Siraj-ul-Arifeen Zubdat-us-Saliheen Ghous al-Alam Sultan Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) is such an eminent & outstanding spiritual personality of the world of mysticism, whose shining sun of spirituality & knowledge (marfat) has illuminated every corner of the world. Let us have a look at his life & works.
Name: Meer Auhaduddin Syed Ashraf.
Titles: Jahangir Ghous-ul-Alam, Mahboob-e-Yazdani.
Pedigree: Syed Ashraf, Son of Sultan Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakhshi, Son of Sultan Syed Imaduddin Noor Bakhshi, Son of Sultan Syed Nizamuddin Alisher, Son of Sultan Zahiruddin Mohammad, Son of Sultan Tajuddin Bahlool, Son of Syed Muhammad Noor Bakhshi, Son of Syed Mehdi, Son of Syed kamaluddin, Son of Syed Jamaluddin, Son of Syed Hassan Sharif, Son of Syed Abu Mohammad, Son of Syed Abul Moosa Ali, Son of Syed Ismail sani, Son of Syed Abul Hassan Mohammad, Son of Syed Ismail Arij, Son of Hazrat Jafar Sadique, Son of Imam Mohammad Baqir, Son of Imam Zain-ul-Abidin, Son of Imam Hussain & Son of Hazrat Ali.
Father: Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakhshi was the father of Sultan Syed Asharaf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) He was the king of Simnan, where he ruled with utmost Justice & sincerity for 20 years. He was not only a king, but a proficient scholar of theology & inwardly inclined to mysticism.(Tasuwwuf) He respected Islamic savants & 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 & gained mystical knowledge. He got constructed a Khanqah (an abode for holy men) of Hazrat Shaikh Hasan Sakkak & shrine of Imam-e-Azam (R.A) He was deeply fond of studying books particularly Tarikhe Tibri was in his regular study. Hazrat Nizam-e-Yamani in Latif-e-ashrafi, has mentioned that Hazrat 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 (R.A) She belonged to the dynasty of Khwaja Ahmed Yasavi who was a distinguished Sufi (Mystic) of his time & founder of Yewaisia order. She was brought up in a neat & pure religious surroundings as result of which she was deeply religious minded, pious & godly. She passed most of his time in prayer & recitation of the holy Qu'ran. She often observed fasting in day & 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.
Date & Place of Birth: He was born in Simman (Iran) in 708 (A.H).
Prophecy of Birth: His father, Sultan Ibrahim married with Bibi Khadija Begam at the age of twenty five years. He had only two or three daughters & no son, After the birth of daughters, there was no issue up to eight years. He was grieved at heart. One morning, he & his wife Bibi Khadija Begum were sitting together on Mosallah (Carper for saying prayer) All of a sudden Hazrat Ibrahim Mazzoob entered in to the palace. Both were astonished to see him. Hazrat sultan Ibrahim stood up & went forward to greet him. He made him sit on the throne & both husband & 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 & said, "It will be our good luck if you bestow a son "Ibrahim Mazzoob again said, "it's 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 Mazzoob said, "I want one thousand Dinar." Sultan Ibrahim presented one thoudand dinar before him. Ibrahim, Mazzoob stood up happily & said, "O Ibrahim (To Himself) you gave hawk (baz) to Sultan Ibrahim & he bought it cheaf." Hazrat Sultan Ibrahim went forward with him as a respect. Turning back, Ibrahim Mazzoob saw him & said, "What do you want more; you have got your son." It is also narrated that one night Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa (S.A.W) came in his dream & predicted that a waliullah (Friend of Allah) was to be born in his house; His name will be Syed Ashraf.
Education:
When Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) was four years four months & four days old, his father got performed the tradition of Bismillah Khani (Beginning reading with the name of Allah) by a highly learned & Sufi of his time named Hazrat Imeduddin Tabrezi (R.A) It is said that Hazrat Syed Ashraf was very intelligent beyond description. He completed Hifz (learn by heart) of the holy Quran with seven types of Qirat (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) Fiqah (Islamic jurisprudence) & other allied subjects. He obtained full proficiency in all these branches of Islamic education at the age of fourteen years. His name & fame as a proficient Islamic Scholar reached in the Madrasas of Iraq. From the very students life, his extraordinary ability & proficiency had impressed the savants of Baghdad & they had acknowledged it with admiration, Nizam-e-Yamani in Latif-e-Ashrafi described it in a couplet:
"Chuna Mash'hoor Ghasht Az Darse Talim ke Pas Ahle Funun Kardand Taslim"
English: 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, (R.A) became the king of Simnan at the age of 15 years. He ruled over Simnan with utmost justice & impartiality for twelve years. He gained popularity as a true, sincere & just king in every corner of simnan. Peace & tranquility prevailed every where. The subjects were prosperous & happy. No citizen dared to tyrannise anyone. Hazrat Nizam-e-Yamani has narrated an incident listening from Hazrat Alauddawla simnani. (R.A) 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 (R.A) 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 & told that was the very person who had forcibly taken her curd. The soldier denied the allegation but Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani asked him to eat some flies. No sooner did the flies go into his stomach than he vomitted & the curd came out. Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani gave away his horse with saddle to the old woman & beat him black & blue. Hazrat Nizam-e-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.
