Syed Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani
Sirajul 'Arifeen Zubdat as-SualiHeen, Ghous al-'Alam Sultan Hadrat Meer Auhad al-Din Sayyid Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) is such an eminent and outstanding spiritual personality of the world of mysticism, whose shining sun of spirituality and knowledge (marfat) has illuminated every corner of the world. Let us have a look at his life and works.
Ancestral Tree:
Syed Ashraf s/o Sultan Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakhshi s/o Sultan Syed Imaduddin Noor Bakhshi s/o Sultan Syed Nizamuddin Alisher s/o Sultan Zahiruddin Mohammad s/o Sultan Tajuddin Bahlol, s/o Syed Mohammad Noor Bakshi, s/o Syed Mehdi, s/o Syed kamaluddin, s/o Syed Jamaluddin, s/o Syed Hasan Sharif , s/o Syed Abu Mohammad, s/o Syed Abul Moosa Ali, s/o Syed Ismail Sani, s/o Syed Abul Hasan Mohammad, s/o Syed Ismail Arij, s/o Hadrat Jafar Sadique, s/o Imam Mohammad Baquar, s/o Imam Zainul Abedin, s/o Imam Hussain, s/o Hadrat Ali.
Father: Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakshi was the father of Sultan Syed Asharaf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) He was the king of Simnan, where he ruled with utmost Justice and sincerity for 20 years. He was not only a king , but a proficient scholar of theology, and inwardly inclined to mysticism.(Taswwuf) He respected Islamic savants and patronized Islamic institutions. That is why in his regime, twelve thousand students were gaining education in different institutions. He often met mystics (Sufia) of his time and gained mystical knowledge. He got constructed a Khanquah (an abode for holy men) of Hadrat Shaikh Hasan Sakkak and shrine of Imame Azam (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) He was deeply fond of studying books particularly Tarikhe Tibri was in his regular study. Hadrat Nazame Yamani in Lataefe ashrafi, has mentioned that Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani used to say that twelve thousand Islamic institutions were functioning in his father’s regime.
Mother: Bibi Khadija Begam was the mother of Syed Makhdoom Ashraf simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) She belonged to the dynasty of Khwaja Ahmed Yeswi who was a distinguished Sufi (Mystic) of his time and founder of Yewaisia order. She was brought up in a neat and pure religious surroundings as result of which she was deeply religious minded, pious and godly. She passed most of his time in prayer and recitation of the holy Qurran. She often observed fasting in day and woke up at night to be engrossed in prayer. She was very very punctual to Tahajjud (Prayer said after midnight ) In short, Khadija Begam was the trustworthy of spiritual trusts of her ancestors.
Prophecy of Birth:
He was born in Simnan (Iran) in 708 (A.H). His father, Sultan Ibrahim married with Bibi Khadija Begam at the age of twenty five years. He had only two or three daughters and no son, After the birth of daughters, there was no issue up to eight years. He was grieved at heart. One morning, he and his wife Bibi Khadija Begum were sitting together on prayer mate. All of a sudden Hadrat Ibrahim Majzoob entered in to the palace. Both were astonished to see him. Hadrat sultan Ibrahim stood up and went forward to greet him. He made him sit on the throne and both husband and wife were standing bending their heads before him . Seeing such a noble courtesy meted out to him, he said “ Probably you are desirous of son ”. Hearing it both were extremely glad and said, “ It will be our good luck if you bestow a son ”Ibrahim Majzoob again said, “its price is very much as I will give you an extraordinary thing” . Sultan Ibrahim readily said, “whatever you order, I am ready to fulfill it .”
Ibrahim Majzoob said, “I want one thousand Dinar.” Sultan Ibrahim presented one thousand dinar before him. Ibrahim, Majzoob stood up happily and said, “O Ibrahim (To Himself) you gave hawk (baz) to Sultan Ibrahim and he bought it chief. ” Hadrat Sultan Ibrahim went forward with him as a respect. Turning back, Ibrahim Majzoob saw him and said, “ What do you want more; you have got your son.” It is also narrated that one night Hadrat Mohammad Mustafa (Salallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) came in his dream and predicted that a waliullah (Friend of Allah) was to be born in his house; His name will be Sayyid Ashraf.
