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His Eminence Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh(may Allah Most High exalt his station)
The lives and biographies of Aulia Allah are a source of guidance and emancipation for the struggling mankind. These pious men first of all molded their lives according to the life of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad P.B.U.H. and then presented themselves as role models before the masses. The whole life of these holy men of God reflected the true spirit of Islam. History tells us that Islam prospered in the Indian sub continent through the missionary efforts of these holy men and even orientalists have agreed with it.
In the list of these holy men is included the name of Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh – founder of the spiritual order Noushahi. The name of Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh does not need any introduction. The services of the founder of the spiritual order Noushahi and his disciples in propagating the message of Islam are immense and unforgettable. A famous orientalist Professor Arnold writes in Preaching of Islam that a certain Haji Muhammad converted as many as 2,00,000 Hindus to Islam
The spiritual order - Tariqah Aalia - Qadria Noushahia has its origins with Hazrat Noushah Ganj-Bakhsh (r.a.). He was born in the holy month of Ramadan in 1014 A.H. (1605 ce) at Ghogganwali, a village in the district Gujrat, now Mandi Bhauddin in Punjab, Pakistan and passed away on 3rd of Rabi ul Awwal 1103 Hijri, (1691 ce). The name of his father was Ala’uddin (ra), who was respected for being a great Sufi of his own times. Despite all difficulties of undertaking a long journey in his days he had completed his pilgrimage to Mecca Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah seven times on foot, which shows how devoted to Islam he was. The shrine of Ala’uddin (ra) is located at Ghogganwali, district Gujrat in Punjab, Pakistan.
Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh at birth was named (Haji) Muhammad. This name was kept in accordance with some divine and supernatural messages. In the first instance he became famous by the name of Haji Muhammad. Later on he also became famous by the names of Haji Nousha, Abul Hashim, Bhooray Wala Pir (the enshrouded one), Mujaddid-i Islam (the great reviver of the Islam), Nousha Ganj Bakhsh, Nousha Pir and Nousha Pak. The name Nousha is also spelled and pronounced as Noushah. His actual name is Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh Qadri.
He was one of the beloved spiritual successors of Hazrat Sakhi Shah Sulaiman Noori Hazoori Qadri Bhalwali. After conferring the succession and granting permission to Hazrat Noushah Ganj-Bakhsh, Hazrat Sakhi Shah Sulaiman Noori placed both his sons under the guidance and spiritual teaching of Hazrat Noushah Ganj-Bakhsh. In this way a loving connection was established between the two families, a relationship of respect and honour developed.
His eminence Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh had two sons, the elder son, Hazrat Hafiz Barkhurdar (ra) and the younger son, Hazrat Muhammad Hashim Daryadil was appointed as his spiritual successor. After Hazrat Hashim Darya’dil the successor ship was eventually passed on to Hazrat Dhula Muhammad Saeed (ra), Hazrat Abdul Rasool (ra), Muhammed Naik Pir (ra) and it was later on passed onto Hazrat Ghulam Hussain (ra).
To have a greater understanding of the life of Nosha Ganj Bakhsh we strongly recommend reading Ahwal aur Aasaar which is a complete biography of Hazrat Noushah Ganj Baksh (ra)
Sayings of Noushah Ganj Bakhsh (Click here)
His Eminence Ghulam Hussnain Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Ghulam Hussain Noushahi was the fifth successor of His Eminence Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh (may Allah Most High exalt his station). Ghulam Hussain was both a disciple and the leading successor of his noble father, His Eminence Muhammad Naik Alam Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station). His Eminence Sahibzada Pir Mahboob Hussain Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station) asserts (in Haq Numa magazine) that during the time when the shrine of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh was moved to its third location it was Ghulam Hussain Noushahi, son of Muhammad Naik Alam son of Abdul Rasool, who was the successor of the Noushahi tariqa (path). This event took place in the year 1238A.H (circa.1822C.E.).
When the third location for the shrine of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh was exacted at Ranmal in Gujrat (Punjab), the blessed coffin of Hajji Muhammad was brought to Ranmal on the order of Ghulam Hussain Noushahi by his younger brother His Eminence Ghulam Haidar Shah Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station). Altogether six coffins were brought to Ranmal these included the coffin of Hazrat Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh, Muhammad Hashim Daryadil Noushahi, Muhammad Saeed Dhula Noushahi, Ismatullah Noushahi, Imam Shah and Mahboob Shah (may Allah Most High exalt their stations).
