of Allama Haidar and a direct
disciple of Allama Baba Dawood Khaki (RA)), Mulla Abul Fatah kaloo, Mulla Yousuf Muddarris,
Mulla Abdul Gani, Sheikh Ahmad Mufti, Kh Allama Haidar Charkhi (mentioned above) and other
religious scholars. Religious discourses were held with these great scholars and guidance to the
thirsty seekers of the way was also thus provided. It was after the intercourse with such scholars that
Kh. Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi produced the book FATAWA NAQSHBANDIYA.
Some of the disciples of Kh. Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi (RA) who are mentioned in various
references are: Moulana Abdul Hakim son of Kh. Abdul Kareem Bandey Baldimiri, Akhoond Mulla
Tayyib (Sayid), Mulla Abd-ur-Rahim Faffoo, Kh Haidar Natnoo Allama–also disciple of Sheikh
Muhaddis Delavi, Moulana Abul Fatah Kaloo -also disciple of Kh Haidar Natnoo Allama (as stated
above). The other scholars associated with the Naqshbandi Khanqah were: Mir Mohammad Ali Qari
(d.1070 H), Mulla Husain Khubbaz (d.1189H)), Shah Mohammad Sadiq Qalandar (d 1093), Hazrat
Kh. Ahmad Yasvi Naqshbandi (d1114 H), Sheikh Abdur-Rahim Qadiri, Mulla Abdur-Razak Gojwari
(1122H), Mulla Kazim Chaoo (d 1120 H), Mulla Mohammad Abid Topigaroo (d. 1122 H) etc.
The other authored by Kh. Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi are mentioned in the history as: Fatawa
Naqshbandiya, Kanzul Saadah, Miratul Qaloob, Sair-i- Khairul Bashar, Mirat-u-Tayibah, Risal dar
Ahwal-i- Khwaja khawand Mahmood, Maqamat, Mashariqul Anwar, Risala dar-raddi-Mulahidah,
Tafsir-i-Mushif Majeed and Risala Raddi Shahtiyat-i- Mulla Akhoond Shah
Kh. Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi has connected his family tree upto Hazrat Qutb-ul-Irshad Kh. Ala-ud-
Din Attar who was married to the daughter of Hazrat Kh. Baha-ud-Din Naqshband (RA). THe chain
is as: Hazrat Kh. Khawand Mahmood s/o Hazrat Mir Sayid Shareef s/oKh Zia-ud-Din s/o Mir
Mohammad Naqshbandi s/o Kh Taj-ud-Din s/o Kh. Ala-ud-Din s/o Kh Husain s/o Kh Ala-ud-Din
Attar (RA)
The chain of initiation is from Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Qazi Khalifa of Hazrat Kh Ubaidullah
Ahrar detailed as: Hazrat Kh. Khawand Mahmood- Khalifa of Kh Ishaq- Khalifa of his father
Moulana Khwajagi Sayid Ahmad Kasani- Kh/o Moulana Lutfullah kh/o Makhdoom Khwajagi
Ahmad Kasani- Kh/0 Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Qazi- Kh/o Hazrat Qutb-ul-Urafa Khwaja
Ubaidullah Ahrar (RA)
With the efforts of his father the order of Naqshbandiya was revived in Kashmir after over 100 years.
His disciples were spread in Kashmir and Lahore, among whom was Hafiz Khadim of Lahore – a
famous person who was equipped with the exterior as well as the interior knowledge. Besides there
were others whose names are inscribed on the wall of Khanqah Naqshbandya and about some of
whom Kh Moin-ud-Din mentions in Maqamat.
When Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-Din reached the age of 70, signs of illness appeared on his body and
he passed away on 29th Muharram 1085 H and was burried in the Khanqah-i-Faiz Panah. Since then
every year on 29th Muharram falls his Urs day. The other Urs day of Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din
Naqshband of Bukhara (RA) – the founder of Naqshbandi order is celebrated on 3rd Rabi-ul-Awal
every year.
THE GREAT SAINT OF KULGAM SAYID HUSSAIN SIMNANI KULGAMI (RA) OF
8th CENTURY HIJRI.
THE GREAT MIRACLE OF QALANDAR-I-SADAT

From the very beginning, the Valley of Kashmir has remained the cradle of knowledge, awareness,
besides a centre of social and political activities. With the distinctive serene environment for prayers
and meditation, this peaceful land has been attracting from the earliest days, the Rishis, Munnis,
Zahids, Aabids and Pious people. So much so, that some research scholars have tried to prove, that
some great prophets have also blessed the soil of Kashmir with the honour of kissing their feet. It has
been revealed by traditions that prophets of such a high profile as Hazrat Sulaiman (AS), Hazrat
Musa (AS) and Hazrat Isa (AS) have placed their honoured steps on the soil of Kashmir. Besides the
process of the arrival of Prophets, Rishis, Munnis and Awliya-Allah followed by their temporary or
permanent settlement here, has continued for centuries together. The life of piety and abstinance of
Awlya-Allah and great religious and spiritual scholars has bestowed purity to the environment of
Kashmir which is pregnant with natural beauty. It has added to the wealth of the culture and
civilization of this place with high religious, spiritual, moral and social values. Due to persistent
efforts of these great personalities, with improving traditions of high spiritual, religious and morals,
this paradise like region is named as “Reshi-waer” i.e. the habitation of ‘pious-people.’
Among these very great men, perfect Awlya, and Qalandars, adored with purity was Hazrat Sayid
Muhammad Hussain Simnani (RA), who belongs to the Sayids of Simnaniah and is from the progeny
of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hazrat Sayid Mohammad Hussain Simnani was a great personality
as an abstainer, Pious, Aarif-billah, equipped with clairvoyance, miracles and spiritual powers. He
said good-by to his native country of Simnan as he had three times the vision of the Prophet (SAW)
in dreams, directing him to travel to India; in compliance to which, he left Simnan to reach India.
From Iran he travelled to Multan. Here he met Shah Rukn-ud-Din Multani (RA) and had a ‘bayat’
with him. On the invitation of Sultan Feroz-ud-Din Tagluk he rached Delhi along with his preceptor
and in compliance to the orders of his preceptor he stayed in Delhi to guide people on the straight
path. Feroz-ud-Din Taqluk bestowed him the city of Saman as ‘jagir’, where he chose to reside along
with his companions. In 1351 AH he went on pilgrimage to Hijaz, where he had a vision of Prophet
Muhammad (SAW), who directed him to travel to the country of Kashmir and along with it conveyed
him the blessings of the birth of a ‘Wali’ of Kashmir namely Hazrat Shaikh-ul-Alam (RA). His name
was suggested to be Noor-ud-Din and he was directed to impart him the spiritual training. After
performing Hajj, he reached back in Delhi, during this period the Sultan of Kashmir Shahab-ud-Din
was continuing with the conquest of other areas and had attacked Delhi. It was Hazrat Mir
Muhammad Husain Simnani who played a key role in making peace in the war field between Feroz-
ud-Din and Shahab-ud-Din. After getting impressed by his spiritual magnanimity, grace of a
Qalandar and all-over imposing personality, Shahab-ud-Din extended his invitation to him to come to
Kashmir.