Education:
When Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was four years four months and four days old, his father got performed the tradition of Bismillah Khani (Beginning reading with the name of Allah) by a highly learned and Sufi of his time named Hadrat Imeduddin Tabrezi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) It is said that Hadrat Syed Ashraf was very intelligent beyond description. He completed Hifz (learn by heart) of the holy Quran with seven types of Querat (recitation) in seven years. After completing it, he got himself engaged in the education of different branches of theology like Tafseer (Commentary) Hadith (Narration of Sayings of the holy prophet) Fiquah (Islamic jurisprudence) and other allied subjects. He obtained full proficiency in all these branches of Islamic education at the age of fourteen years. His name and fame as a proficient Islamic Scholar reached in the Madrasas of Iraque. From the very students life , his extraordinary ability and proficiency had impressed the savants of Bagdadh and they had acknowledged it with admiration , Nizame Yamani in Lataefe Ashrafi described it in a couplet:
“Chuna Mashhoor Ghasht Az Darse Talim
ke Pas Ahle Funun Kardand Taslim”
He had become so famous from his very student life
that the men of letters admitted (His intelligence).
Accession to the throne
After the sad demise of the father, sultan Ibrahim, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) became the king of Simnan at the age of 15 years. He ruled over Simnan with utmost justice and impartiality for twelve years. He gained popularity as a true , sincere and just king in every corner of simnan. Peace and tranquility prevailed every where. The subjects were prosperous and happy. No citizen dared to tyrannise anyone. Hazarat Nizame Yamani has narrated an incident listening from Hadrat Alauddowla simnani. (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) that Syed Ashraf Jahagir went out for hunting along with his soldiers. He continued hunting in the rural areas for two or three days. He was looking at an animal caught by hawk (Baz). Just at that time an old woman from the village approached him seeking justice. She narrated that one of his soldier had forcibly taken her curd. Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) asked her to recognize amongst those soldiers who had taken her curd. She said that the culprit was not amongst them. Just at that moment, a soldier appeared coming with a hunting in his land, looking at him the old woman recognized and told that was the very person who had forcibly taken her curd. The soldier denied the allegation but Hadrat Makhdoon Simnani asked him to eat some flies. No sooner did the flies go into his stomach than he vomitted and the curd came out. Hadrat Makhdoon Simnani gave away his horse with saddle to the old woman and beat him black and blue. Hadrat Nizame Yamani has given description of his justice in the following couplets which is translated into English Below.
Chun Aurange Simna Bado Taza Ghast
Jahan Az Adalat pur Awaza Ghasht
Ba Dowrane Adlash Hama Rozgar
Gulsitan shud Adl Awurd Bar
Agar feel Bar Farque More Ghuzar
Kunad mor bar feel Arad Nazar
Ke En Dowre Sultan Ashraf Bowad.
Chuna Zulme Tu Bar Sare Man Rawad.
a. When the throne of Simnan flourished due to him, his justice spread in the world
b. In the period of his justice, whole world turned in to garden and justice bore fruits.
c. If elephants wants to pass through the head of ant, the ant looks at with stiff eyes.
d. That it is the period of sultan Ashraf, how can your tyranny be justified on me.
Relinquishment of Throne
The will of Allah placed the Kingly crown on his head. It is a historical fact that he continued discharging affairs of state with full responsibility but he was instinctively inclined to mysticism and soluk (way to Allah) He often passed his time in the company of holy person of spirituality and sought knowledge about suluk and Marfat (revelation) He felt disgusted with the affairs of state. The fire of excessive love of Allah which was burning in his heart began to increase excessively resulting hate and disgust. with the affairs of kingdom . When he was 23 years old, he dreamt Hadrat Owais Qarnee (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who educated him Azkare Owaisia (remembrance of Owaisia) without using tongue. He remained minutely engrossed in the Azkare Owaisia for three years as a result of which the hidden fire of love of Allah turned in to blaze and burnt his self. At this stage, he seldom attended the kingly court thinking it to be of no value and use for him, At last, the desired day came and Hadrat Khidir (Alaihissalam) appeared again before him and said, “ O Ashraf, the purpose for which you have come in this world is before you; desert the worldly throne and leave for Indian where Shaikh Alaul Haque Ganje Nabat is anxiously waiting for your in Pandwa , Bengal.