A remembrance of Fateh Muhammad Shah Deewan Qalandar Qadri Noushahi, who was a deputy of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh, is still present today at Sanghoi in Jhelum (Punjab: N.E. Pakistan). Many devotees of Fateh Muhammad were also present in Sanghoi. From amongst the family of these devotees two men had also travelled to Ranmal in 1238A.H. to witness the moving of the shrine of Hajji Muhammad to the current location in Ranmal. The two devotees from Ranmal needed to move onto Rasool Nagar for which crossing the River Chenab by boat was necessary. After being held up they decided it appropriate to rest at Ranmal. At that moment Ghulam Hussain Noushahi was ploughing his field when the two men approached him for the request of a nights stay. The request was granted and in the morning the men moved onto Rasool Nagar only though to come back to Ranmal. On their return they asked Ghulam Hussain to accompany them to Sanghoi, ‘it will be a great blessing for us if you were to come to Sanghoi.’ Sensing their sincerity and devotion Ghulam Hussain Noushahi accepted and accompanied the two men to Sanghoi in Jhelum. At this time the ruler of India was Ranjit Singh (d.1839C.E.).
Ghulam Hussain Noushahi was concerned for the religion of Islam and he was also the one who possessed knowledge of the religion. He settled in Sanghoi permanently, where he guided and illuminated the lives of people with the knowledge and blessings of the spiritual path. It was in Sanghoi that he passed away in the year 1292A.H (circa.1875C.E.). Ghulam Hussain Noushahi’s blessed shrine is to the south of Sanghoi and it is a much visited and sacred sanctuary. Ghulam Hussain Noushahi had no offspring and so he asked his younger brother Ghulam Haidar Noushahi to send his son Of Eminence Akbar Ali Noushahi, popularly known as Chambi Wali Sarkar (Esteemed One Possessing a Horse). Sultan Akbar Ali came to live with his uncle in Sanghoi and after Ghulam Hussain Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station) passed away it was his nephew Sultan Akbar Ali who became the “sajjada nishin” (Successor) of the Noushahi path in Sanghoi (Jhelum).
His Eminence Sultan Akbar Ali Noushahi Chambi Wali Sarkar (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Akbar Ali was the first “sajjada nishin” of the spiritual order Qadria Noushahia Sanghoi in Jhelum. In his youth he moved to Sanghoi, where under the guidance of his uncle Ghulam Hussain Noushahi, he learnt the secrets of the spiritual path. Sultan Akbar Ali took the oath of allegiance (bay’et) at the hands of his uncle and thereafter he became his uncle’s principle deputy (khalifa).
The name by birth of His Eminence was Akbar Ali alias Mian Sahibzada, however his title became commonly known as Chambi Wali Sarkar. Around the area of Potowar, Sultan Akbar Ali is popularly known as Chambi Wali Sarkar. The signature ring, however, of Sultan Akbar Ali reveals the words ‘Sahibzada Akbar Ali’ and it is these words that make up the seal of Sultan Akbar Ali. The genealogy of Sultan Akbar Ali is as follows: Sahibzada Akbar Ali Noushahi (Chambi Wali Sarkar), son of Ghulam Haidar Shah Noushahi son of Muhammad Naik Alam Noushahi son of Abdul Rasool Noushahi son of Muhammad Saeed Dhula Noushah Saani son of Muhammad Hashim Daryadil son of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh (may Allah Most High their station).
Sultan Akbar Ali was born in Ranmal in the district of Gujrat. The year of his birth has been recorded at circa.1820C.E. It is related that when Sultan Akbar Ali was born his uncle Ghulam Hussain came to see the new born child and saw in his forehead the writing that he was to be an illustrious guide and leader of his era. Ghulam Hussain Noushahi told his younger brother, “This child is mine for I have taken him in my arms.”
When Sultan Akbar Ali reached the age of four years, four months and four days his father introduced him to reading letters after which he moved onto reading the Quran. Being very able by birth the Quran was completed in a little period of time after which Sultan Akbar Ali moved onto the other sciences of the religion. There are two relations concerning how far Sultan Akbar Ali’s studies developed. The first relation says that Sultan Akbar Ali had almost completed the Darse Nizami course when his uncle Ghulam Hussain requested his presence at Sanghoi while the second relation states that the Darse Nizami course had been completed before moving to Sanghoi.
