بسم اللّٰهِ الرحمن الرحيم
Hadrat
Makhdoom Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kalyari
مَخْدُوم عَلَاءُ ٱلدِّين عَلِيّ أَحْمَد صَابِر كَلْيَرِي
(Rahimahullah) رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ
19 Rabi al-Awwal 592 AH
13 Rabi al-Awwal 690 AH
Alauddin Ali Ahmad Saabir Kalyari
Makhdoom
A Hasani Sayyid and a descendant of Hadrat Ghaus-e-A'zam (rahmatullahi alayh), Sayyiduna Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (rahmatullahi alayh). His maternal uncle and spiritual guide was Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh), the great Chishtiyyah master of South Asia.
Born on the 19th of Rabi'-ul-Awwal, 592 AH (19th February 1196 CE) at the blessed time of Tahajjud on a Thursday. At his birth, Sayyiduna Abu Qaasim Gargaani (rahmatullahi alayh) called out the Azaan in his ear and declared: 'This child will be Qutb-e-Alam.' (1196 CE) — Herat, Afghanistan
dress: A Kurta (long shirt reaching below the knees), Tahband (lower garment like a shawl), and a turban
note: He regularly wore a green turban, which was tied upon him by his spiritual guide Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh) at the time of his investiture with Khilafah
Described by Hazrat Makhdoom Alauddin Ali Ahmad Saabiri Kalyari (p. 80)
- ◈At his birth, Sayyiduna Abu Qaasim Gargaani (rahmatullahi alayh) proclaimed him to be 'Qutb-e-Alam' — the spiritual Pole of the World
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Before his birth, Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada (radi Allahu anhu) appeared in a dream and commanded that the child's name be kept Ali; then the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appeared in a dream and commanded the name Ahmad — thus he was named Ali Ahmad
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈In a grand dream witnessed by his spiritual guide Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh), the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kissed Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) on the back of his right shoulder and declared: 'Haazaa Waliyyullah' — 'He is the friend of Allah Almighty.' All the noble personages and angels present then kissed him at the same spot and repeated the declaration.
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Founder of the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah spiritual chain, one of the foremost branches of the Chishtiyyah order, which continues to guide seekers to this day
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Every blessed word that was uttered by him was accepted very quickly in the blessed court of Allah Almighty — earning him the title Saif-e-Lisaan (Sword of the Tongue)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈He hid his saintly miracles; if someone mentioned them, he would beautifully avert the attention, showing profound humility
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ◈Hadrat Muhammad Nizamuddin Aulia (rahmatullahi alayh), known as Mahboob-e-Ilahi, held him in the greatest reverence and would advise his own visitors to show utmost respect when visiting the court of Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“Whoever recites Salat upon me once, Allah Almighty sends 10 mercies upon him.”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“Make your children utter 'La ilaha illallah' from their tongue first.”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — as narrated by Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“Tie a turban, for it will increase your forbearance.”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“Nothing except Mubashiraat are left in prophethood. The Companions asked: What are Mubashiraat? He replied: Good dreams that a Muslim sees for himself or someone else sees for him.”— The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
Birth at the blessed hour of Tahajjud in Herat, Afghanistan
Born on 19th Rabi'-ul-Awwal 592 AH. Sayyiduna Abu Qaasim Gargaani (rahmatullahi alayh) called the Azaan in his ear and declared him 'Qutb-e-Alam'.
His name was determined by prophetic dreams
Before his birth, Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada (radi Allahu anhu) commanded in a dream to name him Ali, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded in a dream to name him Ahmad. A pious visitor later said he would be called Alauddin. His spiritual guide subsequently gave him the title Saabir.
Mastered multiple outward branches of Islamic knowledge in three years
After his father's passing, his mother entrusted him to her brother Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh). Within just three years, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) mastered Arabic and Persian books of Fiqh, Hadees, Tafseer, Logic, and Rhetoric. His spiritual guide remarked that another child would not have accomplished this even in fifteen years.
Foresaw the death of his grandfather with extraordinary spiritual insight
As a child he informed Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) that his grandfather, who was in Baghdad, would pass away in three years. He explained: 'I looked towards my heart and saw my father's image. He raised three fingers of his right hand at me — a sign of the grandfather's death.' His guide was astonished and embraced him.
Earned the title 'Saabir' through extraordinary patience in service
In the court of his spiritual guide Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh), he was given responsibility of distributing food from the Langar Khanah. Since he was not explicitly told to eat, he distributed food but ate nothing — surviving on wild leaves and fruits. When his extreme weakness was noticed, he humbly said he would not eat without his guide's permission. Overjoyed by this obedience, his guide embraced him and bestowed upon him the title 'Saabir'.