Journey towards India:
As suggested by Hadrat Khwaja Khidr (Alaihissalam) , he made up his mind resolutely to relinquish the throne of Simana and travel towards India in search of spiritual guide (Peer) As a result of his firm decision, he willingly entrusted the affairs of state to his younger brother, Sultan Mohammad Aaraf. He acquinted his mother , Khadija Begam, with the suggestion and direction given by Hadrat Khidr, (Alaihissalam) and sought his permission to leave Simnan and travel towards his destined goal, Pandwa sharif, in India. The pious mother blessed him and said, “ Before your birth Khwaja Almad Yeswi predicted ; “A son will be bestowed whose sun of sanctity (Welayat ) will illuminate the darkness of the world at large” Narrating this, She happily permitted him to make journey towards his fixed goal though it was against the nature of a mother to bid his son farewell for ever; but she knew it before hand that real destination of Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was not simnan rather it was Pandawa Sharif in India where he would reach to the peak of spirituality , he left for his destined goal with twelve thousand soldiers. They accompanied him up to three stages; But he asked them to return to the country From there he started Journey only with a servant to some distance and he was also asked to return to simnan after accompanying him for some days. From there he marched towards his cherished place leaving behind even the animal on which he was riding. It is also a historical fact that a renowned Sufi; Hadrat Alauddola Simnani, accompanied him up to some stages and returned seeing him off with this couplet :
Tarke Dunia gir ta Sultan Shawi
Mahrame Asrar ba jana Shawi
(O Ashraf) “Leave this world
so that you become king and intimate friend of Allah”
Meeting with Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
Passing through Bokhara, he arrived at Och Sharif, Multan, Where he met Hadrat Makhdoom Jahanyan Jahan Ghasht Jalal uddin Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) who Welcomed him and endowed with spiritual bounties and blessings (Fuyooz-o-Barakat). He bid him farewell and said, “ Congratulation on this journey; Shaikh Alaul Haque Waddin is anxiously waiting for your arrival; don’t be late in the way and read this couplet:
Equamat Dar Rahe Maqusood Hargiz
Nabayad Kard Ta Barasi Badargah
i.e. – “One should not stay in the way
so that one may arrive at the threshold soon.”
After staying for some days and nights, he left for Pandawa Sharif and arrived at the shrine of Hadrat Data Ganj bakhsh Lahouri (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) where he also availed spiritual guidance. From there he reached Delhi where he attended at the Shrines of Hadrat Qutbuddin Bakhteyar Kaki (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and Hadrat Nizamuddin Mahboobe Ilahi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and obtained spiritual blessing and benediction. When he arrived in India , Feeroz Shah Tughlaque was ruling over India.
Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) at Pandawa Sharif
The spiritual attraction of Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was so great that he did not stay any where for long time rather continued his journey to arrive at his destined goal as early as possible. Passing through large rivers mountains and deserts and facing all sorts of difficulties in the way, he arrived at Bihar Sharif. The day he was arriving at Bihar Sharif, Hadrat Makhdoom Sharfuddin Yahya monairi (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)had left this world. Before his death , he willed that his funeral prayer would be performed by a Syed noble on both sides, (Najibut Tarfain) Hafiz with seven qurats and deserter of throne who would be coming from westward. Hadrat Makhdoom Simrani ( Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) had known it beforehand by revelation (Kashf) Accordingly, keeping the funeral ready, his followers were waiting for the arrival of willed personality . Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani arrived at Bihar Sharif hurriedly in a bewildered State of mind. In humbleness, he did not want to say funeral prayer; but they requested to say funeral prayer in accordance with the will of departed saint of Islam. He said funeral prayer and stayed in the khanquah (abode of holy men) at night where he had a glimpse of Hadrat Makhdoom Bihari who gave him his patched garment (Khirquah). In the morning, he demanded it from the savants (Khuddam) of Shrine. They denied to oblige him . At last it was decided that the patched garment be placed on the holy grave and in whose hands the patched garment would come it self, he would be entitled for that . Accordingly they stretched their hands but failed . In the end, Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) Stretched hands and at once the patched garments came in his hands. He put it on as a result of which he lost himself in the world of ecstasy and read this couplet:
Mora Bar Sar Chun Bowad Az Lutf Afsar
Bar Aamad Rast Mara Khirquah Dar bar
When the kingly crown was on my headby his kindness
this patched garments will suit on my body.