Many geographical locations have been pointed out to show the places of seclusion (chilla) that Sultan Akbar Ali chose to worship. It is, however, unanimously agreed that thirty-six years were spent by Sultan Akbar Ali in worship and mystic exercises. In amidst this worship the nafs (lower soul) was subjected to rigorous practices and affliction and as a result of it Sultan Akbar Ali progressed greatly in marifah (recognition and knowledge of Allah Most High). When his spiritual guide offered to him the nobility of successor ship (Khilafat) he said: “O my son! The blessings I gained through my ancestors I bestow all upon you.”
Chambi Wali Sarkar: The Event behind this appellation
Allah Almighty the most exalted one always graced the utterances of Sultan Akbar Ali, whatever was said came to manifest in the best manner. Sultan Akbar Ali owned a piebald horse which in Punjabi is known as Chambi, it is upon this horse that he would travel at all times. It is related that once Sultan Akbar Ali stayed in Dara-Kayal, a village of Tehsil Gujar-Khan. When Sultan Akbar Ali was about to depart from his short stay the wife of Chaudhri Muhammad Ali, Masmaa Begum Bibi, grabbed the rein of the horse and said (with due respect), “My Eminence I have no offspring, you are of the righteous, pray for me.” Sultan Akbar Ali looking into her destiny remained quiet. However, once more the lady repeated her request. An eruption of fervour in Sultan Akbar Ali saw him come down off his horse and immediately he placed his head in prostration. After a short while Sultan Akbar Ali lifted his head and stood, he then addressed his horse saying: “O Chambi! That son you are carrying, for Allah Most High’s sake grant it to this lady.”
Those who saw the event say that at that very instance the woman became pale and after the designated time of only 6 months pregnancy she gave birth to a child. This length of time itself was a miracle, as the lady was informed by her murshid Sultan Akbar-Ali that she will give birth witin the time of 6 months- Mashallah. The colour of the child was similar to that of the horse and from the head to the back he was covered in traces of hair. The child’s name was Khadim Hussain and he himself later on was married and had offspring. As a result of this miracle the people of Potowar called Sultan Akbar Ali by the title Chambi Wali Sarkar (Esteemed One Possessing a Horse). Such was the popularity of this title that the birth name of Chambi Wali Sarkar has almost become absorbed in this very title. Many Potowar poets and auditions have given rise to Sultan Akbar Ali as Chambi Wali Sarkar.
To read the Biography of Chambi Wali Sarkar in Urdu click here
Concerning the nature of miracles
The real miracles (kiramat) of any righteous person are his spiritual successors and students. For it is from these individuals that the common people gain blessings and guidance. This piety then continues down the generations illuminating the hearts of many individuals and communities. Many miracles of Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar have been recorded by his own deputies. Some exist in the form of poetry others in the more common medium of prose. Maulana Nizam ad-din in his book, for example, records approximately one hundred miracles of Sultan Akbar Ali.
An account of Baba Nur Ahmed and Sa’in Muhammad Ali
Baba Nur Ahmed lived in the village of Gaggar within Jhelum, he was a man inclined towards those who practiced forms of mysticism. Indeed he cherished sitting in the company of saints and righteous people. Nur Ahmed heard about a dervish saint nearby in Kala-Gujran who had spiritually developed and achieved great things. Nur Ahmed decided he would go and meet this dervish to take the oath of allegiance (bay’et’) at his hands. Upon reaching the dervish Nur Ahmed was told, “Your spiritual sustenance does not lie with me.” In reply Nur Ahmed inquired, “How do I know of my destination? Why don’t you advise me of my path?” The saint replied, “Go, head straight to Sanghoi, there you will find, from the noble family of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah, an elite spiritual figure.” Nur Ahmed, understanding the signal, proceeded next day to Sanghoi where he met Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar. Immediately he entered the circle of devotees around Sultan Akbar Ali.