Hazrat Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani entered Kashmir in 760 AH along with a group of Sayids
and made Kulgam in south Kashmir the centre of his ‘dawah’ activities. He conveyed a useful
message to Kashmiris through his versatile faith, Sufi behavior, far-sightedness and spreading love.
All his life he was a symbol, full of true love, determination and high morale. By his intelligence,
spiritual greatness, esoteric achievements and power of thought and action, he transformed the very
direction of Kashmir’s history. He left such indelible mark on the history of Kashmir,that will serve
as the everlasting torch-light for Kashmiri people. Whole of his life consisted of leading people on
right direction, setting right their affairs and remaining in service of people. He freed people of
Kashmir from superstitions and innovations and filled them with the light of faith. Many intuitions
and supernatural acts are attributed to him. He benefitted common and proper people with the
knowledge of shariat, tariqat, haqiqat and marifat and made the town of Kulgam the centre of
spreading the light. He introduced Lalla Ded with the intricacies of true Kalimah and trained Shaikh-
ul-Alam in his mental and spiritual education. After fourteen years of preaching and for the sake of
spreading the movement of truth throughout the valley, he invited his own cousin-brother Amir-i-
Kabir Mir Sayid Ali Hamadani (RA) in 774 AH, which reflects his insight, intelligence and foresight.
Qalandar-i-Sadat Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (QS) arrived in Kashmir
along with his brothers, other relatives and Sadat of Samana, for the purpose of preaching and
spread of the religion of Islam in 760 AH.
Before his arrival, Kashmiris were acquainted with Islam but the faith of Unity (Tawhid) had not
yet entered their hearts. They were ignorant of the reality of faith and the spirit of Islam. The
common people and Sultans of Kashmir were still following the un-Islamic principles. Stones,
trees, stars and deities were still being worshipped. The rulers were wearing un-Islamic dress and
were following non-shariah rituals.
On reaching Kashmir, the Shah-i-Simnan (RA) raised the true voice of Allah-o-Akbar. He
imparted the lessons of Unity and Truth-fulness. He enlightened the hearts of faithful with the
rays of knowledge of Allah (Marifat-i-Ilahi). He generated an overwhelming desire for faith
among Kashmiris and it was because of his very arrival in Kashmir region, that it reverberated
with the sounds of “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadun Rasoolallah” (SAW). Sayid Simnani (RA)
established a regular organization of the religion of Islam in Kashmir and appointed the
preachers of religion in every nook and corner. For himself, he fixed a place for preaching and
advice on the banks of River Veshav (present Kulgam), where even today the centre of preaching
and propagation is existing in the form of Masjid-i-Simnani.
By his presence, the shaking society of Kashmir became stable. The attitude of thought and
constitution of Kashmiris changed. The entire Valley resounded with the rhymes of Tawhid,
Tahlil and Tasbih along with the overwhelming music of waterfalls, and heart-rending flowing
rivers. He remained all-along very busy in convincing Sanyasis, Magicians, and Rishis. Some
got impressed by his dialogue, others by his miracles and some by his spiritual powers. The
destiny of most people, changed by his, Qalandari-vision.
In the Shah-i-Simnan’s gatherings of preaching and instructions, the great nobles of Kashmir
would also be attending. He was the chief guide of the nobles and the Sultans of this place and to
all of them, he would stress on becoming God-fearing, to follow justice and execute the works
for common benefit.
His follower Sultan Shahab-ud-Din was the first ruler to establish Islamic schools-(madrasas) in
Kashmir, where the teaching of Islamic knowledge was started in an organized manner. One of
the students of these madrasas became a great scholar-saint known as Imam-ul-Qura Abul
Mashaikh Hazrat Shaikh Usman (RA).
“Thus the Sultan was a patron of learned men, who opened a number of schools where the Quran
and Hadith was taught.”
In the reign of Sultan Qutb-ud-Din, an Islamic library was established here under the direction of
Hazrat Sayid Ali Hamadani (QS) and during the reign of same Sultan, an Islamic school-
(Madrasa) was established in Kashmir by the name of “Urwat-ul-Wusqa”, whose foundation was
laid by Sayid Jamal-ud-Din Muhaddis (RA). He had come to Kashmir along with Mir Sayid Ali
Hamadani (QS). Later on special attention was given towards establishment of many more
schools-(madrasas), hospitals, Khanqahs and Masjids. Yes this Shah-i-Simnan (RA) invited
Shah-i-Hamadan by sending an invitation letter to him informing him the prevailing situation of
this place and also in order to complete this great objective.
In other words, it were these two cousin brothers, who along with their companion Sayids, by
removing the dots of infidelity and darkness from the foreheads of Kashmiris, enrichid them for
ever, with the light of Tawhid and Sunnah and thus enrolled them among the men of faith-
(Mumins).
The miracles of Qalandar-i-Sadat Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (RA) are
numerous, but the greatest miracle of his is that on the one side this unique Qalandar by his
Qalandari power, controlled the kings and enriched them with the light of faith and direction of
Islam and on the other side after training thousands of Awlya in the spiritual knowledge and by
his grandeur of spiritual nearness to the Truth, he blessed them with the knowledge of Allah,
made them cross the stages of travel in space and in spaceless –(Tai-makan wa La-makan), and
other stages of “Salook”. Likewise, he guided perfectly the common people with the knowledge
of Shariat and acquainted them with the practice of Islamic ways.
It is quite difficult to find a parallel in Kashmir, of the contribution of reforming
mysticism-‘tasawuf’ and that of preaching of Islam adopted by him. Since he was full of the
benefits and blessings of Qadirya, Kubravia, Chishtya and Suhrawardya orders and he had most
perfect access to the stages of ‘fuqr’,’Uns’and ‘Rayat’ and would solve the problems of Shariah
in a prudent manner, he had thus a distinguished status among the topmost preceptors of Tariqat
and the scholars of Allah’s knowledge.
Thus this was a special miracle that in the presence of Qalandar-i-Sadat, every day infidels and
seekers of the path of Kashmir would come to pay their respects and accept Islam on his hand, as
is recorded in various histories of Kashmir like:-
‫ بہر روز از کافراں بے شمار‬----- ‫کرامت گشت آنچناں آشکار‬
‫ مسلمان شدند ے بطوع و رضا‬----- ‫کہ بر د و تشہد نمودہ ادا‬
‫ رہ دین و اسالم وایمان نمود‬----- ‫برآں باچو ابواب رحمت کشود‬
‫ بعرفاں رسیدند ازاں رہبری‬----- ‫برستند از کفر و از کافری‬
Hazrat Baba Dawood Mishkwati (RA) is full of praise in his great honor in his book as:-
‫ ڈر دل روشن دالں تخم محبت کا شتہ‬----- ‫آنکہ بر صلب و رخا دست تصرف داشتہ‬
‫حسین از دین لواء افراشتہ‬
ؑ ‫ حضرت سید‬----- ‫از ہمہ کون و مکان در حق نظر بگماشتہ‬
Hazrat Mirs Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (QS) passed away in the reign of Sultan
Sikandar the son of Sultan Qutb-ud-Din after a few months of his crowning in 792 AH/1390 AD.