He left for Bengal from Bihar Sharif fastly as he was restless due to the attraction of Peero Marshid (Spiritual Guide) Who was also anxiously waiting for him . He arrived at Malda from where he started his journey towards his last and destined destination, pandawa Sharif , when he was nearing Pandawa Sarif , suddenly Hadrat Alaul Haque (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)wokeup and said , “ Syed Ashraf is coming ; let us go to some distance to greet him.” Taking his Doli (a kind of small sadden and Doli of Hadrat Akhi Seraj (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) went out with a large number of his followers to accord warm welcome to him in the way. Every body of that locality was amazed to see him going along with thousands of followers to welcome a personality unknown to them as yet. This shows extraordinary spiritual status of Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani in the eyes of Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque Waddin (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) No Sooner did he see his shaikh (spiritual guide) than he placed his head on his feet and tears rolled down his eyes as a result of extreme joy to get cherished goal for which he had left simnan . After a while, he stood up and embraced with his shaikh and sitting on the haunches (Dozanu) read this Couplet :
Che Kush Bashad Bad ke az intazare
Ba omide Rasad Omidware.
What a good that after long waiting,
reaches the hopeful to his destination.
From this outskirts of Pandawa, Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani sitting in the Doli meant for him, leaves for the Khauquah of Shaikh along with his shaikh and large number of disciples. No sooner did he see the Khanquah than he got down from the Doli and bowed down his head on the door with inexpressible joy and respect. Here he was served with meal and Pan (Betel leaf). After the fulfilment of all these rituals, Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque waddin made him his disciple in the chishtia and Nizamia order and gave him permission of Salasil (orders). After he got honour of being the disciple of Shaikh and getting everything desired, he was extremely joyful as he got what he had cherished for long. He read this couplet:
Nehadah Taje Doulat Bar Sare Man
Alaul Haque Waddin Ganje Nabat.
Hadrat Alaul Haque wad Din placed the kingly crown on my head.
Departure from Pandawa Sharif
When four years passed in the company of Shaikh, during which period he was attributed with the honour of all secrets of mysticism and spirituality. One day Hadrat Alaul Haque Waddin (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) said O Ashraf, “ I have completed all Haquaequw a Marif(Realities and Knowledge) on you ; I like to set a palce for you where you have to light the candle of rectitude and reformation. Hearing it, tears filled in his eyes as he did not like seperation from his shaikh., So only idea of separation was unbearable for him. However he had to leave Pandawa Saharif for his destined place, Kichowcha Sharif on the direction of Shaikh who showed him the place which would be his permanent place of reformation and eternal abode. He left for Kichowcha Sharif passing through different places of Bihar, Zafara bad and Jaunpur. He stayed at jaunpur for a few days where Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqui and Quazi Shahabuddin Dowlat Abadi were highly impressed with him to see his sublime spiritual dignity and purity of character. Form there he marched to his fixed place and arrived at Kichowcha sharif.
Religious and Literary Services
It is an accepted fact that the mystics of Islam have rendered valuable services to the cause of Islam in every period. The religious and literary services, done by Hadrat Makhdoom simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), is the golden chapter of History of Islam in general, and History of mysticism , in particular. He lighted the candle of reformation and spirituality in the darkness of infidelity at Kichowcha sharif and brought astray people on the right path. It is narrated that twelve thousands non believers accepted Islam being impressed with his purity of character and sublimination of spirituality. He was not only a great mystic but also a renowned savant of Islam having unimaginable proficiency in different branches if Islamic theology. Hadrat Nizame Yamani in his book, lataefe Ashrafi, has written that wherever he went he delivered spiritual lectures in the dialect of that area and wrote4 books in the same dialect and left the written books there for their benefits.
Books by Hadrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
Hadrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) has written a number of books on different subjects which indicate that he was an unparalleled savant of Theology and other related subjects of his time. Books written by him are as follows:
(1) Kanzul Asrar.
(2) Lataefe Ashrafi (a collection of his spiritual sayings)
(3) Maktubate Ashrafi
(4) Sharhe Sikandar Nama
(5) Sirrul Asrar
(6) Sharhe Awereful Marif
(7) Sharhe Fosusul Hakam
(8) Quawaedul Aquaed
(9) Ashraful Ansab
(10) Bahrul Azkar
(11) Ashraful Fawaed
(12) Ashraful Ansab
(13) Fawaedul Ashraf
(14) Tanbihul Akhwan
(15) Bashara Tuzzakerin
(16) Basharatul Ikhwan
(17) Musta Lehate Tasuwwuf
(18) Manaquibe Khulfae Rashedin
(19) Hujjaluzza kerin
(20) Fatwa Ashrafia
(21) Tafseere Noor Bakhhia
(22) Irshadul Ikhwan
(23) Resala Wahdatulwajud
(24) Resala Dar Tajweze tane Yazid
(25) Bahrul Haquaeque
(26) Nahve Ashrafia
(27) Kanzuddaquaeque
(28) Basharatul Mureedin
(29) Diwan–e–Ashraf.