Nur Ahmed would frequently come to visit his spiritual master in Sanghoi. One day he asked Sultan Akbar Ali to accompany him to his house in order that his abode may be blessed. Sultan Akbar Ali sensing the sincerity of Nur Ahmed agreed to go with him the following day. The next day both disciple and master reached the village of Gaggar at the time of the late afternoon prayer (Asr). Upon reaching the house, Sultan Akbar Ali established a small circle of spiritual teaching. When people heard about the presence of Sultan Akbar Ali in their area they came from around the locality to accumulate blessings from him. A member of a Kashmiri family nearby, whose name was Muhammad Ali, also visited. When Muhammad Ali reached Sultan Akbar Ali, he sat in front of the saint. Such was the spiritual effect of Sultan Akbar Ali that after a short while Muhammad Ali leapt to the feet of the shaikh. Muhammad Ali started to weep and he lost any sense of his whereabouts. Sultan Akbar Ali lifted and embraced him, thereafter with one glance Sultan Akbar Ali transported a mass of spiritual knowledge and certainty into the breast of Muhammad Ali, who was by now a great student of the Noushahi spiritual order.
Maulana Sharaf Ali and the oath of allegiance (baya’)
It is related that Sultan Akbar Ali was residing at Moori Barsaal when Maulana Sharaf Ali came and asked the sheikh to visit his house in the village of Jarmot. Sultan Akbar Ali, discerning sincerity in the request, told Sharaf Ali to go along and make the necessary preparations. Sharaf Ali reached his home and at sunset he set off again this time with a pickaxe to clear the difficult terrain that Sultan Akbar Ali would encounter from Mauri Barsaal to his village of Jarmaut. In the morning Sharaf Ali reached Mauri Basaal and repeated his initial request to Sultan Akbar Ali. Sultan Akbar Ali mounted his horse and Sharaf Ali seized the rein of the horse and walked along in front of the sheikh. When they came to the difficult territory Sharaf Ali asked which direction they should take. Sultan Akbar Ali replied, “Today I am your guest, you are to lead the way.” When they crossed the hazardous terrain Sultan Akbar Ali glanced with joy at the work of Sharaf Ali. Seeing the devotion, Sultan Akbar Ali, said: “Sharaf Ali! You have cleared the path for my horse and in return I have furnished your trail.”
The journey to Peshawar
Sultan Akbar Ali once set off to visit Peshawar, he was with his beloved disciple Muhammad Hussain whom he would often warmly refer to as Mir Hussain. Muhammad Haseen writes that when we got to the outskirts of town Sultan Akbar Ali rested near a graveyard. Whoever saw Sultan Akbar Ali was taken by his physical and spiritual presence. The news reached the scholar and qadi (judge) of the town, Maulana Zain al-Abidin. The scholar came and conversed with Sultan Akbar Ali. Zain al-Abidin was deeply impressed at the knowledge and station of the saint and he asked Sultan Akbar Ali to visit his house. The invitation was accepted and on reaching Zain al-Abidin’s house they sat down after their meal. The scholar clutched a book and asked Sultan Akbar Ali to shed some light on an Islamic ruling. Sultan Akbar Ali replied: “Within this text, on this page the answer is present.” Zain al-Abidin was staggered and took great admiration at the knowledge and epistemological confidence of Sultan Akbar Ali. Such was his condition that he immediately asked his son to become a spiritual disciple (murid) of Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar. It was also on this journey that Mirza Talha Muhammad’s father Mian Muhammad Arf became a murid of Sultan Akbar Ali.
The reconstruction of the mosque at Bhai Khan
The Bhai Khan mosque lies on the edge of the GT Road, according to numerous traditions this mosque was built in the time of Akbar. The stairs of the mosque begin from the public path way up to the mosque. In the era of the British when the Grand Trunk Road was surveyed and built the stairs to the mosque were destroyed. As a result the mosque became deserted. The walls of the mosque became ruined and the local Sikh leaders then used the mosque as a stable for their horses. Sultan Akbar Ali once visited the village near the mosque and was deeply disheartened at the state of the mosque. Sultan Akbar Ali asked one of his disciples, Mohsin Ali Khan, to restore the mosque. Mohsin Ali Khan reconstructed the mosque and with the help of the villagers the mosque today is a modern building where all the villagers gather for prayer.