Investiture with Khilafah of the Chishtiyyah spiritual chain — confirmed in a prophetic dream and grand gathering
Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh) saw in a dream during Ramadan that in the presence of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and all the Shuyukh of the Chishtiyyah chain, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kissed Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) on the back of his right shoulder and declared 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. The next day, a grand gathering was held with eminent scholars and Awliya — including Shaykh Abul Hasan Shaazili, Sayyiduna Shaykh Hameeduddin Nagori, Sayyiduna Shaykh Bahauddin Zakariyya Multani, and others. Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) relayed the dream; all present kissed the stamp of sainthood on Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) and said 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. He was then formally granted the Imamat and Khilafah, adorned with a blessed cap and a green turban, and blessed with the Wilayah of Kalyar.
Settled in Kalyar Shareef and founded the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah chain
He settled in Kalyar, district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, by the bank of the river Ganges, where he guided countless seekers and established the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah spiritual chain.
Spiritual mentorship of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh)
When Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) came to Kalyar, he found Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) sitting alone under a tree engaged in worship. Drawn by the sweetness of Quran recitation, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) approached him, welcomed him, and entered him into his spiritual chain, tying an Imamah on his head with his own blessed hands.
Miraculous restoration of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk's sight
Once, in a moment of gentle admonition, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) rebuked Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) over a delay in fetching water; instantly his disciple cried out that he had gone blind. Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) went into prostration and supplicated: 'Oh Allah! Shams is the friend and only companion of this sinful bondsman of Yours; show mercy upon his state.' His sight was immediately restored.
Appointed Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) as the saint of Panipat and wrote his will of successorship by his own blessed hand
In his final years, he personally wrote the will of successorship and gave it to Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh), appointing him as the saint of Panipat. He shared the Ism-e-A'zam passed through the pious predecessors, instructed him to leave after three days, and said: 'Allah Almighty has blessed you with the sainthood of Panipat. Go and live there and keep trying to reform the strayed people. I will be your assistant everywhere.'
Birth at the blessed hour of Tahajjud in Herat, Afghanistan
Born on 19th Rabi'-ul-Awwal 592 AH. Sayyiduna Abu Qaasim Gargaani (rahmatullahi alayh) called the Azaan in his ear and declared him 'Qutb-e-Alam'.
His name was determined by prophetic dreams
Before his birth, Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada (radi Allahu anhu) commanded in a dream to name him Ali, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded in a dream to name him Ahmad. A pious visitor later said he would be called Alauddin. His spiritual guide subsequently gave him the title Saabir.
Mastered multiple outward branches of Islamic knowledge in three years
After his father's passing, his mother entrusted him to her brother Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh). Within just three years, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) mastered Arabic and Persian books of Fiqh, Hadees, Tafseer, Logic, and Rhetoric. His spiritual guide remarked that another child would not have accomplished this even in fifteen years.
Foresaw the death of his grandfather with extraordinary spiritual insight
As a child he informed Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) that his grandfather, who was in Baghdad, would pass away in three years. He explained: 'I looked towards my heart and saw my father's image. He raised three fingers of his right hand at me — a sign of the grandfather's death.' His guide was astonished and embraced him.
Earned the title 'Saabir' through extraordinary patience in service
In the court of his spiritual guide Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh), he was given responsibility of distributing food from the Langar Khanah. Since he was not explicitly told to eat, he distributed food but ate nothing — surviving on wild leaves and fruits. When his extreme weakness was noticed, he humbly said he would not eat without his guide's permission. Overjoyed by this obedience, his guide embraced him and bestowed upon him the title 'Saabir'.
Investiture with Khilafah of the Chishtiyyah spiritual chain — confirmed in a prophetic dream and grand gathering
Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh) saw in a dream during Ramadan that in the presence of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and all the Shuyukh of the Chishtiyyah chain, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kissed Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) on the back of his right shoulder and declared 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. The next day, a grand gathering was held with eminent scholars and Awliya — including Shaykh Abul Hasan Shaazili, Sayyiduna Shaykh Hameeduddin Nagori, Sayyiduna Shaykh Bahauddin Zakariyya Multani, and others. Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) relayed the dream; all present kissed the stamp of sainthood on Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) and said 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. He was then formally granted the Imamat and Khilafah, adorned with a blessed cap and a green turban, and blessed with the Wilayah of Kalyar.
Settled in Kalyar Shareef and founded the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah chain
He settled in Kalyar, district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, by the bank of the river Ganges, where he guided countless seekers and established the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah spiritual chain.