Journeying:
Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)did not know the geography of the world by going through books rather he knew it by travelling everywhere in the world. He journeyed to the most of countries of the Arab O Azam and brought thousands of astray persons on right path by his preaching and presenting Islamic theology vividly. He had full command on Arabic, Persian and Turkish languages as a result of which he used to deliver the most productive lectures making the audience lost in the world of spirituality and oneness of Allah.
Mahboob-e-Yazdani
Hadrat Sulatan Syed Ashraf (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) attained the status of Mahbooyat (Belovedhood) i. e Mahboobe Yazdani on 27th Ramdan 782 (A.H.) while he was amongst his disciples at Roohhabad. Suddenley it began to sound from every corner “Ashraf is my Mahboob” This heavenly sound was glad tidings of the status of Mahboobyat (belovedhood) since then, he began to be called “Mahboobe Yazdani” It was the sublime spirituality of Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani that he performed morning prayer in Masjide Haram daily. The day he was bestowed with this spiritual honour Hadrat Najmuddin Asfahani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was in Kaba Sharif. Seeing Sultan Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) coming to say morning prayer in Kaba he said “Come, Come Mahboobe Yazadani; may this title from Allah be fortunate for you.
Ghous al-'Alam and Jahangir
It is a historical fact that Hadrat Sulatan Makhdoom Simnani was endowed with the dignity of Ghous in the Khanquah of Hadrat Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) on first Rajab 770 (A.H). Hence forward He is called as Ghous al-'Alam. The title of Jahangir tagged with his name is also very famous. One day he was in the Khauquah of his Shaikh (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) amongst the disciples. All of a sudden, echo of Jahangir Began to resound from the doors and walls of the Khanquah. Hearing it, Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) engrossed in meditation (Moraquba) and after a little while, raised his head and honoured him with the title of Jahangir as it was a heavenly title confirmed on him.
Gems of Wisdom by Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
- Knowledge is the shining sun and skills are its rays.
- After Iman (Belief) and Touheed, (Unitarianism) it is obligatory on man (Banda) to know injections of Shariat (Revealed Law) and Aquaede Haqeequah (True doctrines)
- Gain knowledge as illeterate devotee is the follower of Devil.
- The difference between Islamic Savant and worldly savant is just like the difference between pure and impure silver.
- Astrayed learned is like the sunken boat which sinks itself and makes others drown.
- Learned without action is like a glass without tin (Qualai).
- Don't be empty handed of actions and conditions; make sure that only Knowledge can not help you.
- Remembrance of virtuous persons and memoir of mystics is a light that cast shadow on the seeker of guidance.
- Recollect any word of a holy man; and if it is not possible keep in mind his name; You will be benefited.
- To know is shariat (Revealed Law) and make practice in accordance with knowledge is Tariquat (Path) and to achieve objectives of both is Haquiquat (Reality).
- He, who does not follow Shariat (Revealed Law) in tariquat, (path) is deprived of benefits of Tariquat (Path).
- The man who will be staunch follower of shariat, (revealed law) the way to Tariquat will open automatically; and when he would have obtained Tariquat (path) with shariat (revealed law) the splendour of Haquiquat (reality) will itself be illuminated.
- In suluk (Holy way) if one commits slightest deviation from the way of obedience to The Holy Prophet (Salallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) then it will be impossible to reach desired destination.
- To create love and affection of Allah in the hearts of Slave (Banda) and get their hearts engrossed in the intimacy of Allah is the work of Mashaekhe Tariquat (Holy persons of path).
- Shaikh (Elder) is just like a competent and experienced physician who diagnoses medicine suitable to the disease and temperament of the patient.
- Food is like a seed which takes root in the land of salik's stomach and grows tree of actions (Aamal) if the food is lawful the tree of good action grows; and if it is unlawful, the tree of disobedience and sin grows; if it is doubtful the tree of vicious ideas and negligence in prayer grows.