A Hindu embraces Islam
A wealthy Hindu from the village of Bhai Khan once visited Sultan Akbar Ali and said, “My Eminence your virtues have spread far and wide, I am without offspring, pray that my difficulty might be solved.” Immediately on the seeker’s request, Sultan Akbar Ali entered into contemplation (muraqaba). After a lengthy delay Sultan Akbar Ali lifted his head and addressed the Hindu, saying, “Become Muslim, through your faith in the Messenger of Allah the Creator will grant you four sons.” The Hindu accepted the faith of Islam and as Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar had informed him the Hindu was blessed with four sons.
A noble life
Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar was blessed with both inward and outward knowledge. Indeed the circle of instruction that he created not only nourished the ordinary folk but also integrated great scholars, thinkers and ascetics alike. Sultan Akbar Ali would solve the most complicated of issues in a short while. His life was full in the virtues of character and worship. Sultan Akbar Ali would constantly be occupied in worship and he showed the highest esteem for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace). His heart was full of concern for others. When seeing individuals in distress Sultan Akbar Ali was genuinely troubled and he attempted fervently to achieve happiness for the people. Whoever came and appealed, in the nature of his immense generosity, Sultan Akbar Ali always fulfilled the request. His temperament was humble and his nature abstinence, Sultan Akbar Ali would habitually wear dress from homespun cotton (khad’dar) and he would consume two small meals a day, his life was dominated by concern and remembrance (of Allah Most High). Physical means and necessities were seldom sufficient but the quest for spiritual knowledge and attainment meant Sultan Akbar Ali spent much time in the company of his spiritual guide and teacher (murshid). His standing in worship (qiyyam) was accomplished wherever space on the earth permitted, Sultan Akbar Ali would simply lay a tattered quilt (gud’ri) and begin offering his devotion. As for the charity kitchen (langar) Sultan Akbar Ali distributed all the food to the needy. Throughout his life Sultan Akbar Ali refrained from building a house for himself nor did he purchase any land but it sufficed him to live in a small hut which was owned by his teacher and uncle Ghulam Hussain Noushahi. The above qualities allowed people to learn and benefit from Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar.
On the sayings and exhortations of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
It is related from Maulana Ismatullah that in advice and instruction the succinct sayings of Sultan Akbar Ali were invaluable. Sultan Akbar Ali lived through the frightful era of the Sikhs and he also saw the decline of the Mughal Sultanate moreover he was familiar with the destructive disposition of the British Empire in India. Once talking about the negative traits of contemporary education in India, Sultan Akbar Ali said: “The lamp which has been extinguished, ignite it once again and get guidance from its illumination.” In this short succinct sentence Sultan Akbar Ali encapsulated the historical height and decline of the Muslim world. Indeed it was such thinking that allowed the more sincere sympathizers to work for the creation of Pakistan and a Muslim homeland in the Sub-Continent.
Regarding saints Sultan Akbar Ali said: “It is he who recognises the Existence and Attributes of Allah Most High, saint-ship consistently follows the example of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace), he refrains from the unlawful, is distant from occupation in delights as well as lust and he is afar from impurities.” On the same theme Sultan Akbar Ali further states: “The friends of Allah Most High (auliya) are from that group of people who bring guidance to creation, they provide education on the method of enriching the heart, they themselves are proximate to Allah Most High and they attune others to this noble experience. They are known as people of the command (ahl al-Irshad), from amongst them, in any given era, the greatest is the cardinal (qutb).”
On the issue of repentance (tauba) Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar emphasised the following: “There exist six types of repentance, the first is to repent from the heart and tongue, the second from the eyes, the third involves the ears, the fourth concerns the hands, the fifth is repentance of the feet and finally there exists the last which concerns the nafs (lower soul).” Moreover, again about repentance, Sultan Akbar Ali says: “Concerning ones life-span there exist three types of repentance; the past (ma’zi), the present (hal) and the future (mustaqbil). The first type requires one to repent from past sins, the second is to regret the present sin and the final is to vow not to sin in the future.” Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar also said: “Attempt to die and bring yourself to life again.”