Spiritual mentorship of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh)
When Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) came to Kalyar, he found Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) sitting alone under a tree engaged in worship. Drawn by the sweetness of Quran recitation, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) approached him, welcomed him, and entered him into his spiritual chain, tying an Imamah on his head with his own blessed hands.
Miraculous restoration of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk's sight
Once, in a moment of gentle admonition, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) rebuked Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) over a delay in fetching water; instantly his disciple cried out that he had gone blind. Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) went into prostration and supplicated: 'Oh Allah! Shams is the friend and only companion of this sinful bondsman of Yours; show mercy upon his state.' His sight was immediately restored.
Appointed Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) as the saint of Panipat and wrote his will of successorship by his own blessed hand
In his final years, he personally wrote the will of successorship and gave it to Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh), appointing him as the saint of Panipat. He shared the Ism-e-A'zam passed through the pious predecessors, instructed him to leave after three days, and said: 'Allah Almighty has blessed you with the sainthood of Panipat. Go and live there and keep trying to reform the strayed people. I will be your assistant everywhere.'
Birth at the blessed hour of Tahajjud in Herat, Afghanistan
Born on 19th Rabi'-ul-Awwal 592 AH. Sayyiduna Abu Qaasim Gargaani (rahmatullahi alayh) called the Azaan in his ear and declared him 'Qutb-e-Alam'.
His name was determined by prophetic dreams
Before his birth, Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtada (radi Allahu anhu) commanded in a dream to name him Ali, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded in a dream to name him Ahmad. A pious visitor later said he would be called Alauddin. His spiritual guide subsequently gave him the title Saabir.
Mastered multiple outward branches of Islamic knowledge in three years
After his father's passing, his mother entrusted him to her brother Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh). Within just three years, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) mastered Arabic and Persian books of Fiqh, Hadees, Tafseer, Logic, and Rhetoric. His spiritual guide remarked that another child would not have accomplished this even in fifteen years.
Foresaw the death of his grandfather with extraordinary spiritual insight
As a child he informed Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) that his grandfather, who was in Baghdad, would pass away in three years. He explained: 'I looked towards my heart and saw my father's image. He raised three fingers of his right hand at me — a sign of the grandfather's death.' His guide was astonished and embraced him.
Earned the title 'Saabir' through extraordinary patience in service
In the court of his spiritual guide Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh), he was given responsibility of distributing food from the Langar Khanah. Since he was not explicitly told to eat, he distributed food but ate nothing — surviving on wild leaves and fruits. When his extreme weakness was noticed, he humbly said he would not eat without his guide's permission. Overjoyed by this obedience, his guide embraced him and bestowed upon him the title 'Saabir'.
Investiture with Khilafah of the Chishtiyyah spiritual chain — confirmed in a prophetic dream and grand gathering
Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh) saw in a dream during Ramadan that in the presence of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and all the Shuyukh of the Chishtiyyah chain, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) kissed Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) on the back of his right shoulder and declared 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. The next day, a grand gathering was held with eminent scholars and Awliya — including Shaykh Abul Hasan Shaazili, Sayyiduna Shaykh Hameeduddin Nagori, Sayyiduna Shaykh Bahauddin Zakariyya Multani, and others. Sayyiduna Fareeduddin (rahmatullahi alayh) relayed the dream; all present kissed the stamp of sainthood on Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) and said 'Haazaa Waliyyullah'. He was then formally granted the Imamat and Khilafah, adorned with a blessed cap and a green turban, and blessed with the Wilayah of Kalyar.
Settled in Kalyar Shareef and founded the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah chain
He settled in Kalyar, district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, by the bank of the river Ganges, where he guided countless seekers and established the Chishtiyyah Saabiriyyah spiritual chain.
Spiritual mentorship of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh)
When Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) came to Kalyar, he found Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) sitting alone under a tree engaged in worship. Drawn by the sweetness of Quran recitation, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) approached him, welcomed him, and entered him into his spiritual chain, tying an Imamah on his head with his own blessed hands.
Miraculous restoration of Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk's sight
Once, in a moment of gentle admonition, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) rebuked Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) over a delay in fetching water; instantly his disciple cried out that he had gone blind. Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) went into prostration and supplicated: 'Oh Allah! Shams is the friend and only companion of this sinful bondsman of Yours; show mercy upon his state.' His sight was immediately restored.
Appointed Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) as the saint of Panipat and wrote his will of successorship by his own blessed hand
In his final years, he personally wrote the will of successorship and gave it to Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh), appointing him as the saint of Panipat. He shared the Ism-e-A'zam passed through the pious predecessors, instructed him to leave after three days, and said: 'Allah Almighty has blessed you with the sainthood of Panipat. Go and live there and keep trying to reform the strayed people. I will be your assistant everywhere.'