Translation:
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 & 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 & soluk (way to Allah) He often passed his time in the company of holy person of spirituality & sought knowledge about suluk & 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 & disgust. with the affairs of kingdom. When he was 23 years old, he dreamt Hazrat Owais Qarnee (R.A) 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 & burnt his self. At this stage, he seldom attended the kingly court thinking it to be of no value & use for him, At last, the desired day came & Hazrat Khidir (Alaihis salam) appeared again before him & said, "O Ashraf, the purpose for which you have come in this world is before you; desert the worldly throne & leave for Indian where Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq Ganj-e-Nabat is anxiously waiting for your in Pandwa, Bengal.
Journey torwards India:
As suggested by Hazrat Khwaja Khidr (Alaihis salam), he made up his mind resolutely to relinquish the throne of Simana & 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 & direction given by Hazrat Khidr, (Alaihis salam) & sought his permission to leave Simnan & travel towards his destined goal, Pandwa sharif, in India. The pious mother blessed him & said, "Before your birth Khwaja Almad Yeswi predicted; "A son will be bestowed whose sun of sanctity (Wilayat) 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 Hazrat Syed Ashraf Simnani (R.A) 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 soilders. 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 & 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; Hazrat Alauddawla Simnani, accompanied him up to some stages & returned seeing him off with this couplet:
Tarke Duniya gir ta Sultan Shawi
Mahrame Asrar ba jana Shawi
(O Ashraf) "leave this world so that you become king & intimate friend of Allah"
Meeting with Sayyid Jalaluddin Bukhari (R.A):
Passing through Bukhara, he arrived at Och Sharif, Multan, Where he met Hazrat Makhdoom Jahanyan Jahan Ghasht Jalaluddin Bukhari (R.A) who Welcomed him & endowed with spiritual bounties & blessings (Fuzo Barkat). He bid him farewell & said, "Congratulation on this journey" Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq Waddin is anxiously waiting for your arrival; don't be late in the way & 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 & nights, he left for Pandawa Sharif & arrived at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj bakhsh Lahori (R.A) where he also availed spiritual guidance. From there he reached Delhi where he attended at the Shrines of Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (R.A) & Hazrat Nizamuddin Mahboob-e-Ilahi (R.A) & obtained spiritual blessing & benediction. When he arrived in India, Feeroz Shah Tughlaque was ruling over India.
Hazrat Sayyid Ashraf Simnani (R.A) at Pandawa Sharif:
The spiritual attraction of Hazrat Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq (R.A) 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, deserts & facing all sorts of difficulties in the way, he arrived at Bihar Sharif. The day he was arriving at Bihar Sharif, Hazrat Makhdoom Sharfuddin Yahya monairi (R.A) had left this world. Before his death, he willed that his funeral prayer would be performed by a Syed noble on both sides, (Najib-ut-Tarfain) Hafiz with seven qurats & deserter of throne who would be coming from westward. Hazrat Makhdoom Simrani (R.A) had known it beforehand by revelation (Kashf) Accordingly, keeping the funeral ready, his followers were waiting for the arrival of willed personality. Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani arrived at Bihar Sharif hurridly 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 & stayed in the khanquah (abode of holy men) at night where he had a glimpse of Hazrat 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 & 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, Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) Stretched hands & 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 & read this couplet:
Mora Bar Sar Chun Bowad Az Lutf Afsar
Bar Aamad Rast Mara Khirquah Darbar
When the kingly crown was on my head by 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 Peer-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide) Who was also anxiously waiting for him. He arrived at Malda from where he started his journey towards his last & destined destination, pandawa Sharif, when he was nearing Pandawa Sarif, suddenly Hazrat Ala-ul-Haq (R.A) wokeup & said, "Syed Ashraf is coming; let us go to some distance to greet him." Taking his Doli (a kind of small sadden & Doli of Hazrat Akhi Seraj (R.A) 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 Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani in the eyes of Hazrat Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq Waddin (R.A) No Sooner did he see his shaikh (spiritual guide) than he placed his head on his feet & 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 & embraced with his shaikh & 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, Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani sitting in the Doli meant for him, leaves for the Khauquah of Shaikh along with his shaikh & large number of disciples. No sooner did he see the Khanquah than he got down from the Doli & bowed down his head on the door with inexpressible joy & respect. Here he was served with meal & Pan (Betel leaf). After the fulfilment of all these rituals, Hazrat Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq waddin made him his disciple in the chishtiya & Nizamia order & gave him permission of Salasil (orders). After he got honour of being the disciple of Shaikh & 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
Ala-ul-Haq Waddin Ganje Nabat.