Concerning the Death of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Akbar Ali would always sit upright and by the end of his life his feet had become swollen but his devotion continued. He believed that Allah Most High never overburdened a human hence Sultan Akbar Ali, until his last moments, continued to stand in prayer. It was 13th of May, the day Sunday, the year 1888C.E, the time before the sun visible, Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar embraced his Creator. When people got to know the news they came in great crowds to see for the last time as well as to attend the noble funeral procession and prayer. The funeral prayer was said with the noon prayer (zuhr). Sultan Akbar Ali was buried to the side of his spiritual guide and master.
Concerning the Shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Imam al-Arifin Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi oversaw the work for the shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar. This project was started and completed in 1907C.E; the blessed body of Sultan Akbar Ali was placed in the new shrine. Those who were present say that when the first niche of the grave was opened the body was there preserved and healthy as it had been buried. The face was ennobled with light while the beard still possessed traces of water from the bathing (ghusl), scent emerged from the body and many people were honoured with what would naturally have been an astonishing sight. Since then white marble has further decorated and adorned the blessed shrine. A veranda has also been raised around the shrine, boundary walls have been constructed anew as well as a pristine gate. Such recent work had been carried out under the auspices of Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station). The shrine is located about one kilometre from the Sanghoi van stand; it is situated on the east bank of the road to Darapur.
Concerning the anniversary (Urs) of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
The annual urs of Sultan Akbar Ali takes place on the 6 and 7th of har – 3rd month of solar year - June 19 &20 at Sanghoi in Jhelum. Devotees come from far and wide and derive blessings from Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar. The atmosphere is moving as the young and old are involved. All kinds of performers attend to pay their respects to the great friends of Allah Most High. The ceremony reaches its climax when the descendants of Sultan Akbar Ali along with their devotees proceed towards the blessed shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali.
Concerning the successors of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Akbar Ali had numerous deputies and successors. Out of this great number it will suffice to mention a small number here. The principal successor (“sajjada nishin”) of Sultan Akbar Ali was his own son Hazrat Sahibzada Sultan Ali Shah. Secondly, one of the deputies of Sultan Akbar Ali was Maulana Sharaf Ali. His blessed shrine is in Jarmaut (Gujar-Khan) and his anniversary takes place every year on the 14 of har (27th June). Then there is Maulana Muhammad Ali whose shrine is in Rawalpindi on the resort of Nala Lai. The urs of Maulana Muhammad Ali takes place every year on 26 October. Fourthly there is Maulana Ismatullah whose grave lies in Dara-Kayal in Gujar-Khan. Another of Sultan Akbar Ali’s deputies is Maulana Faizullah, buried near the shrine of Sheikh Muhammad. The anniversary takes place every year on the 27 of Jeth (14 May). Maulana Sa’in Pir Bakhsh was another deputy of Sultan Akbar Ali, he rests within the precincts of the shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali. Lastly Mirza Talah Muhammad Peshawari was another deputy of Sultan Akbar Ali his resting abode is in Peshawar.
Concerning some of the blessed relics (tabar’rukat) of Sultan Akbar Ali (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
There are some personal objects of Sultan Akbar Ali, these hold sentimental value to all devotees of the Noushahi spiritual order. Firstly there are some rosary beads (tasbih) of Sultan Akbar Ali, a stamp with his name, a piece of clothing to cover the bottom part of the body, some handwritten letters of Sultan Akbar Ali along with a few handwritten books. Relatives of Fateh Muhammad, a disciple of Sultan Akbar Ali, hold a turban of Sultan Akbar Ali in 107 Chak South, District Sargodha. One of the sandals of Sultan Akbar Ali is present in Peshawar at the home of Nur Muhammad Peshawari. A bed, a small pillow and couch are all present at Dara-Kayal in Gujar-Khan.
Concerning the well-known places of seclusion
The following are some of the well known places of seclusion that Sultan Akbar Ali used for his worship: Wara in Jhelum; Dara-Kayal in Gujar-Khan; Malpur in Gujar-Khan; Sachani in Mirpur Azad Kashmir and Sahalia in Mirpur Azad Kashmir.
Concerning the other shrines within the precincts of Sultan Akbar Ali’s resting place (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
In Sanghoi (Jhelam), within the great shrine of Chambi Wali Sarkar, there are four of the auliya resting alongside Sultan Akbar Ali. The order of the graves is determined by the times that these great men passed away. The furthest west lies the grave of Sultan Akbar Ali Noushahi Chambi Wali Sarkar, then immediately next is located the grave of Sultan Mulk Ali Shah Noushahi, following that is situated the grave of Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi, next comes the grave of Pir Ayyub Hussain Noushahi and then last follows the station of Sultan Pir Hadi Hussain Shah Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt their station).
