Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani Ghawth al-a'lam, Mehboob-e-Yazdani, Hadrat Mir A'had 'al-din Radi Allahu anhu - Kicchocha Shareef -

Transcription

1 Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani Ghawth al-a'lam, Mehboob-e-Yazdani, Hadrat Mir A'had 'al-din Radi Allahu anhu - Kicchocha Shareef - Birth Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alayh was born in 708 A.H., in Semnan, Iran. His father Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Ibrahim Noor Bakshi rahmatullahi alayh governed the city for approximately 20 years. As well as being a highly noble and just ruler he was also a great scholar, theologian and Sufi. His mother Bibi Khadija Begum was also from the pedigree of distinguished and notable mystics and saints. She was a very religious and pious lady particularly renowned for her punctuality in tahajjud prayer. Education Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alaih, started their education at the age of 4 years, 4 months and 4 days. Allah, the most Sublime, blessed Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alaih with immense ingenuity, intellect and knowledge. By the age of 7 they had already acquired and memorized the entire Qur'an al-kareem by heart with seven types of qirat, and excelled in the study of Qur'anic exegesis 'tafseer', narration and sciences of hadith, Islamic law 'fiqh' etc. At 14 years they had mastered all the subjects including theology and philosophy, maturing into the most accomplished and proficient scholar. Amongst their notable teachers were His Eminence Mawlana Imad al-din Tabrezi, Imam Abd'ullah Yafai at Makkah Mukarramah, Baba Mufrah (s/o the great Najm 'al-din Kubra) at Iskandaria and Mawlana Ahmad Haqqani ridwanallahi ta'ala aly'him ajma'een. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf (rahmatullahi alaih), had overwhelmed even the great scholars and theologians from as far as Baghdad with his remarkable talent which was recognized in the historic and famous Persian book Lata'if-e-Ashrafiya, in the following couplet; "Chuna Mashhoor Ghasht Az Darse Talim, ke Pas Ahle Funun Kardand Taslim" 'His popularity excelled in his early education, that the learned men acknowledged his ability' After the completion of his education Hadrat Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alaih attributed a lot of his time in teaching. Amongst his pupils was his nephew Hadrat Sayyad Abdul Razzaq 'Noor al- Ayn' Jilani rahmatullahi alaih - 11th direct descendant of The Great Ghawth al-a'zam, Sayyad as- Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu. Map of Semnan province

2 Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, was only 15 years old when his dear father passed away. It was not long after that he was crowned the sixth sultan of Semnan. During his reign he appointed men of knowledge and wisdom as his counsellors, so they would rule the kingdom with total honour, dignity and grace in serving his people. The people of Semnan were blessed with 12 years of complete peace and harmony, they embraced Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, as a just and sincere king. However during this time Sultan Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, never felt at peace within himself as the 'worldly ruler' of Semnan, so he would often spend time in the company of holy men and mystics. Due to his excessive love for Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, there was a burning desire within him to transcend in the path of spiritual ascension; marifat. At the age of 23 he met HADRAT OWAIS AL QARNI radi Allahu ta'ala anhu in a dream, who nurtured him with the discipline and inspiration of the inner self. For almost 3 years he was so absorbed in the blessings and spiritual elevation acquired through the remembrance of Hadrat Owais Qarni radi Allahu ta'ala anhu that he lost all desires of his sovereign state and rule. Divine Call It was at the age of only 25, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, commanded Hadrat Khidr alaihis-salaam to appear before Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh in a deep rooted message. The message was to abandon the throne in search of his spiritual mentor (guide); Hadrat Shaykh Ala al- Haq Wadeen Ganje Nabat Rahmatullahi alayh in India, and propagate the message of Islam through peace and love. At once he notified his beloved mother about the meeting with Sayyadina Khidr alaihis-salaam and seeked their permission to fulfill the task expected of him by the Almighty Lord. It was at this point that his mother revealed to her son that before his birth it was foretold that a saint 'wali' would be born who would illuminate, inspire and guide the hearts of those drowned in the darkness of the world. She gladly gave her full approval and blessed her son to make this journey purely for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala. The Journey By renouncing the 'worldly' crown Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, realised his destination of life. He set off on the path of suluk with thousands of his soldiers but instructed them to leave at a certain point, along with his servant and convey. A highly renowned Sufi and poet, on departing wrote the following verse ;- "Tar'kai Dunya gir ta Sultan Shawi, Mehrame Asrar ba jana Shawi" (Abandon this world so that you become king, and beloved friend of Allah). And the famous couplet by Hadrat Shaykh al-islam "takhte Semnan ko mar kar thokar, sarai alam kai tajdaar huwai" (by abandoning the throne of Semnan, you have become the King of the World)