Meaning: Hazrat Ala-ul-Haq waddin 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 & spirituality. One day Hazrat Ala-ul-Haq Waddin (R.A) said O Ashraf," I have completed all Haqaiq a Marif (Realities & Knowledge) on you; I like to set a palce for you where you have to light the candle of rectitude & reformation. Hearing it, tears filled in his eyes as he did not like seperation from his shaikh, So only idea of seperation 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 & eternal abode. He left for Kichowcha Sharif passing through different places of Bihar, Zafarabad & Jaunpur. He stayed at jaunpur for a few days where Sulatan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi & Qazi Shahabuddin Dowlat Abadi were highly impressed with him to see his sublime spiritual dignity & purity of character. Form there he marched to his fixed place & arrived at Kichaucha sharif.
Books by Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A):
Hazrat Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) has written a number of books on different subjects which indicate that he was an unparalleled savant of Theology & other related subjects of his time. Books written by him are as follows:
- Kanz-ul-Asrar.
- Lateef-e-Ashrafi (a collection of his spiritual sayings)
- Maktubat-e-Ashrafi
- Sharh-e-Sikandar Nama
- Sirr-ul-Asrar
- Sharh-e-Awarif-ul-Marif
- Sharh-e-Fosus-ul-Hakam
- Qawaid-ul-Aqaid
- Ashraf-ul-Ansab
- Bahr-ul-Azkar
- Ashraf-ul-Fawaid
- Ashraf-ul-Ansab
- Fawaid-ul-Ashraf
- Tanbih-ul-Akhwan
- Basharat-uz-Zakerin
- Basharat-ul-Ikhwan
- Musta Lehate Tasuwwuf
- Manaqib-e-Khulfa-e-Rashideen
- Hujjaluzza kerin
- Fatwa Ashrafia
- Tafseer-e-Noor Bakhshia
- Irshad-ul-Ikhwan
- Risala Wahdat-ul-wajud
- Risala Dar Tajwiz-e-tane Yazid
- Bahr-ul-Haqaiq
- Nahve Ashrafia
- Kanz-ud-Daqaiq
- Basharat-ul-Mureedin
- Diwan-e-Ashraf.
Journeying:
Hazrat sultan Makhdoom Simnani 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 & brought thousands of astray persons on right path by his preaching & presenting Islamic theology vividly. He had full command on Arabic, Persian & Turkish languages as a result of which he used to deliver the most productive lectures making the audience lost in the world of spirituality & oneness of Allah.
Mahboob-e-Yazdani:
Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf (R.A) attained the status of Mahboobiyat (Belovedhood) i.e. Mahboob-e-Yazdani on 27th Ramadan 782 (A.H) while he was amongst his disciples at Roohabad. Suddenly it began to sound from every corner "Ashraf is my Mahboob" This heavenly sound was glad tidings of the status of Mahboobiyat (belovedhood) since then, he began to be called "Mahboob-e-Yazdani" It was the sublime spirituality of sultan Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) that he performed morning prayer in Masjide Haram daily. The day he was bestowed with this spiritual honour Hazrat Najmuddin Asfahani (R.A) was in Kaba Sharif. Seeing Sultan Simnani (R.A) coming to say morning prayer in Kaba he said "Come, Come Mahboob-e-Yazadani; may this title from Allah be fortunate for you.