His Eminence Sultan Ali Shah Qadri Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was the disciple and principal successor of his father Sultan Akbar Ali Chambi Wali Sarkar, and it is after his father’s death that he became the successor (“sajjada nishin”) of the Noushahi spiritual order in Sanghoi. Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was born in Sanghoi, district Jhelum. Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was a man who possessed a unique vision (basira) along with demonstrating numerous miracles (karamah). Amongst the family of His Eminence Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh it is Sultan Ali Shah who holds a distinctive status and reputation, indeed all members of the noble family extend great respect and honour towards Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi. Sultan Ali Shah lived a life of utter simplicity and devotion; he always dressed in garments of white made from homespun cotton (khad’dar).
Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Noushahi (ra) states that even members of the jinn community were devoted to Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi. It is reported that a jinn asked Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi to pray that Allah Most High bless him with offspring. When the prayer was granted; this particular jinn called a gathering of jinns to express his gratitude, Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was also invited and escorted by the jinn to this happy occasion. After a short while in participation Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was accompanied back home by the jinn.
Concerning the offspring of Sultan Ali Shah Qadri Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was blessed with one son, Sultan Mulk Ali Shah Noushahi. According to family records Sultan al-Mulk Ali Shah was born in 1302A.H. (1884C.E.) and passed away in his youth, within his father’s lifetime, in the year 1334A.H. (6th September 1916C.E.). Sultan al-Mulk Ali Shah was a handsome man of knowledge and honour, he was honest and of incredible joyous disposition. Sultan Mulk Ali Shah was blessed with one son, Sultan Hadi Hussain Shah Noushahi.
Concerning the death of Sultan Ali Shah Qadri Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
According to family records Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi passed away in the 1351A.H., it was 18th June 1932 in the afternoon at one o’clock. The next day at the same time Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was buried in the shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali. Many thousands attended the funeral, may Allah Most High exalt his station.
Concerning the deputies of Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
From that list of numerous deputies that Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi appointed it would be proper to mention a few prominent ones here. First and foremost in the list comes Sultan Mulk Ali Shah Noushahi, the son of Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi. The principal successor (“sajjada nishin”) of Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi was his grandson Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi. Also in the list of deputies; His Eminence Buhre Shah Noushahi Ranmal Pahlia (Gujrat), His Eminence Mian Muhammad Alam bin Mian Ghulam Hasan from Rasool Nigar in Gujranwala (Punjab) and His Eminence Nizam al-din from the village of Lalhal in Rawalpindi.
His Eminence Sultan Hadi Hussain Qadri Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was the son of Sultan Mulk Ali Shah Noushahi who was the son of Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi. When Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was about four years of age his father passed away and therefore his upbringing was left to his grandfather Sultan Ali Shah Noushahi, and it is Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi’s grandfather that made him a disciple and principal successor of the Noushahi spiritual order in Sanghoi Jhelam. Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was born in November of 1912C.E. in Sanghoi (Jhelum).
Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi represented the Muslim League in Jhelum. He devoted much effort in Jhelum and Potowar to the voice of the local population in the struggle for an independent Pakistan. In this intense conflict Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was confined and even arrested along with some of his devotees. Even after 1948 and the independence of Pakistan Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi worked endlessly for the local Muslims in order that they may find political, religious, social and spiritual harmony in a Sub-Continent ravaged by bitter conflict.
Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was a distinct individual amongst the descendants of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh. Being very tall and of immense beauty, every year at the time of the anniversary (“urs”) of Hazrat Haji Muhammad Noushah Ganj Bakhsh in Ranmal Gujrat, many people would attend simply to take a glance at the appearance of Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi. In using a spear Sultan Hadi Hussain proved to be an awesome lancer. In politics and in lectures Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi certainly showed his worth. Outwardly he was seen as a man of splendour but in reality Sultan Hadi Hussain Shah was a pious man of asceticism who possessed great love for the auliya of spiritual orders. The circle of devotion towards Sultan Hadi Hussain spread from the local people in Jhelum to those in the North West Frontier Province. According to the family records Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi passed away on 7th July 1965C.E. and he was buried within the shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali, may Allah Most High exalt his station.