In every century, every time when people faced some catastrophe, hardship, difficulty etc. they
have come from far of places on foot, weeping, wailing and crying in the honor of Qalandar-i-
Sadat and by his intercession in the presence of the Cherisher of the worlds, have found relief
from the catastrophe and hardships. The rich and poor of the world, kings and scholars or
reformers of the ‘Ummat’, whenever they come with their heads bowed down in humility in the
durbar-i-Qalandari, they immediately find their wishes fulfilled.
‫ جو بات مرد قلندر کی بارگاہ میں ہے‬----- ‫نہ تخت و تاج میں نہ لشکر و سپاہ میں ہے‬
Many Islamic schools (Darsgahs) are running around his blessed shrine on the presents made by
the people of whole town of Kulgam, in which is taught the knowledge of Quran, Hadith, Fiqh,
besides the prevalent courses of study useful for earning the livelihood. The income of this holy
shrine is spent to meet the expenses of Darasgahs, Masjids, Islamic libraries, besides many other
beneficial heads.
‫اولیاء ہرگز نمیرد‬
ؑ ‫ چراغ‬----- ‫اگر دنیا سراسر باد گیرد‬
A page from my translated book "Mir Sayid Mohammad Hussain Simnani RA")
About his Family Tree-(Shajra Nasb)
In the beginning of 8th century Hijri, this famous Qalandar was born on Thursday 11th Shaban, 701
AH / 1302 AD at the outskirts of Iran in a city named Simnan. His ancestors were the residents of
Herat city. In fact the city of Simnan became world-famous by the grace of such perfect Awlya-
Allah.
The family tree of unparalleled scholar of knowledge and practice, Sayid-us-Sadaat Qalandar reaches
up to Asadullah Alghalib, Hazrat Amir-ul-Moominin Ali-ibni-Talib (KW) by seventeen stages as
under:
01) Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani
02) Sayid Mohammad
03) Sayid Mohib-ud-Din
04) Sayid Ali
05) Sayid Yousuf
06) Sayid Ashraf
07) Sayid Muhibbullah
08) Sayid Muhammad II
09) Sayid Jafar
10) Sayid Abdullah
11) Sayid Muhammad
12) Sayid Hussain Ali
13) Sayid Hassan II
14) Sayid Jaffar Alhajja
15) Sayid Abdullah Zahid
16) Sayid Hassan
17) Sayid Imam Zain-ul-Abideen
18) Sayid –ush-Shuhada Imam Hussain
19) Moula Ali & Sayid-utn-nisa Hazrat Fatma-az-Zuhra d/o Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah(SAW)
This holy family tree is safely preserved free from any mistakes along with some valid manuscripts.
01) This correct handwritten manuscript, inherited from his ancestors by our friend Abdul Gani
Ahangar Sahib, has been got recorded by Hazrat Mir Sayid Hassan Sahib - the progeny of Hazrat
Sayid Hussain Simnani and he has put the seal of his ring at three places on this document and the
certificate of its autheticity clearly recorded in Persian language is there at its end.
02) The History of Kashmir by Hazrat Allama Azam Dedamari records this family tree in the same
order.
03) Moulana Noor-ud-Din Badakhshi, the khalifa of Hazrat Amir-i-Kabir Mir Sayid Ali Hamadani
(RA) has recorded the family tree of Hazrat Hamadani in the same order. It is thus clear that Hazrat
Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (RA) and Hazrat Mir Sayid Ali Hamadani have been cousin
brothers. Their mutual family tree meets Hasrat Sayid Ali as under:
Hazrat Sayid Ali
_____________I_______________
II
Sayid Mohibuddin (RA) Sayid Mohammad Salis (RA)
II
Sayid Mohammad Jaffar (RA) Sayid Shahab-ud-Din (RA)
II
Sayid Hussain Simnani (RA) Sayid Ali Hamadani (RA)
In short we got aware by these authentic certificates that Hazrat Hussain Simnani is born “Sayid” on
paternal as well as maternal side. That is why Hazrat Amir was thankful and feeling proud for this
holy and graceful family- tree and sometimes declared in poetry as under:
‫خیرۃ ہللا من الخلق ابی ثم امی وانا من الخیرین‬
‫فضۃ قد صبغت من ذھب وانا الفضۃ ابن الذھبین‬
‫من لہ جد کجدی مثلنا او کامی وانا من الخیرین‬
“My father and my mother are the better and elevated from the Allah’s creation”
“Silver can be plated with gold. So I am that silver which belongs to the kind of gold.”
“Is there any one, whose ancestor is like my great ancestor or whose mother is like that of mine? So,
I belong to best father and mother”
The Qalandar-i-Sadaat Hazrat Mir Sayid Muhammad Hussain Simnani (QS) is the priceless pearl of
this very golden chain, which is described as under:
Hazrat Ahmad Mujtaba Muhammad Rasoolullah (SAW)
Zainab Ummi-Kulsum Ruqqaia Fatima-zuhra Ibrahim Qasim Tayyib Tahir
w/o Amir-ul-Moominin Hazrat Ali (KW)
Imam Hussain (AS)
Imam Zain-ul-Aabideen
Sayid Hassan
Sayid Abdullah Zahid
Sayid Jaffar Alhajjah
Sayid Hassan II
Sayid Hussain Ali
Sayid Mohammad
Sayid Abdullah
Sayid Jaffar
Sayid Mohammad II
Sayid Muhibbullah
Sayid Ashraf
Sayid Yousuf
Sayid Ali
Sayid Mohibbuddin Sayid Mohammad Salis
Sayid Mohammad Jaffar Sayid Shahab-ud-Din
Mir Sayid Hussain Simnani Mir Sayid Ali Hamadani
Mir Sayid Hassan Simnani Mir Sayid Mohammad Hamadani
Sd. Shams-ud-Din Sd.Hussain Sd.Zirak Sd.Baqir Sd.Khalil Sd.Shams-ud-Din
So the holy family tree of Qalandar Sadaat is famous, and as evident as the light of the day. The
Awlya are the grace and honor of this world and also surely the shelter of peace for Muslims and
Moomins. But it is the demand of respect and honor, that we mention the first five of them, which is
though beyond doing justice, however at least an atom from the sun shall after becoming the cause of
observation and following for forgiveness of sins and also be worthwhile to the lovers in this world
and here-in-after. Aameen!