Ghous-ul-Alam & Jahangir:
It is a historical fact that Hazrat Sultan Makhdoom Simnani was endowed with the dignity of Ghous in the Khanqah of Hazrat Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (R.A) on first Rajab 770 (A.H). Hence forward he is called as Ghous-ul-Alam. The title of Jahangir tagged with his name is also very famous. One day he was in the Khauqah of his Shaikh (R.A) amongst the disciples. All of a sudden, echo of Jahangir Began to resound from the doors & walls of the Khanqah. Hearing it, Hazrat Shaikh Ala-ul-Haq (R.A) engrossed in meditation (Moraqaba) & after a little while, raised his head & honoured him with the title of Jahangir as it was a heavenly title confirmed on him.
Instructions of Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A):
- Knowledge is the shining sun & skills are it's rays.
- After Iman (Belief) & Touhid, (Unitarianism) it is obligatory on man (Banda) to know injections of Shariat (Revealed Law) & Aqeeda-e-Haqqah (True doctrines)
- Gain knowledge as illeterate devotee is the follower of Devil.
- The difference between Islamic Savant & worldly savant is just like the difference between pure & impure silver.
- Astrayed learned is like the sunken boat which sinks itself & makes others drown.
- Learned without action is like a glass without tin (Qalia).
- Don't be empty handed of actions & conditions; make sure that only Knowledge cannot help you.
- Remembrance of virtuous persons & memoir of mystics is a light that cast shadow on the seeker of guidance.
- Recollect any word of a holy man & if it is not possible keep in mind his name; You will be benefited.
- To know is shariat (Revealed Law) & make practice in accordance with knowledge is Tariqat (Path) & to achieve objectives of both is Haqiqat (Reality).
- He, who does not follow shariat (Revealed Law) in tariqat, (path) is deprived of benefits of Tariqat (Path).
- The man who will be staunch follower of shariat, (revealed law) the way to Tariqat will open automatically & when he would have obtained Tariqat (path) with shariat (revealed law) the splendour of Haqiqat (reality) will itself be illuminated.
- In suluk (Holy way) if one commits slightest deviation from the way of obedience to the Holy prophet (S.A.W) then it will be impossible to reach desired destination.
- To create love & affection of Allah in the hearts of Slave (Banda) & get their hearts engrossed in the intimacy of Allah is the work of Mashaikh-e-Tariqat (Holy persons of path).
- Shaikh (Elder) is just like a competent & experienced physian who diagnoses medicine suitable to the disease & temperament of the patient.
- Food is like a seed which takes root in the land of salik's stomach & grows tree of actions (Aamal) if the food is lawful the tree of good action grows & if it is unlawful, the tree of disobedience & sin grows; if it is doubtful the tree of vicious ideas & negligence in prayer grows.
- After performing Faraizo wajibat (Divine command & 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 fourty day) & vigorous Mojahida (Great struggle).
- A slave (Banda) should pray & 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 to be guiltless (masum).
- One of the conditions of wali (Friend of Allah) is that he should be follower of prophet (S.A.W) in his word, action & belief.
- The condition for wali (Friend of Allah) is that he should be learned not ignorant.
- Aulia (Friend of Allah) are companion & minister of the Devine court & act according to wishes of Allah.
Contemporary Mystics & Savants:
Shaikh Ruknuddin Alauddoula Simnani, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, Makhdoom Syed Jalal Uddin Bukhari, Khwaja Hafiz Sherazi, Shaikh Najmudin Asfahani, Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi, Syed Shah Badiuddin Madar, Qazi Shahabuddin Doulat Abadi & Gesu Daraz Banda Nawaz.