Concerning the offspring of Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi was blessed with five sons. The oldest of them Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain, then Pir Ayyub Hussain Noushahi, after that Ahmed Hussain Noushahi, following on Sultan Amjad Hussain Noushahi and finally Azhar Kamal Noushahi. Pir Ayyub Hussain Noushahi passed away in his youth during his father’s lifetime on 31st October 1962C.E. His blessed grave is within the shrine of Sultan Akbar Ali, may Allah Most High exalt his station. Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Noushahi passed away during a visit to his devotees in England in 1999C.E. The shrine of Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Noushahi is to the left of Sultan Akbar Ali’s shrine, may Allah Most High exalt his station. Sultan Amjad Hussain Noushahi passed away in the late afternoon of Thursday 24th January 2002. The current successor (“Sajjada Nishin”) of the Noushahi spiritual order in Sanghoi Jhelum is Sahibzada Nasir Waheed Noushahi, he is the blessed son Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Noushahi, and may Allah Most High aid his spiritual ascent.
Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Qadri Noushahi
Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Qadri Noushahi, is the 11th successor of Hazrat Noushah Ganj Bakhsh (may Allah Most High exalt his station). The Family of Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob has been residing in Sanghoi Jhelum for the last the 5 generations. Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain, the oldest son of Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi, born on the bright morning of the 14th of July 1928 CE. When Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob was born, Hazrat Sultan Ali Shah (ra) (Great Grand Father of Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain) placed a small amount of his blessed sliver in his mouth and while praying for his long life said, “this child, when older will be the light and successor of the Noushahi Dynasty”. This prediction was noted in Aina e Israr by the Khalifa of Sultan Ali Shah, Maulana Nizamuddin.
After school education Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain studied at Madarsa hazb ul Ahnaaf, Lahore under Syed Abbul Hasnaat. Under his teacher he studied Islamic Jurisprudence and Quranic Narration. He spent most of his time in his personal library due to Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussains’ interest in books; he has built a huge collection of books including rare manuscripts over many years.
Oath of allegiance (bay’et’ and Khilafat)
Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain took the oath of allegiance (bay’et) at the hands of his father Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi thereafter he became his father’s principle deputy (khalifa). In 1965 at the annual Urs of Hazrat Chambi Wali Sarkar, Sultan Hadi Hussain Noushahi announced his son Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain as the successor (“Sajjada Nishin”). This event was witnessed by thousands of followers (mureeds’) at the Annual Urs and Hadi Hussain Noushahi stated that there is no difference in him or his son Sahibzada Mahboob Hussain in relation to succession.
His Eminence Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain Qadri Noushahi (may Allah Most High exalt his station)
Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain had 4 sons, Hazrat Humayon Akhtar Noushahi (passed away on the 13th of August 2009), Hazrat Tanveer Hussain Noushahi, Hazrat Nasir Waheed Noushahi, Hazrat Ibrar Hussain Noushahi (passed away on the 17th of October 2010). In 1999 at the annual Urs of Hazrat Chambi Wali Sarkar, Sahibzada Mahboob Hussain announced his son Sahibzada Nasir Waheed Noushahi as the successor (“Sajjada Nishin”). This event was witnessed by thousands of followers (Mureeds’) at the Annual Urs. A few weeks after the Urs Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain went to England to visit his disciples (Mureeds) and resided with his Khalifa Mohammed Younis Noushahi (Birmingham) and on the 5th of August 1999 he passed away in Birmingham. The funeral prayer of Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain was held at Zia Ul Quran Jamia Masjid, Alum Rock, Birmingham and the Funeral prayer (Janaza) was attended by thousands of people. Sahibzada Pir Sultan Mahboob Hussain was taken back to Pakistan and again thousands of people attended the funeral prayers before the burial in Sanghoi and the Shrine was built on the left side of Sahibzada Akbar Ali Noushahi (Chambi Wali Sarkar) shrine.
Allah Most High’s blessings be upon our master and Prophet, Muhammad the seal of the Prophets, and on his family and all his Companions and Allah Most High grant them peace abundantly. Allah Most High exalt the station of all the spiritual teachers within the Noushahi spiritual order. Praise be to Allah Most High, Exalted is He, the Lord of the worlds.
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