- After performing Faraezo wajebat (Divine command and obligatory) it is essential for seeker of spirituality to pass his valuable life in the company of holy persons as only one meeting with such persons is so much useful that can't be gained by a number of chillah (sitting in meditation for forty day) and vigorous Mojaheda (Great struggle).
- A slave (Banda) should pray and merciful (Karim) is worthy of kindness; one should be so engrossed in his prayer that he should forget one's existence.
- It is the condition that one should be guarded from sin as is the conditions for The Prophet (Salallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) to be guiltless (masum).
- One of the conditions of wali (Friend of Allah) is that he should be follower of The Prophet (Salallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) in his word, action and belief.
- The condition for wali (Friend of Allah) is that he should be learned not ignorant.
- Aulia (Friend of Allah) are companion and minister of the Divine court and act according to wishes of Allah.
Contemporary Mystics and Savants
1. Shaikh Ruknuddin Alauddoula Simnani,
2. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani,
3. Makhdoom Syed Jalal Uddin Bukhari,
4. Khwaja Hafiz Sherazi,
5. Shaikh Najmudin Asfahani,
6. Khwaja Bahauddin Naqushbandi,
7. Syed Shah Badiuddin Madar,
8. Quazi Shahabuddin Doulat Abadi and
9. Gesu Daraz Banda Nawaz Khulfa (Caliphs):
1. Hadrat Syed Abdur Razzque Noorul Ain
2. Shaikh Kabirul Abbasi
3. Shaikh Darreyatim Sarwarpuri
4. Shaikh Shamsuddin Faryad Ras Awadhy
5. Shaikh Osman
6. Shaikh Suleman Mohaddis
7. Shaikh Maroof
8. Shaikh Ahmad Quttal
9. Shaikh Ruknuddin Shahbaz
10. Shaikh Quayamuddin
11. Shaikh Asiluddin
12. Shaikh Jamiluddin Supid baz
13. Moulana Qauazi Hazzal
14. Shaikh Arif makrani
15. Shaikh Abul Makarim Khujandi
16. Shaikh Abul Makarim Harwi
17. Shaikh safiuddin rudoulwi
18. Shaikh Samauddin Rudoulwi
19. Mulla Karim
20. Shaikh Khairuddin Sudhowri
21. Quazi Muhammad Sudhowri
22. Quazi Abu Muhammad
23. Moulana Abul Mozaaffar Lukhnawi
24. Alamuddin Jaisi
25. Shaikh kamal Jaisi
26. Syed Abdul Wahab
27. Syed Reza
28. Jamshed Beg Qualandor Turk
29. Quazi Shahabuddin Doulat Abadi
30. Moulana Haji Fakhruddin Jaunpuri
31. Moulana Shaikh Daud
32. Moulana Ruknuddin
33. Shaikh Adam Osman
34. Shaikh tajuddin
35. Shaikh Nooruddin
36. Shaikhul Islam Ahmadabad Gujrat
37. Shaikh Mobarak Gujrat
38. Shaikh Hossain Dawezwi
39. Shaikh Safiuddin
40. Masnad Ali Saif khan
41. Shaikh Ahmad kanlouri
42. Moulana Abdullah Dayar Banarsi
43. Moulana Nooruddin Zafarabadi
44. Malik Mahmood, Baba Hossain kitabdar
45. Syed hasan Alam Barada
46. Shaikh Jamaludddin Rawat
47. Hesamuddin Zanzani Punwi
48. Moulana Khaggi Mohamed
49. Shaikh Abubarkar
50. Shaikh Safiuddin Arweli
51. Syed Ali Lahori
52. Shaikh Ludhan
53. Shaikh nizamuddin Brelwi
54. Shaikh Ali Dosti Simnnani
55. Shaikh Omnar
56. Shaikh Abu Said Khigri
57. Khwaja Abdur rahman
58. Khwaja Saduddin Khalid
59. Quazi Shudha Awadhi
60. Shaikh Zahid Noor
61. Shaikh Peer Ali Arlat Tarki
62. Shaikh Nizamuddin Labir
63. Shaikh Ali Simnani
64. Shaikh Ghouhar Ali
65. Shaikh Taquiuddin
66. Moulana SharafullahImam
67. Shaikh Nizamuddin
68. Shaikh Yahya Kaldadar
69. Shaikh Meer Moallah
70. Quazi Beg
71. Shaikh Qutbuddin Yahya
72. Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulla
73. Shaikh Mohiuddin
74. Amir Nangar Quli
Impression of Savants and Holy Man
(1) Hadrat Shaykh Abdul Haque Mohoddis Dehlawi:
In his book Akhbarul Akhyar, has mentioned him as a great Sufi (saint) of his time. About his Shrin at Kichowcha Sharif , he has written that it is very effecious to repel Aseb and Zin and for this, it is famous every where. With reference to lataefe Ashrafi, compiled by Hadrat Nizam Yamani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), he has acknowledged his greatness as a savant of Islam by presenting his theological and philosophical ideas particularly his notion about the belief of Faroah (Firun).