Er.Mohammad ashraf fazili sahb
HAZRAT KHWAJA BAHA-ud-DIN NAQSHBAND (RA) Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din bin
Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Muhammad Naqshband was born in 718 AH at Qasr-i-Arifan, a
village in Bukhara. Later on he shifted to Revertun village of Bukhara and spent his life there.
Certain sources mention him to be from the Husaini Sadat and his ancestor was named Muhammad,
titled Jalal-ud-Din. His ancestors were the followers of the Murshid of the Sufis of Khwajgan-
Khwaja Muhammad Babai Sammasi. The father of Khwja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad was known as
Baba Sahib Sarmast and lies buried in Samarqand..Little is known about his details except some brief
hints. He was having great regard for the saints of the time. Just after three days of his birth Hazrat
Baha-ud-Din was taken by his ancestor to Khwaja Muhammad Babai Sammasi for receiving his
blessings, who had come to Qasr-i-Arifan along with a group of his followers and he adopted Hazrat
Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad as his son, and he said that ‘he is my son and I have accepted him’
and foretold his followers that ‘this son shall be the leader of the time.’ He was married at the age of
18 years and in those very days he was blessed with remaining in the service of Khwaja Baba
Muhammad Sammasi, and on his passing away in 755 AH, his ancestor took him to Samarqand.
There he obtained blessings from the dervishes in his favour. On reaching maturity, he reached in the
service of Hazrat Amir Kalal, the successor of Babai Sammasi, who trained him in ‘zikr’ and thus he
got busy in prayers and ‘mujahada’. Hazrat Sayid Amir Kalal left no stone unturned in his education,
training and instructions as desired by his Murshid Khwaja Muhammad Sammasi. On completion of
his course, Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad desired to leave and on account of God- given
capability, the Murshid allowed him to try for higher perfection of self. Thereafter he served
Moulana Arif Deg-garai for seven years, besides spending several months with Shaikh Qasam of
Turkistan, who was associated with Khwaja Ahmad Yaswi and thereafter he spent twelve years in
the service of a Turkistani Murshid Khalil Aata. Some more period he spent with scholars, where he
learnt the knowledge of Hadith , besides he aquainted himself with the biographies of Sahaba
(Companions of the Prophet) Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din performed Hajj twice. In one of these
travels the king of Herat Muiz-ud-Din Husain bin Gayas-ud-Din gave a grand reception in his
honour, where he invited scholars of Herat and himself too enquired regarding issues about ‘Tariqat
and Irfan’. In the second travel for Hajj, he went to see the famous saint Hazrat Zain-ud-Din Abu
Bakr Taib-Abadi and remained in his company for three days. Hazrat Zain-ud-Din passed away in
791 AH. Besides these travels of Hajj, Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad Naqshband went to
meet great Mashaikh of Khurasan, Mavara-un-Nahar, Samarqand, Joi Mooliyan, Revartun, Bekand,
Tasaf, Simnan, Marv, Tus, Mashhad, Teyibad, Azyut, Karminya, Qashlaq-i-Khwaja Mubarak,
Qarshi, Kufeen, Qazeel Rabat, Kush,etc. Little is known about the family background of Hazrat
Khwaja Naqshband, though much has been written on Naqshbandi order. At last Hazrat Khwaja
Baha-ud-Din Muhammad Naqshband left this temporal world on Monday night of third Rabi-ul-
Awal 791 AH. His age was 73 years. He lies buried in his home town Bukhara. This village is now
known as Baha-ud-Din. Hazrat Khwaja Ala-ud-Din Attar states that “Hazrat Khwaja Naqshband was
miskeen (faqir) and had given up the world, relationship and had adopted a lonely life of
abistenance.His pious breaths were devoted to the grace of fuqur, darvishi and he would tell me with
great love, that whatever he had found, was found by him with it’s original attributes.” “There would
be dust in his house in winter, which would be falling from the mosque. In summer there would be an
old mat. He would always be careful in self-introspection and would be cautious about his diet. He
would often relate Hadith about pious (halal) diet. Inspite of being at the height of fuqr, he was full of
the desire for sacrifice and servitude.Whatever gift was brought to him, he would return a similar or
better gift, in keeping with the practice of the Prophet (PBH). He would entertain his guest with
befitting diet and would see that there is no laxity in making him at ease. He would provide his own
clothes/ coverings to cover the guest in his sleep to make him comfortable. Hazrat Khwaja would
grow his paddy/wheat himself from his fields. He would be cautious in the selection of seeds and the
selection of oxen with broad horns. Scholars coming in his service would eat from his kitchen,
considering it to be a blessing from him. His personality is described to be so impressive that King
and Amirs of Herat would remain dumbfounded on seeing him. He would be well dressed duly
scented, social with friends and guests,attendind domestic work himself,and would help his family in
other domestic works, would go to enquire about sick people, and would even provide advice
regarding their treatment, he would treat the wounds of animals,and would pray for the welfare of
faithful (moomin). He was a guide for the ettiquete, a Murshid to many hearts and would always
preach for just (hahal) diet and clean and pious life. He himself had attained the fame of a Perfet
friend of Allah (Wali), people like great scholars, Amirs, Wazirs,and even kings from far and wide
would attend his gatherings to receive his blessings. He would pray for their welfare and also for the
(taqwa)-abstinence of their hearts. Besides the hard prayers, he would follow in the footsteps of the
Prophet in all (Ibadat) prayers- he would be always with ablution (Wazoo), punctual in (prayers
(Salat) and recitation of Quran, repentance (Toba-Istigfar); Remembrance of Allah (Zikir); Awrad,-
wazaif, nawafil, tarawih; Tasabih, Tahajjud and fasting; in short he spent whole life in engaging
himself in these tasks, without wasting a moment. Khwaja Naqshband classified knowledge in three
categories: one is bookish knowledge, which perishes with the death of the writer and eating of the
book by moths; many such types of knowledge have come and are lost; the second form of
knowledge is that of verification. Again this too is not reliable as a theory put forward today is
disproved tomorrow. Yesterday we were told that sun is stationary, today we are told that it is
moving. Hence not reliable. The third form of knowledge niether needs books nor verification. It is
transfered from person to person and one must think that a person having this type of knowledge has
reached it’s climax, when he says that he knows nothing, as this knowledge is so vast that it has no
boundaries. Khwaja Naqshband says that being a student of this knowledge, time and distance is no
bar to him, that means he could travel both time and distance without means and that is the lowest
stage of this knowledge. The highest form of this knowledge is (The Miraj) the ascension performed
by the Prophet (PBH). The purpose of knowledge should be to take you to the Source of knowledge,
which is ALLAH. In India the Naqshbandi order was introduced by Hazrat Khwaja Razi-ud-Din
Muhammad Baqi known as Khwaja Baqi Billah. It was with his efforts lasting three to four years that
a strong foundation of the order was laid in India. Hazrat Baqi Billah was born in Kabul in 971 AH.