Khulfa (Caliphs):
Hazrat Syed Abdur Razzaq Noorul Ain, Shaikh Kabirul Abbasi, Shaikh Darreyatim Sarwarpuri, Shaikh Shamsuddin Faryad Ras Awadhy, Shaikh Osman , Shaikh Suleman Mohaddis , Shaikh Maroof, Shaikh Ahmad Quttal, Shaikh Ruknuddin Shahbaz, Shaikh Qayamuddin , Shaikh Asiluddin, Shaikh Jamiluddin Supid baz, Moulana Qauazi Hazzal, Shaikh Arif makrani, Shaikh Abul Makarim Khujandi, Shaikh Abul Makarim Harvi, Shaikh safiuddin rudoulvi, Shaikh Samauddin Rudoulvi, Mulla Karim , Shaikh Khairuddin Sudhovri, Qazi Md. Sudhovri, Qazi Abu Md. Moulana Abul Muzaaffar Lukhnaci, Alamuddin Jaisi, Shaikh kamal Jaisi, Syed Abdul Wahab, Syed Reza, Jamshed Beg Qalandor Turk, Qazi Shahabuddin Doulat Abadi, Moulana Haji Fakhruddin Jaunpuri, Moulana Shaikh Daud, Moulana Ruknuddin, Shaikh Adam Osman, Shaikh tajuddin, Shaikh Nooruddin, Shaikhul Islam Ahmadabad Gujrat, Shaikh Mubarak Gujrat, Shaikh Hussain Davezvi, Shaikh Safiuddin, Masnad Ali Saif khan, Shaikh Ahmad kanlouri, Moulana Abdullah Dayar Banarsi,Moulana Nooruddin Zafarabadi, Malik Mahmood, Baba Hossain kitabdar, Syed hasan Alam Barada. Shaikh Jamaludddin Rawat, Hisamuddin Zanzani Punvi, Moulana Khaggi Mohammed, Shaikh Abubarkar, Shaikh Safiuddin Arweli, Syed Ali Lahori, Shaikh Ludhan, Shaikh nizamuddin Brelwis, Shaikh Ali Dosti Simnnani, Shaikh Omnar, Shaikh Abu Said Khigri, Khwaja Abdur rahman, Khwaja Saduddin Khalid, Qazi Shudha Awadhi, Shaikh Zahid Noor, Shaikh Peer Ali Arlat Tarki, Shaikh Nizamuddin Labir, Shaikh Ali Simnani, Shaikh Ghouhar Ali, Shaikh Taqiuddin, Moulana SharafullahImam, Shaikh Nizamuddin, Shaikh Yahya Kaldadar, Shaikh Meer Moallah, Qazi Beg, Shaikh Qutbuddin Yahya, Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulla, Shaikh Mohiuddin & Amir Nangar Quli.
Impression of Savants & Holy man:
(1) Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (R.A):
In his book Akhbar-ul-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 & Zin & for this, it is famous every where. With reference to latif-e-Ashrafi, compiled by Hazrat Nizam Yamani (R.A), he has acknowledged his greatness as a savant of Islam by presenting his theological & philosophical ideas particularly his notion about the belief of Pharaoh (Firun).
(2) Shaikh Abdur Rahman Jami (R.A):
Hazrat Shaikh Abdur Rahman Jami in his world fame book, Nafhatulins, has derived his theological & philosophical saying showing utmost regard to this supreme saint of Islam. The opinion of Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani & Shaikh Abdur Rahman Jami is same about Hafiz Shirazi. In his book, Nafhatulins, he has written that one of the holy saints of chishtiya order deems no Diwan (colletion of poems) better than the Diwane Hafiz Shirazi. From "one of the saint of chishtiya order" he means Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf jahangir Simnani (R.A)
(3) Shaikh Abdur Rahman Chishti (R.A):
Hazrat Shaikh Abdur Rahman Chishti writes "He (Syed Ashraf) had khilafat from fourteen order because he has availed the company of all holy saints (Sufis) of his time." After Hazrat Nizamuddin Mehboob-e-Ilahi, (R.A) he revived spiritual instructions & reformation; In the declaration of realities he was the interpreter of words of Allah, Hadith of the prophet (S.A.W) & sayings of Hazrat Moula Ali Murtaza (R.A)
His Mission in India:
It is a historical fact that Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) made kichowcha Sharif centre of his rectitude (Rushd) & guidance at the intimation of his Shaikh Hazrat Alualhaque Waddin Pandvi. He came here & got constructed. Khauquahe Ashrafia taking part himself in the construction work with his disciples. He also got constructed two mosques: one for gents & second for ladies & a tomb on his private room. At that time, kichowcha sharif was inhabitated by Sadhus (Sairts) & 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 & lighting the candle of Islam. But his spiritual eminence & purity of character, which has been the special characteristic of Sufi (Holy Saint), made the non – believers captivated & in short period , millions of infidels accepted Islam & came in the Silsila-e-Ashrafia (Order of Ashrafia). In short, his services to the cause of Islam & mysticism are undoubtedly of great value & a landmark in the history of Islam.
