بسم اللّٰهِ الرحمن الرحيم
Hadrat
Shaykh Ahmad al-Faruqi al-Sirhindi
(Rahimahullah) رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ
28 Safar 1034 AH
Abul Barakaat
— Sarhind, India
complexion: Slightly brown with a fair luminous tone
features: Wide forehead, enlightened face, long black thin eyebrows, wide big eyes, thin high nose, red thin lips, teeth like pearls
beard: Very thick, long and square-shaped beard
height: Tall and of delicate build
other: Heels neat and shiny; no foul odour from sweat
- ◈Completed his Islamic education at the age of 17 — mastering the traditional sciences with extraordinary speed and depth
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.6 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈After completing his studies he came to Agra and began teaching; prominent scholars attended his teaching circles
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Held the Imam of the Hanafi school, Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatullahi alayh), in the highest esteem — declaring him 'the most learned scholar and the one possessing most fear of Allah among all Aaimma-e-Mujtahideen'
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Connected to four major spiritual chains simultaneously: Suharwardiyyah Kabrooyah, Chishtiyyah, Qadiriyyah, and Naqshbandiyyah
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Held 9 documented karamaat (miraculous gifts) including simultaneous presence in ten houses, stopping of rain, foreknowledge of the unseen regarding a child, knowledge of the secrets of hearts, and foreknowledge of his own demise
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Showed extreme eagerness for the Quran — would recite 3 to 4 Paras during each journey and would dismount from his conveyance to perform Sajdah-e-Tilawat wherever the relevant verse was reached
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Authored the celebrated Maktubaat-e-Imam-e-Rabbani — a monumental collection of spiritual letters addressed to rulers, scholars and disciples, preserving his guidance for generations
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
Completed his Islamic education at the age of 17
Mastered all traditional Islamic sciences with exceptional ability and speed
Came to Agra after completing his studies and began teaching
Prominent scholars of the era attended his teaching circles, testifying to his unparalleled depth of knowledge
Took Bay'at at the hand of Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alayh) in 1008 AH
This was the turning point in his spiritual life. He entered the Naqshbandiyyah order and attained the highest spiritual stations under his murshid's guidance
Demonstrated extreme reverence for his Peer-o-Murshid — rose immediately from bed upon hearing his voice
This became one of the well-known examples of proper adab (etiquette) towards one's spiritual guide
After the passing of his murshid Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah (rahmatullahi alayh) on 25 Jumadal Ukhra 1012 AH, travelled to Delhi to perform Fatihah at his grave
Conducted dawah quietly during Akbari era; openly during Jahangiri era
Played a decisive role in defending Sunni Islam against deviant innovations that were being spread in the Mughal court
Rebuked one who made a disrespectful remark about Hadrat Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh)
Said plainly: 'Keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks.' Defending the honour of the pious elders was a constant feature of his character
Known for 9 karamaat (miraculous gifts) documented in his seerat
Including: presence in 10 houses simultaneously, stopping rain, foreknowledge of the unseen regarding a child, knowledge of secrets of the heart, and foreknowledge of his own demise
Father travelled a long journey from Sarhind to Agra just to visit him after he had completed his studies and begun teaching
When a scholar of Agra asked his father why he had come so far, Shaykh Abdul Ahad Farooqi replied: 'The desire to meet Shaykh Ahmad (Sarhindi) has brought me here.' — Scholars cited this as a supreme example of a father's love for a learned son.
A person who made a disrespectful remark about Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) later died the following day — as foretold by Imam Ghazali in a dream
A person praised theorists in a way that showed disrespect for Imam Ghazali's statements. Imam Ghazali appeared in a dream to a righteous person that same night and said: 'Do not worry — this person will die tomorrow.' The man fell from his mount and died before sunset the next day.
Observed the Sunnah even in seemingly minor personal matters — once, after Taraweeh in the last ten days of Ramadan, he realised he had unintentionally lain on his left side rather than his right (the Sunnah position)
Upon realising the Sunnah had been inadvertently missed, he immediately corrected himself. Scholars recorded this as an illustration of his minute-level awareness of and commitment to following the Sunnah in every act.