He received initial education from his father Qazi Abdul Salam Khilji followed by Moulana
Muhammad Siddiq Halwai, who took him to Mavra-un-Nahar and there he became fond of Sofi
Tariqat in his company. Ignoring the traditional education, he began to attend the gatherings of the
Mashaikh. Having developed interest, he made repentance (Tobah) in presence of Shaikh Khwja
Ubaid (Khalifa of Moulana Lutfullah who was Khalifa of Makhdoom-i-Azam Dahbedi). Next he
went to Shaikh Iftikhar from the order of Shaikh Ahmad Yasvi, who had come to Samarqand., on
whose hands he made second repentance (Tobah). He had a vision of Khwaja Baha-ud-Din
Naqshband and Khwaja Muhammad Parsa. At last he came to India in his full youth and fufilled his
thirst wherever he found the springs bubbling with Muarifat. He came to Kashmir as well and spent
two years in the service of Baba Ali Waali (RA) and after the death of Baba Ali Waali reached
Sumbal to get benefitted from Shaikh Ilahi Bakhsh Sumbali. After completion of his travels, the soul
of Khwaja Ubaidullah Ahrar got manifest to him, who educated him in the tariqa Naqshbandiya and
after its completion he went back to Mavra-un-Nahar and reached in the service of Khwajagi Khwaja
Muhammad Amkingi, who gave a special attention to him in seclusion for three days and three nights
and sent him to India for propagating Naqsbandi order there. He reached Lahore and the scholars of
that place were benefited during his one year stay there.Then he moved to Delhi and lived in the fort
built by Feroz Shah Tagluk. There was a mosque inside the fort, besides a channel was running
through it. He remained there till his last day. He was down to earth by nature, most lovable, very
matured and tolerant. His lovable personality attracted the disciples and with his spiritual influence, a
spiritual change would take place iin them, and whoever would come in his sight would enter the
Naqshbandi order finding a transformation and in some cases ‘Alami- malakoot’ got manifest on
them. Though the number of people entered in the order was considerable, but the most distinguished
among all was Hazrat Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (RA). who was the founder of Tariqa Mujadadia in
India and is known as Mujaddad Alf Sani (Reviver of Deen after thousand years). Hazrat Baqi Billah
perfected spiritual education of Shaikh Ahmad in Naqshbandi order. In him Hazrat Baqi Billah found
his dream getting fulfilled in which he was earlier shown a speaking parrot on the tree branch and he
himself sitting under the shade of the tree. The parrot came flying and sat on his hand and Hazrat
Baqi Billah dropped saliva from his mouth in the bird’s mouth and the parrot in turn dropped some
sugar from his mouth in the mouth of Baqi Billah. When he related this dream to Khwaja Amkingi,
he told him that I have already told you to go to India, where a vast population will get enlightened
by you. The parrot is the bird of India and there a person will get benefitted, who will enlighten a
great world and you will also be benefitted by it. Within two or three months Hazrat Mujaddid Alf
Sani discovered the light of inner self and covered the stages of ‘salook’ and before leaving for
Sirhind, Hazrat Baqi Billah told him this good news that you have qualified for Naqsshbandi order
and will progress with each passing day. Thereafter Shaikh Ahmad revisited Delhi to see his Pir-o-
Murshid and he was bestowed the honour of Khilafat and was permitted to give instructions in the
tariqat, besides he entrusted his own disciples to him for further education and training. Again in a
state of restlesness, Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sani went to see his Murshid for the third time. This time
Hazrat Baqi Billah himself came out to receive him and blessed him with many blessings. He
directed all his disciples to follow him even in his presence and brought his two sons Khwaja
Ubaidullah, and Khwaja Abdullah and their mother in his presence and asked him to take care of
them, which was a hint of his nearing end of his life. He once pointed towards Hazrat Mujaddid Alf
Sani stating that Shaikh Ahmad is the sun in whose light there are thousands of stars like us. Hazrat
Baqi Billah reached India in Akbar’s reign and within four year’s stay, he brought a great populace
under the influence of his order. Many Mashaikh became his disciples. Many disciples were released
from the innovations and brought back on the track of Sunnah and straight path and a new blood was
infused in people. He breathed his last in 1014 AH in Delhi, when he was only forty years and four
months of age.He lies buried in Delhi near Qadm-i-Rasool (PBH). Though Kashmiris were longing
for the visit of Hazrat Baqi billah, and when it was not possible, the Kashmiri Mashaikh would go to
Delhi to get benefitted in the Naqshbandi order from Hazrat Baqi Billah. Though Hazrat Makhdum
Shaikh Abdul Ahad Farooqi Sirhindi father of Shaikh Ahmad visited Kashmir , when Saif Khan was
the Governor of this place and a huge gathering entered into his discipleship , to mention a few of
them, Mohammad Amin Sufi, Noor Babai Pakhli, Hazrat Shaikh Mohammad Murad Tung (Murshid
of the historian Khwaja Mohammad Azam Dedamari)- [ His hanwritten manuscript Shajra Mubarak
in Kubravia, Qadiria, Suhrawardia, Naqshbandia and Chishtia orders is lying in my ancestoral
library], Shaikh Abdul Rashid, Allama Moulana Qazi Mohammad Haidar (d. 1120 AH- b-
Bachpora). But since Hazrat Makhdum Shaikh Abdul Ahad was the follower of Chisti and Qadiri
orders, he enlisted his disciples in these two orders only. He however was often found praying for
reaching of Naqshbandi order in India. Many names of Kashmiris are mentioned who got benefitted
from this order by travelling to Delhi, to mention a few Akund Mulla Kamal,Hazrat Shah Qasim
Haqqani, Shaikh Mahdi Ali Sopori, Mirza Hayat Beg, Khwaja Mohammad Sadiq (Sood), Shaikh
Usman Jallundari, Shah Mohammad Sadiq Qalandar. Besides there are many persons who got
initiated into Naqshbandi order from Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sani. Hazrat Shaikh Yaqub Sarfi (RA)
initiated Shaikh Ahmad in Kubravi order, who in turn initiated Shaikh Sarfi in Naqshbandi silsila.
One of the decendants of Hazrat Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi- Mir Ismail Ahmadi Bukhari (s/o Shaikh
Mohammad Sibgatullah s/o Hazrat Khwaja Mohammad Masoom s/o Hazrat Shaikh Ahmad
Sirhindi), migrated to Kashmir and lies buried in Dabtal Zaina Kadal. It is in his compound that
Hazrat Habibullah Attar also lies buried. [Mir Ismail Bukhari happens to be my mother’s ancestor.]