(2) Shaykh Abdur Rahman Jami (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho):
Hadrat Shaikh Abdur Rahman Jami in his world fame book, Nafhat al-Uns, has derived his theological and philosophical saying showing utmost regard to this supreme saint of Islam. The opinion of Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani and Shaikh Abdur Rahman Jami is same about Hafiz Shirazi . In his book, Nafhatulins, he has written that one of the holy saints of chishtia order deems no Diwan (colletion of poems) better than the Diwane Hafiz Shirazi. From “one of the saint of chishtia order “ he means Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf jahangir Simnani(Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
(3) Shaykh Abdur Rahman Chishti:
Hadrat Shaikh Abdur Rahman Chisti writes “ He (Syed Ashraf) had khelafat from fourteen order because he has availed the company of all holy saints (Sufis) of his time. After Hadrat Nizamuddin Mehboobe Ilahi, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) he revived spiritual instructions and reformation ; In the declaration of realities he was the interpreter of words of Allah, Hadith of the prophet (Salallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and sayings of Hadrat Moula Ali Murtaza (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
His Mission in India:
It is a historical fact that Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) made kichowcha Sharif centre of his rectitude (Rushd) and guidance at the intimation of his Shaikh Hadrat Alualhaque Waddin Pandwi. He came here and got constructed. Khauquahe Ashrafia taking part himself in the construction work with his disciples. He also got constructed two mosques: one for gents and second for ladies and a tomb on his private room. At that time, kichowcha sharif was inhabitated by Sadhus (Sairts) and Jogies (Hermits). Consequently, the darkness of infidelity had taken this area in its grip. Hence one can easily assess the difficulties faced by him in settling there and lighting the candle of Islam. But his spiritual eminence and purity of character, which has been the special characteristic of Sufi (Holy Saint), made the non – believers captivated , and in short period , millions of infidels accepted Islam and came in the Silsilae Ashrafia (Order of Ashrafia). In short, his services to the cause of Islam and mysticism are undoubtedly of great value and a landmark in the history of Islam.
Miracles (Karamat):
Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was on such a supreme status of mysticism and spirituality that uncountable miracles (Karamat) at different times and at different places are scattered in the pages of History. It is an undeniable fact that every moment of his life was miracle oriented, impressive and effectual, some miracles (Karmat) are stated here:
(A) Once he was travelling in the juridiction of Amir Taimur who was captivated to see him and showed utmost regard to him. Climbing on a hill with Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani; (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) he said , “As far as your eyes see; I will make gift all the areas coming in your sight.” Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani said,” You are not the owner of the area coming in my sight, “ Then he kept his hand on his head and asked as to what he was seeing. He replied that he was seeing Makkah al-Mukarrama and Madina al-Munawwara . Then he again enquired if that area belonged to him . Amir Taimur replied in negative and got ashamed . His firm belief (Aquidat) and supplication (Neyazamandi) increased a good deal to see such a great mystic in whose sight is whole world.
(B) Once a woman, taking his half dead son, came to his Khanquah (an abode for holy man) and entreated with tearful eyes to pray for his life. In the meantime, the boy took his last breath and died before him. She began to weep bitterly and said with folded hands. You are Allahs friend (Waliulah); Bring my son to life.” He said , “ life and death is in the hand of Allah; what a slave (Banda) can do.” Hearing it , the ill-fated woman started weeping with such mournful voice that his heart filled with pity and an astonishing condition prevailed on his face. Solacing the grieved woman , Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani said in full eminence (Jalal), "I give ten years from my life and after ten years this boy will die.” He prayed to Allah for his life and ordered the dead boy to stand up in the name of Allah . The dead boy stood up and got life for ten years. Truly he died after ten years.
When Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) came to kichowcha Sharif from Jaunpur , the first man who met him was Malik Mohmood. He visited the round tank with Malik Mahmood and told that was the very place intimated by Shaikh Alaul haque Waddin (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) Malik Mahmood told him that there lived a veteran Jogi (Hermit) with his five hundred disciples who would not tolerate his presence there. Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani asked one of his followers to go and ask the hermit (Jogi) to vacant the place and go elsewhere. The hermit told in reply that it was very difficult to turn him out from there except with the power of miracle.Hearing it, Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)asked Jamal uddin Rawat who had come in the chain of his disciples very day to go and present before the Jogi (Hermit) what he desired . Jamaluddin hesitated a bit but Hadrat Makhdoom (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) called him and put the betel leaf he was chewing in to his mouth as a result of which his condition changed. He went with endowed courage and bounty to face the great Juggler (Shobadah Baz) hermit. The hermit used all his powers of conjurity but failed . At last , he threw his hand stick in the air and Jamaluddin Rawat too sent the stick of his Shaikh in the air. It brought down the stick of the hermit beating harshly . At last the hermit Surrendered and asked to take him before Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) He went there along with his five hundred followers and bowed down his head on his feet and embraced Islam will all his followers.
(C) On his return from Pandawa Sharif one morning he was sitting with his disciples after prayer of Ashraque (Prayer after Sunrise) Some jestlers came there to ridicule him. They brought an alive man wrapped in coffin in the shape of a dead body and requested him to say funeral prayer . When these jesters pressed him much, he asked one of his disciples to say funeral prayer according to their wishes.The disciple said funeral prayer. They were waiting for his standing up but he was actually dead. This astonishing miracle spread just like wild fire in the town and created uproar. Hadrat Nizam Yamani has written a couplet on this incident.
Kase Ku Az Buzurgan Khanda Giraft
Bajuz Girya Azo Digar Che Ayad.
He who ridiculed with elders,
would get nothing except weeping.
Once Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani, (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) with his disciples was passing through Banaras. One of the disciple was fascinated to see an idol in the temple and kept on seeing it. The Karwan of Makhdoom Simnani had marched to some distance; it came to know that a disciple lagged behind and is in the temple. Hadrat Makhdoom simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) asked one of his followers to go and tell the idol to come with him. He went there and told as he was ordered. The idol moved and changed in to a beautiful girl and came before him and embraced Islam. Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) got his lover disciple married with the idol.
Truly Hadrat Moulana Room has said :
Aulia Ra Hast Qudrat Azilah
Teere Jasta Baz Gardanadz Rah.
The above stated miracles indicate his mystical and spiritual status and also extraordinary and most valuable services to the cause of Islam. It can be said without fear of contradiction that so long the world exists, The flag of his greatness and supremacy will continue unfurling and candle of spirituality lighted by him will go on showing light to humanity.
Every followers of Ashrafia order should endeavor to follow the doctrines laid down by him so that one may avail the benefits of both world.
Wisaal Sharif:
Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) left this world on 27th Muharram 808 (AH) Before his death, he had got prepared his grave. He went on 26th Muharram to visit his grave where he saw pen and paper kept in the side of grave. He sat in the grave and wrote two booklets namely Basharatul Muradin and Resalai Qubria some extracts from Resalai Quabria is presented.
In this short time (how long I stayed in the grave) seventy thousand splendor (Tajalli) of elegance (jamal) of Allah descended on this Faqeer ; and intimate friends (Muqarraban) of Allah showed so much exalting (Ae'zaz) and kindness that can’t be expressed in words; the announcer from the Sublime court of Allah (Bargehe Ilahi) announced inAlam-e-Malakut that “ Ashraf is my beloved (Mahboob) I (Allah) write kindness and forgiveness on the forehead of his disciples; and cares his disciples with absolution (Magferat) and forgiveness (Mafi)”. All praise to Allah this glad lidings for our companions. After that it was the order of Allah, eight thousands angles Thirty thousand of Haramain sharifain , one thousand from baitul Moquaddes , one thousands Abdaal of Maghrib (west) one thousand Rejalud Ghaib of Sarndip and one thousand maradane Ghaib from yaman will perform your bath your funeral prayer will be said in front of baillutulah Sharif and you will be buried in the earth for the benefit of slaves (Banda); he who comes on your grave will get his end and absolution (Maghfirat).
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