Completed his Islamic education at the age of 17
Mastered all traditional Islamic sciences with exceptional ability and speed
Came to Agra after completing his studies and began teaching
Prominent scholars of the era attended his teaching circles, testifying to his unparalleled depth of knowledge
Took Bay'at at the hand of Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alayh) in 1008 AH
This was the turning point in his spiritual life. He entered the Naqshbandiyyah order and attained the highest spiritual stations under his murshid's guidance
Demonstrated extreme reverence for his Peer-o-Murshid — rose immediately from bed upon hearing his voice
This became one of the well-known examples of proper adab (etiquette) towards one's spiritual guide
After the passing of his murshid Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah (rahmatullahi alayh) on 25 Jumadal Ukhra 1012 AH, travelled to Delhi to perform Fatihah at his grave
Conducted dawah quietly during Akbari era; openly during Jahangiri era
Played a decisive role in defending Sunni Islam against deviant innovations that were being spread in the Mughal court
Rebuked one who made a disrespectful remark about Hadrat Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh)
Said plainly: 'Keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks.' Defending the honour of the pious elders was a constant feature of his character
Known for 9 karamaat (miraculous gifts) documented in his seerat
Including: presence in 10 houses simultaneously, stopping rain, foreknowledge of the unseen regarding a child, knowledge of secrets of the heart, and foreknowledge of his own demise
Father travelled a long journey from Sarhind to Agra just to visit him after he had completed his studies and begun teaching
When a scholar of Agra asked his father why he had come so far, Shaykh Abdul Ahad Farooqi replied: 'The desire to meet Shaykh Ahmad (Sarhindi) has brought me here.' — Scholars cited this as a supreme example of a father's love for a learned son.
A person who made a disrespectful remark about Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) later died the following day — as foretold by Imam Ghazali in a dream
A person praised theorists in a way that showed disrespect for Imam Ghazali's statements. Imam Ghazali appeared in a dream to a righteous person that same night and said: 'Do not worry — this person will die tomorrow.' The man fell from his mount and died before sunset the next day.
Observed the Sunnah even in seemingly minor personal matters — once, after Taraweeh in the last ten days of Ramadan, he realised he had unintentionally lain on his left side rather than his right (the Sunnah position)
Upon realising the Sunnah had been inadvertently missed, he immediately corrected himself. Scholars recorded this as an illustration of his minute-level awareness of and commitment to following the Sunnah in every act.
Completed his Islamic education at the age of 17
Mastered all traditional Islamic sciences with exceptional ability and speed
Came to Agra after completing his studies and began teaching
Prominent scholars of the era attended his teaching circles, testifying to his unparalleled depth of knowledge
Took Bay'at at the hand of Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alayh) in 1008 AH
This was the turning point in his spiritual life. He entered the Naqshbandiyyah order and attained the highest spiritual stations under his murshid's guidance
Demonstrated extreme reverence for his Peer-o-Murshid — rose immediately from bed upon hearing his voice
This became one of the well-known examples of proper adab (etiquette) towards one's spiritual guide
After the passing of his murshid Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah (rahmatullahi alayh) on 25 Jumadal Ukhra 1012 AH, travelled to Delhi to perform Fatihah at his grave
Conducted dawah quietly during Akbari era; openly during Jahangiri era
Played a decisive role in defending Sunni Islam against deviant innovations that were being spread in the Mughal court
Rebuked one who made a disrespectful remark about Hadrat Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh)
Said plainly: 'Keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks.' Defending the honour of the pious elders was a constant feature of his character
Known for 9 karamaat (miraculous gifts) documented in his seerat
Including: presence in 10 houses simultaneously, stopping rain, foreknowledge of the unseen regarding a child, knowledge of secrets of the heart, and foreknowledge of his own demise
Father travelled a long journey from Sarhind to Agra just to visit him after he had completed his studies and begun teaching
When a scholar of Agra asked his father why he had come so far, Shaykh Abdul Ahad Farooqi replied: 'The desire to meet Shaykh Ahmad (Sarhindi) has brought me here.' — Scholars cited this as a supreme example of a father's love for a learned son.
A person who made a disrespectful remark about Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) later died the following day — as foretold by Imam Ghazali in a dream
A person praised theorists in a way that showed disrespect for Imam Ghazali's statements. Imam Ghazali appeared in a dream to a righteous person that same night and said: 'Do not worry — this person will die tomorrow.' The man fell from his mount and died before sunset the next day.