Allama Haidar bin Feroz Kashmiri was initiated in the orders of Qadirya, Shazilia, Madinia, Chishtia
and Naqshbandia by Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlavi.[The copy of the Shajra Mubarak-
handwritten manuscript by Shaikh Muhaddis Dehlavi in these five orders lies in my ancestoral
library.] In Kashmir the Naqshbandi order was initially intoduced by Sayid Hilal, who arrived in the
reign of Sutan Sikandar (1389-1413 AD). Sayid Hilal is said to have been a direct disciple of Khwaja
Baha-ud-Din Muhammad Naqshband. He lived a quiet life and died in 862 AH/1457 AD at the
village of Asham North Kashmir, where he had settled down. Sayid Hilal left only one disciple
named Sayid Amin known as Wusi Sahib in Kashmir. He hailed from the Baihaqi family and was the
second son of Sayid Husain Baihaqi or Mantiqi. Sayid Amin was adopted as a son by Baihaqi
Begum, the wife of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, but the life of affluence did not appeal to him. Like his
spiritual master he led a life of retirement at Asham. When Sayid Hilal died, he moved to Srinagar,
where he confined himself to a room near Koh-i-Maran. He became victim of a political intrigue,
when fifteen members of his family were killed in 889 AH/1484 AD.He was buried at Alikadal on
the right bank of river Jhelum in Srinagar, where his tomb exists to this day. Sayid Amin left no
disciple. It was after over a century thereafter that Khwaja Khawand Mahmud arrived here at the end
of 16th century AD. The Khwaja was the son of Khwaja Mir Sayid Sharif, who claimed descent from
Khwja Ala-ud_din Attar, a distinguished disciple of Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Naqshband. Khawaja
Khawand was initiated in the order by Khwaja Ishaq Safedki, but he claimed to have received
inspiration direct from Khwja Baha-ud-Din Naqshband. Before entering Kashmir from Kabul,
Khwaja Khawand had journeyed to many countries. The Khwaja did not stay there for long and soon
left for Agra. However in the 17th century, when Khwaja Khawand made several further visits to
Kashmir, the Naqshbandi order received a great impetus here.Later Khwaja Khawand preferd to
settle at Lahore along with his other sons and deputed one of his sons Khwaja Moin-ud-Din to stay at
Srinagar to look after the disciples and the affairs of Khanqah. The Khanqah which was earlier
constructed by Budshah at Asham, was got shifted to Khwaja Bazar, where Khwaja Moin-ud-Din
Naqshbandi was stationed later on. Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Naqshbandi lies buried in the masoleum
near the Khanqah along with his wife (who was daughter of Aurangzeb) besides his two sons. The
urs of Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad Naqshband Bukhrai (RA) is celebrated on the 3rd
Rabi-ul-Awal every year, besides the gatherings for special prayers (khatmat-muazzamat) are held
for twelve days i.e. from 21st Safar to 3rd Rabi-ul Awal. These gatherings are held every day at 8
AM in the Khanqah-i-Naqshbandiya. On the urs day after the Asr prayers, special mass prayers are
held called ‘Khoja Digar’. This practice continues as a tradition from the times of Hazrat Khwaja
Khawand Mahmood i.e. from 1017 AH- 405 years. Today when I am writing these lines, it is 3rd
Rabi-ul-Awal 1422 AH. Presented by, Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili (shahishaharyar@gmail.com)
A page from my translated book QALANDAR-I-SADAT MIR SAYID HYSSAIN SIMBANI (RA)
(Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili)
(ALLAMA IQBAL AND HIS ANCESTORS
Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal (RA) the great thinker of Islam was born in Sialkot Pakistan on 9th
November 1877 AD. His ancestors were basically from Kashmir and according to researchers; he
belonged to a Brahmin family of Saproo caste.
It is written in “Iqbal the Poet of East” that:-
“On a research made by Prof. Jagan Nath Azad, the ancestors of Allama Iqbal had migrated from the
Valley of Kashmir, who were originally Brahmins. It was his grand-grand father Pandit Ratan Ishwar
Saproo, who embraced Islam at the hands of a genious Muslim Saint, Hazrat Sayid Hussain Simnani
(RA), and the cousin of Hazrat Shah-i-Hamadam (RA). Hazrat Sayid Hussain Simnani was greatly
impressed by his good deeds and actions. He took keen interest in theology and became zealous and
devoted follower of Islam.”
Hazrat Sayid named this new convert Muslim as Shaikh Abd-ur-Rahman Saproo and after seeing his
intelligence, dedication and recognition of truth, he gave special attention to him and enriched
Saproo Sahib with the knowledge of Islam and secrets of spiritualism. On his name a habitation was
named about five kilometers on the north-side of Kulgam, which is still known as “Sopar”.
Shaikh Abd-ur-Rahman Saproo remained the follower of Islamic Shariat with great interest.and
remained a true preacher of Islam till the end of his life.
Later on Hazrat Sayid Hussain Simnani (RA) married his daughter to this newly converted Muslim.
It is from this generation that Allama was born afterwards.
Allama has also upheld this fact himself as is evident from his couplet:-
‫ مطلع فجر زمن کشمیر ما است‬----- ‫اصل شان از خاک دامن میر ما است‬
i.e. Our family has got respect and grandeur (means wealth of Islam) from the soil of the border of
the garment of Hazrat Mir Sayid Hussain Simnani (RA). The morning of the respectful times of our
family has risen in Kashmir, and likewise Hazrat Allama Iqbal (RA) confirms his belonging to
Brahman family and being proud of it in these stanzas:-
‫ برہمن زادہ رمز آشناۓ روم و تبریز است‬----- ‫مرا بنگر کہ در ہندوستان دیگر نمے بینی‬
i.e. O man! Understand me, you will not find any one like me in whole of India. Though I was from
Brahman dynasty, yet I got also acquainted with the spiritual secrets of the most honored Awlya-
Allah of Islam like Hazrat Moulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (RA) and Hazrat Shams Tabriz (RA).
Shaikh Ajaz son of Allama Iqbal also writes that “our grandfather would often say that by cast we are
Saproo and the meaning of Saproo is -Sab Pado- i.e all must read.”
Khwaja Muhammad Azam Dedamari (RA) writes in his book in Persian language that “there was a
highly honored, full of authority person, a contemporary of Hazrat Shaikh Nur-ud-Din Noorani (RA),
who was very social, gentle, at the height of his good etiquette, piety and prayers; who had
performed Haj pilgrimage on foot, that is why he was famous with the name of “Looli Haji” i.e. “the
Haji filled with all love”. Munshi Muhammad Din Fauq Lahori has mentioned in his book about this
Looli Haji Saproo- as one of the ancestors of Allama Iqbal (RA) as:-
In realty, the son of Shaikh Abd-ur-Rahman Saproo was Looli Haji Sahib, who after the august death
of Hazrat Sayid, adopted the lasting blessed association of Shaikh Nur-ud-Din Noorani (RA) and
after his death, he was buried in the mausoleum of the great shrine of Hazrat Shaikh (RA).