Miracles (Karamat):
Hazrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (R.A) was on such a supreme status of mysticism & spirituality that uncountable miracles (Karamat) at different times & 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 & effectual, some miracles (Karamat) are stated here:
(a) Once he was travelling in the juridiction of Amir Taimur who was captivated to see him & showed utmost regard to him. Climbing on a hill with Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani; (R.A) he said , "As far as your eyes see; I will make gift all the areas coming in your sight." Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani said," You are not the owner of the area coming in my sight, "Then he kept his hand on his head & asked as to what he was seeing. He replied that he was seeing Mecca & Medina. Then he again enquired if that area belonged to him. Amir Taimur replied in negative & got ashamed. His firm belief (Aqidat) & 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) & entreated with tearful eyes to pray for his life. In the meantime, the boy took his last breath & died before him. She began to weep bitterly & said with folded hands. You are Allahs friend (Waliullah); Bring my son to life." He said , "life & 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 & an astonishing condition prevailed on his face. Solacing the grieved woman , Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani said in full eminence (Jalal), "I give ten years from my life & after ten years this boy will die." He prayed to Allah for his life & ordered the dead boy to stand up in the name of Allah. The dead boy stood up & got life for ten years. Truely he died after ten years.
When Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) came to kichowcha Sharif from Jaunpur , the first man who met him was Malik Mohmood. He visited the round tank with Malik Mahmood & told that was the very place intimated by Shaikh Alaul haque Waddin (R.A) Malik Mahmood told him that there lived a veteran Jogi (Hermit) with his five hundred disciples who would not tolerate his presence there. Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani asked one of his followers to go & ask the hermit (Jogi) to vacant the place & 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, Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) asked Jamaluddin Rawat who had come in the chain of his disciples very day to go & present before the Jogi (Hermit) what he desired. Jamaluddin hesitated a bit but Hazrat Makhdoom (R.A) called him & put the betel leaf he was chewing in to his mouth as a result of which his condition changed. He went with endowed courage & 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 & 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 & asked to take him before Hazrat Sultan Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) He went there along with his five hundred followers & bowed down his head on his feet & embraced Islam will all his followers.
(c) On his return from Pandawa Sharif one morning he was sitting with his disciples after prayer of Ashraq ( 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 & requested him to say funeral prayer. When these jestlers 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 & created uproar. Hazrat Nizam Yamani has written a couplet on this incident.
Kase Ku Az Buzurgan Khanda Giraft
Bajuz Girya Azo Digar Che Ayad.
Meaning: He who ridiculed with elders, would get nothing except weeping.
Once Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani, (R.A) with his disciples was passing through Banaras. One of the disciple was fascinated to see an idol in the temple & kept on seeing it. The carvan of Makhdoom Simnani had marched to some distance; it came to know that a disciple lagged behind & is in the temple. Hazrat Makhdoom simnani (R.A) asked one of his followers to go & tell the idol to come with him. He went there & told as he was ordered. The idol moved & changed in to a beautiful girl & came before him & embraced Islam. Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) got his lover disciple married with the idol.
Truly Hazrat Moulana Roomi has said:
Auliya Ra Hast Qudrat Azilah
Tere Jasta Baz Gardanadz Rah.
The above stated miracles indicate his mystical & spiritual status & also extraordinary & 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 & supremacy will continue unfurling & 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.
Wafaat:
Hazrat Makhdoom Simnani (R.A) left this world on 28th Muharram 808 (A.H) Before his death, he had got prepared his grave. He went on 26th Muharram to visit his grave where he saw pen & paper kept in the side of grave. He sat in the grave & wrote two booklets namely Basharatul Muradin & Resalai Qubria some extracts from Resalai Qubria is presented.
In this short time (how long I stayed in the grave) seventy thousand splendor (Tajalli) of elegence (jamal) of Allah descended on this Faqir & intimate friends (Moqarraban) of Allah (Angiles) showed so much exalting (Izaz) & kindness that can’t be expressed in words; the announcer from the Sublime court of Allah (Bargehe Ilahi) announced in the world of angiles (Alam-e-Malakut) That "Ashraf is my beloved (Mahboob) I (Allah) write kindness & forgiveness on the forehead of his disciples & cares his disciples with absolution (Maghfirat) & forgiveness (Mafi)". All prais to Allah this glad lidings for our campanions. After that it was the order of Allah, eight thousands angles Thirty thousand of Haramain sharifain, one thousand from bait-ul-Muqaddas , one thousand's Abdal of Maghrib (west) one thousand Rejalud Ghaib of Sarndip & one thousand maradane Ghaib from yaman will perform your bath your funeral prayer will be said in front of baitullah Sharif & you will be buried in the earth for the benefit of slaves (Banda); he who comes on your grave will get his end & absolution (Maghfirat).
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