Observed the Sunnah even in seemingly minor personal matters — once, after Taraweeh in the last ten days of Ramadan, he realised he had unintentionally lain on his left side rather than his right (the Sunnah position)
Upon realising the Sunnah had been inadvertently missed, he immediately corrected himself. Scholars recorded this as an illustration of his minute-level awareness of and commitment to following the Sunnah in every act.
- ♥Showed extreme reverence for his Peer-o-Murshid Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah Naqshbandi (rahmatullahi alayh) — immediately rose from his bed the moment he heard his murshid's voice approaching, as an expression of deep love and respect
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥After the passing of his murshid Khuwajah Muhammad Baqi Billah (rahmatullahi alayh) on 25 Jumadal Ukhra 1012 AH, he travelled to Delhi to perform the Fatihah at his grave — demonstrating his unbroken bond of love and loyalty
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Showed such eagerness for the recitation of the Holy Quran that he would recite 3 to 4 Paras (sections) during each journey, and whenever the verse of Sajdah arrived, he would dismount from his conveyance and perform Sajdah-e-Tilawat on the ground
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Rebuked one who spoke disrespectfully of Hadrat Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) with firm clarity: 'Keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks' — demonstrating that reverence for the pious elders of Islam is a mark of true faith
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥During the reign of Emperor Akbar, when deviant beliefs were being propagated openly, he conducted his dawah quietly and with wisdom. After Akbar's reign ended and the Jahangiri era began, he conducted his call to truth openly and fearlessly
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Was present in ten houses simultaneously — attending ten different locations at the same time, witnessed and attested by those who were present in each place
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Caused rain to stop immediately upon his supplication — a direct response to his blessed du'a
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦A person predicted he would be trampled under an elephant's foot. Through his spiritual station, this was averted — one of the nine documented karamaat of his blessed life
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Gave knowledge of the unseen (ghayb) regarding a child — foretelling information about a child that could only have been known through divine gift
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Had knowledge of the secret thoughts in a person's heart — a manifestation of the spiritual gift of kashf (unveiling) bestowed upon the greatest saints
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Gave a disciple exactly what he was inwardly requesting — supplying the need before it was even expressed aloud
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Treated the evil of heresy in someone through a dream — correcting deviant beliefs through the power of his blessed spiritual station even during sleep
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Gave news of his own approaching demise beforehand — with certainty and composure, as one whose heart had no fear of death
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.13 — Maktaba tul Madina
A celebrated collection of spiritual letters addressed to disciples, rulers, and scholars — covering Tasawwuf, Shari'ah, and the correction of deviant beliefs. Regarded as one of the most important works of Islamic spirituality in the subcontinent
Shaykh Abdul Ahad Farooqi Chishti Qaadiri (rahmatullahi alayh) — a prominent scholar and saint of his era. Passed away at the age of 80 in 1007 AH. His shrine is located in Sarhind Shareef
Traced through Shaykh Abdul Ahad Farooqi to Hadrat Umar Farooq-e-A'zam (radi Allahu anhu)
“An illiterate Sufi is Satan's clown.”
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
“Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatullahi alayh) is the most learned scholar and the one possessing most fear of Allah among all Aaimma-e-Mujtahideen.”
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
“Keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks.”
seerat-mujaddid-alf-e-saani — Maktaba tul Madina
“If you have the urge to sit in the company of learned people, then keep your mouth shut from such disrespectful remarks.”
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.12 — Maktaba tul Madina
“Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatullahi alayh) is the most learned scholar and the one possessing most fear of Allah among all Aaimma-e-Mujtahideen. Imam Shaafi'i says: 'All Fuqaha are children (juniors) of Imam Abu Hanifah.'”
Biography of Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani, p.9 — Maktaba tul Madina
- 🌟Hadrat Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani (rahmatullahi alayh) finished all his Islamic studies by the time he was just 17 years old!
- 🌟He was connected to not just one, but four different spiritual orders at the same time — Naqshbandiyyah, Chishtiyyah, Qadiriyyah, and Suharwardiyyah!
- 🌟Whenever he was travelling and a verse of Sajdah came in his Quran recitation, he would stop his journey, get off his conveyance, and do Sajdah on the ground right then and there!
- 🌟He is called 'Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani' which means the great reviver who brought Islam back to life at the start of the second thousand years of Islam!
- 🌟His family line goes all the way back to Hadrat Umar Farooq-e-A'zam (radi Allahu anhu) — one of the greatest companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)!