‫ نصرالدین وجوگی ریشی 'لولی حاجی یک تن اند‬----- ‫گرد شمس العارفین ایں دہ ستارہ روشن اند‬
‫ مال بابا ' خستہ بابا' بابا جنید ایں دہ تن اند‬----- ‫روپ ریشی'ریپ ریشی'سہہ ریشی 'میرہم‬
Muhammad Din Fouq has copied from the Risal “Khadang Nazar” the statement that “Allama Iqbal
was a real Kashmiri and Saproo by caste.”
Dr. Zia Mujahid Gulbarga has written in “The Islami Digest-Awlya Number”:-
“The Awlya-Allah (of Iran and Simnan) spread in all countries to preach Islam at the time of Timur’s
disturbances. At that time, the Hindu ancestors of Iqbal were not possessed with the wealth of Islam.
By the education and instructions of Awlya of Simnan, the Hindu Brahmins adopted Islam. The
ancestors of Iqbal also got highly influenced by the extreme association of Awlya-Allah and this love
got transferred in to the faith. When the Qalandar-i-Sadat Mir Sayid Hussain Simnani (QS) arrived in
Kashmir, the ancestors of Iqbal also attended to meet him and by the sight of this saintly person-
(Qalandar) the ancestor of Iqbal accepted Islam on his hands.”
It is said that when Allama Iqbal came to Kashmir for the first time, he attended the shrine of
Qalandar-i-Sadat and drew the map of the background of his family in these words:-
‫ آبا میرے¶ التی و مناتی‬----- ‫میں اصل کا خاص سومناتی‬
‫ میری کف خاک برہمن زاد‬----- ‫سید ہاشمی کی اوالد‬
ؐ ‫تو‬
When Allama saw the scenery of mountains and rivers, he framed these couplets with extreme love:-
‫ من خدا را دیدم ایں جا بے حجاب‬----- ‫کوہ و دریا و غروب آفتاب‬
‫٭٭٭٭٭٭٭٭¶ ٭٭٭٭٭٭٭‬
(A page from my translated book QALANDAR-I-SADAT Mir Sayid Hussain Simnani RA)
Er. Mohammad Ashraf Fazili FIE)
SHAIKH BAHA-UD-DIN GANJ BAKHSH (RA)
Aan Gulshan-Rahnumai - (He the garden of guidance), Bulbul-i-Gulban – (the nightingale of the
bush of flowers), Muqtada-i-Khalwat Nishin (the leader of people sitting in seclusion), Zawiah Tajrid
uzlat guzeen wa Gosha Tafrid-(the shelter of the people preferring seclusion).
He too is included among the disciples of Khwaja Buzarg. Mulla Baha-ud-din Mattoo states about
him as under:
‫كنج عشقش ز سينه بوى دهد هر كه در كنج بخش روى دهد‬
(Trans.) Whoever is desirous towards the love of Ganj Bakhsh, his treasure of love radiates fragrance
from his heart.
‫أن بها الحق أن سبهر يقين زانكه نامش بهاست برسردين‬
(Trans.) He who is faithful of the truth and is a protector of the faith and whose name is very
unparallel for the religion.
‫او خليفه ز خواجه ختالن بود قطب زمان¶ وغوث جهان‬
(Trans.) He is the Khalifa of Khwaja Khatlan (RA). He was the centre –(Qutb)- of his time and the
listener of the prayer-(Ghaus) of the world.
‫از ازل كه در خشيش دادند منصب كنج بخشيش دادند‬
(Trans.) He has been bestowed a worthy status from the beginning and also the status of the bestowal
of treasure-(Ganj Bakhsh)
‫كنج بخشى كمينه بخشش او است هفت دريا نمى زريزش او است‬
(Trans.) Even the status of bestowal of treasure is a low honour for him, when even the seven seas
are also less for his benevolence.
‫بخشش او نه در و مرجان است بخشش كنجهاى عرفان¶ است‬
His bestowal is not the pearls but instead there are the six treasures of spiritual knowledge-(Marifat).
‫هللا هللا ز خطه كشمير اينجه صاحبديست باك ضمير‬
O’ Allah! What kind of great saints of pure consciousness have risen from Kashmir?
‫صاحبان¶ كمال كافسر دند بردرش رفته بشت خم كردند‬
(Trans.) Those men of great achievement who have got disappointed, they also attend bowing down
on his door
‫اوليا هاى اينديار همه رفته بيشش با نكسار همه‬
(Trans.) All the Awlya of this country would go in front of him with great humility.
‫او است سرخيل اولياى جهان قطب االقطاب مقتداى جهان‬
He is the Chief of the Awlya of the world. He is the religious leader of the world and the centre of the
centres- (Qutb-ul-Aqtab)
‫كنج بخشش زمانه از كشمير جون بختالن شده بخواهش بير‬
When Ganj Bakhsh – (the bestowal of the treasure) travelled from Kashmir to Khatlan on the desire
of his preceptor.
‫يافت أن كنج را به بخت بلند در زمان¶ شد فقير و دولتمند‬
(Trans.) By his great luck, he found such a treasure that in a moment he became “Faqir” and a
wealthy person.
‫باز از اينجا مراجعت فرمود كنج بخشى بهر كه خواست نمود‬
(Trans.) Thereafter he returned to his native place and bestowed only the treasures to whomever he
liked.
When he found leisure after covering the stages of Tariqat and Haqiqat, he remained hidden as
unknown, sitting in seclusion for a pretty long time. During day time, he would pick up tiny grains
lying on the paths and then eat these after washing. He had made his shelter under Zaina Kadal
bridge. At last he became famous through Baba Usman Uchap Ghanai.
GIFT:
One day Sultan Zain-ul-Aabideen came to see him and requested him to have a ride on his boat for a
refreshing tour, but he did not agree. However the Sultan insisted again. On this Hazrat Shaikh
spread his prayer mat on water and boarded on it and floated so fast on the river that though some
boatmen of the Sultan tried hard to catch him, yet they could not reach him.
GIFT:
Baba Haji Adham (RA) has written in his book “Maqamat-i-Awlyai ein dayar” that Shaikh Baha-ud-
din is a perfect Wali of Kashmir. He has written that “when I used to be in the presence of Shaikh-ul-
Shayookh Baha-ul-Haq wa-d-din Ganj Bakhsh, I have observed that he has reached a stage higher
than Malakoot and Jabaroot and this the stage which has not been obtained by other Mashaikhs of
this time”
GIFT:
One night he had reached the village of Kreshabal and was meditating under a tree, as it was his
routine that at some time, he would go for a tour outside the city. Meanwhile a group of thieves
arrived there and began to distribute the stolen goods among themselves. When they began to leave
from there, they saw him and apprehended that lest this person may reveal their secret; on this
apprehension these persons of bad luck martyred him. When it was morning, when he was given the
parting bath and draped in cloth, Baba Usman Ganai and Sayid Hasan Biladori said that the Shaikh
has willed in their presence that when he dies, he should be dragged to his graveyard by tying a rope
in his feet. When this issue reached in the ears of the Sultan, he had consultations with his members
of the kingdom - (nobles and wazirs). Those days Malik Ahmad was the wazir of the Sultan. He
suggested to the king that they shall bring a large wooden plank and place the coffin of the Shaikh
over it, next
they will tie a rope to the wooden plank and drag the “jenaza” up to the graveyard. The Sultan
approved this proposal of the wazir and the body of Shaikh was buried according to this proposal.