- ♥Began offering Salah with physical and spiritual etiquettes from the age of six; by seven he had firmly established Tahajjud Salah as a lifelong practice
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥After Tahajjud Salah, the Zikr of Allah Almighty could often be heard from outside his room — a testament to his constant remembrance
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Practised fasting habitually from a young age and maintained this routine until the very last stage of his life
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥While serving as caretaker of the Langar Khanah (food distribution) for his spiritual guide, he would distribute food to all but eat nothing himself — surviving on leaves, fruits, and flowers from wild trees — out of strict adherence to the exact wording of his guide's instruction. This act of selfless obedience earned him the title 'Saabir'.
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Spent day and night in the remembrance of Allah Almighty, refrained from unnecessary company, and often remained in silence — yet his silence itself carried a profound spiritual attraction
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Had complete disinterest towards this world (zuhd) while simultaneously being dedicated to reforming others — he was, as recorded, the spiritual splendour of his age
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ♥Whenever he would speak, he would answer many questions in just one sentence — a mark of his deep wisdom and mastery over spiritual matters
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦When his father was in meditation, a piece of a dead snake fell upon him and another on the floor. Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) told his astonished mother: 'I have killed the king of snakes and also have taken an oath from the snakes to not bite anyone from my family.'
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦A non-believer came to the shrine of Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) intending to demolish it. As he looked through the mesh-covered window, his head became stuck and he died of suffocation. That night, Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) appeared in the dream of the shrine caretakers and informed them of what had happened, directing them to remove the body.
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦In Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1441 AH (October 2019), an Army Colonel relayed a dream in a voice message: Sayyiduna Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) appeared and twice said 'Give my Salaam to Ilyas Qadiri', adding 'There are many noble saints with me and they are all also presenting Salaam' and 'Congratulations upon his wellbeing.'
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- ✦Through a single heartfelt supplication in prostration, he restored the sight of his disciple Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) after it had been instantly lost.
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
Passed away during Saabir Piya's childhood; he was entrusted to his maternal uncle thereafter
Sister of Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh)
Sayyiduna Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar (rahmatullahi alayh) — maternal uncle, mentor, and the one who bestowed the title 'Saabir'
Hasani Sayyid; descendant of Hadrat Ghaus-e-A'zam Sayyiduna Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (rahmatullahi alayh)
Sayyiduna Shamsuddin Turk (rahmatullahi alayh) — primary khalifah and saint of Panipat; founder of the Saabiriyyah branch of the Chishtiyyah order continuing through him
13th Rabi'-ul-Awwal, 690 AH
His blessed shrine is situated in Kalyar Shareef, district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, by the bank of the river Ganges. It remains a major site of visitation and spiritual blessing to this day.
“What a beautiful thing Salah is — by the blessings of servitude it brings a person into the court of Allah Almighty.”
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“(To his disciple Shamsuddin Turk, on the continuation of the spiritual chain) Oh Shams! You are my son. I have desired from Allah Almighty for my spiritual chain to continue from you and for it to stay until the Day of Judgement.”
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“(To Shamsuddin Turk on being appointed saint of Panipat) Do not stay here for more than three days. Allah Almighty has blessed you with the sainthood of Panipat. Go and live there and keep trying to reform the strayed people. I will be your assistant everywhere.”
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“(To his mother, after killing the king of snakes) I have killed the king of snakes and also have taken an oath from the snakes to not bite anyone from my family.”
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
“(When his caretaker asked why he did not eat from the Langar Khanah) Your Honour! You instructed me to feed — how dare I eat even a single grain without the permission of my spiritual guide?”
accounts-of-saabir-piya — Maktaba tul Madina
- 🌟Saabir Piya (rahmatullahi alayh) was born at the special time of Tahajjud — the late-night prayer! Even before he could speak, a great saint announced he would become 'Qutb-e-Alam', a very special friend of Allah Almighty.
- 🌟The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself gave a name for him in a dream — his name Ahmad came from the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)!
- 🌟He learned many, many difficult Islamic books in just THREE years — something his teacher said would take another person FIFTEEN years!
- 🌟He was so obedient to his spiritual guide that he gave away all the food to everyone else and ate nothing — just leaves and flowers from trees! That is how he earned the title 'Saabir', which means 'the Patient One'.
- 🌟His shrine is in Kalyar Shareef, India, right next to a river, where people still visit to receive blessings today!