The Shaikh was buried on the southern corner of the graveyard, where Sayid Sulaiman is buried. The
Shaikh was buried near his grave. The grave of the wife of Sultan Zain-ul-Aabideen (who was the
daughter of Sayid Mohammad Kandhami) is existing near the door of this graveyard, which was got
prepared by her in advance. She had purchased the land of the graveyard after selling her ornaments
and gifted this graveyard to common people because of the Shaikh (Baha-ud-din Ganj Bakhsh RA)
Thereafter great Awlya, great Mashaikh and scholars and Sadat were buried therein. Shaikh was
martyred on 4th Rajab 849 AH. His chronogram:
‫بهاؤالدين ولى جون مهر انور كزر كرده ازين كردون اخضر‬
(Trans.) Baha-ud-din Wali was like the light of sun when he took leave from this perishable world.
‫بهاؤالدين شه ملك رباضت بهاؤالدين بده صاحب مقامات‬
(Trans.) Baha-ud-din who was the king of the kingdom of extreme praying and that Baha-ud-din who
was the saint of the stations.
‫بهاؤالدين كل باغ عبادت بهاؤالدين مه برج سعادت‬
(Trans.) Baha-ud-din who was the flower of the garden of worship and the moon of the cluster of
piety.
‫بهاؤالدين جراغ بزم رندان بهاؤالدين بناه مستمندان‬
(Trans.) Baha-ud-din who was the lamp of the assembly of free people. That Baha-ud-din who was
the shelter of the helpless and the needy.
‫زهجرت سيد سردار عالم كه بوده هشت صد و بنجاه يك كم‬
(Trans.) It was the year of 849 after Hijra of the Prophet (SAW)
‫سال تاريخش ز روى احترام كفت ملهم زبده اخيار بود‬
(Trans.) For the sake of respect, the “Mulhim” (the one who inspires) stated that he was distinguished
among the pious people.
(A page from my translated book "TAZKIRA MASHAIKHIN-I-KASHMIR")

BABA USMAN UCHAP GANAI

He was among the honoured personalities of his time and he was counted among the nobles of
Kashmir. Those day the title “Ganai” was specified and common for Munshi (the writer). The
common people would use this word from Mufti to Patwari-all men of pen. And when the said Baba,
after completing the Arabic knowledge developed a desire and love for worshipping Allah and
embarked upon the search and struggle to find a guide, he decided to proceed on travel and toured the
world in all directions. On reaching the Harmain Sharifain - (Mecca and Madina), he got benefitted
on being in the service of Shaikh Ishaq Shattari (RA). Shaikh Ishaq (RA) told him that his guide is
very much in your native place. Shaikh Baha-ud-din (RA) comes here to pray on every Friday; I will
arrange your meeting with him. On Friday he saw him in the majid Bait-ul-Haram, who vanished in a
short time. Thereafter Qazi Ishaq allowed him and told him that when you reach your city, you will
see me at Jamia Masjid. So Baba turned towards Kashmir and Sayid Hasan Biladori was also
accompanying him.
‫دو منزل را يكى ميكرد و مى رفت‬
(They travelled by combining two halts in to one )
On reaching Kashmir, he (Baba Usman) attended in the presence of Shaikh (Baha-ud-din Ganj
Bakhsh). He found him in the same condition and fell upon his feet and requested him to guide him
on the path of Allah Taala. At first the Shaikh behaved with him with rage, but Baba (Usman Ganai)
did not reduce his desire by any way and remained steadfast on his determination. When the Shaikh
observed the truth and ripeness of his determination, thereafter he blessed him with his engagement.
Thus Baba Usman got blessed by the love of his guide and along with it Baba Usman took out his
guide and Saint (Shaikh Baha-ud-din Ganj Bakhsh) from the curtains of anonymity and hiding place.
Himself Baba struggled hard with extremely straining prayers till he achieved the station of “La
Taayun”. Besides this he obtained countless benefits and extras in the company of Shaikh Nur-ud-din
(RA) and Baba Haji Adham (RA). When the said Baba passed away, he was buried in Maqbara
Salateen-(the graveyard of the kings)-(which is the graveyard of Mirza Haidar Kashgari)
MULLA NOONI GANAI
He is known by the name of Mulla Malihi as well and was the nephew of Makhdoom Baba Usman
Uchap Ganai. He was unparallel and unique in his time in the consistency in abstinence and in
imparting education and lessons of real knowledge. He was stationed at a high place in Marifat and
Tariqat. His mausoleum is at Mohalla Kalashpora.
MULLA SHANGRAF GANAI
He is among the progeny of Baba Usman Ganai. He was a very famous honoured saint of this city
(country). He was unparallel in the exoteric and esoteric knowledge along with being a distinguished
scholar of high degree. During his pilgrimage to the two sacred cities, he had also met Ibn-i-Hajar
Makki (RA) and from him he had got the certificate of the Ahadith of “Siha-i-Sittah”. At last he was
buried in the graveyard of Mulla Malihi at Kalashpora.
SAYID HASAN BILADOORI
Biladoor is the name of a village in Room. This is the place of his birth. From the Harmain Sharifain
–(the two sacred places)- he came to Kashmir along with Baba Usman Uchap Ganai on receiving a
direction from the unknown and here he joined the circle of disciples of Shaikh Baha-ud-din (RA)
and in a short period he excelled his colleagues till he got appointed on the high station of “Wadeed-
ud-dahar wa Farid-ul-Asar”-(unique and unparallel of his time) among the honoured Awlya and great
Mashaikh. He was the source-(translator) of the vivid Ayat –(of Holy Quran) and demonstrated great
feats, till the great men of religion and the world would ask his help in both exoteric and esoteric
conditions. According to some historians, he was among the associates of Shaikh Ishaq Shattari (RA)
and his mausoleum at Rajori Kadal is a place for circumambulation for the Sufi saints; so much so
Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arigin (RA) would get blessed by his vision evry night for twelve years. His date of
seath is 7th Rajab and the year corresponds to the word “Durratu Shah”. In short he was the disciple
of Shaikh Baha-ud-din Ganj Bakhsh and the saint of stations and miracles. He is buried in the
graveyard of great and honoured persons of the city.
(A page from my translated book TAZKIRA MASHAIKHIN-I-KASHMIR) by Er. Mohammad
Ashraf Fazili FIE