3 This was the initiation of a highly spiritual and devotional journey destined to change the lives of millions of people all over the world for generations to come. Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh was the guardian and comfort for the people limited within the boundary of Semnan, but Allah The most Merciful, had chosen His servant to inspire humanity throughout the world. "saathi hai koyi aur na kutch jaatai safar hai, bas Allah pai bh'rosa to Muhammad pai Nazar hai." In search of his spiritual guide - 'murshid', Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih was totally engrossed and absorbed in the love of his Creator since this was a pilgrimage ordained. Along the travels he was to visit and meet some of the most illustrious and spiritual personalities in Islamic history. Amongst his initial stops, whilst crossing Bhukara was Auch Sharif, in Multan where he met His Eminence Sayyad Jalal 'al-din Bukhari Radi Allahu anhu. On receiving their blessings and adoration he was told to continue to proceed towards his mission and that Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh, was waiting in anticipation for his arrival. This is just one of many examples of the spiritual 'roohani' link between Allah's wali's (friends of Allah), the fact that Allah 'The Most Generous', blesses them with the power and ability to spiritually converse with each other and be acquainted with the worldly circumstances. "Abandon he did the throne of Semnan, Sovereignty acclaimed, the world around, With his radiance, the world is alight, The candle of Ashraf, upon whom sacrificed " Next stop was the illuminating shrine of 'Data Lahori' 'ALI UTHMAN AL-HUJWIRI [d.469] Radi Allahu anhu, in Lahore. A visit much reminicent of that when 'Khawaja Garib Nawaz Sultan al-hind' MUIN AL-DIN CHISTI AJMERI Radi Allahu anhu, made during his well documented visit at the shrine of Hadrat Data Sahib Radi Allahu anhu. The spiritual attraction of Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh, was so great that he didnt stay at any particular place for too long, rather striving to journey on towards his destined goal. This journey took him through large rivers, mountains and deserts, encountering many difficulties on the way. When Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh, arrived at Bihar, Hadrat Makhdoom Sharfuddin Yahya Muneri Rahmatullahi alayh, had passed away the same day. Before his death, he willed that his funeral prayer would be performed by a Sayyad who was Hassani and Hussayni - noble on both sides (that is -najibut tarfain), a Hafiz with seven Qiriats and a deserter of throne who would be coming westwards. Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh had known this beforehand by revelation (Kashf). The funeral prayer was said according to the will of this departed saint. At night in the khanqah, Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, had a glimpse of Hadrat Makhdoon Bihari who gave him his khirqah-(a cloak like patched garment). The khadim (keeper) of the shrine kept the garment until it was decided it would come onto the rightful owner if he asked for it by stretching his hands. With the khirqah placed on the shrine and everyone present stretching out to receive it that is until Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, stretched out his hands and immediately the garment came onto his hands. He put on the khirqah and lost himself in a world of ecstasy and said the following words : " Mora Bar Sar Chun Bowad Az Luft Afsar Bar Aamad Rast Mara Khirqah Dar bar" 'The worldly crown has been on my head, but the kindness of his cloak will suit better on my body' From Bihar, Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, left for Bengal and arrived at Malda where his Murshid was anxiously waiting for him. It was here that he had started his spiritual journey towards

4 his is destination of fulfilment. When he was nearing Pandawa Shareef, Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh, woke up from his sleep and said "Sayyad Ashraf Semnani is coming : let us go and greet him". Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh, went out with thousands of his followers to go and meet Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh, which was surprising to the locals as they had never met him. This shows the extraodinary spiritual status of Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh in the eyes of Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh. No sooner did Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh see his Shaykh then he placed his head on his Shaykh's feet and tears rolled down his eyes. This was a spirtually emotional time for Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh and was the reason for him leaving Semnan. After a while he embraced his Shaykh and said the following words ; "Che Kush Bashad Bad ke az intazare Ba omide Rasad Omidware " 'What a good thing that after waiting long, reaches the hopeful to his destination' After the fulfilment of the usual rituals Hadrat Shaykh Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh made him his disciple in the Chistiya and Nizamiya order and gave him permission (ijazzah) of Salasil (orders). This led to extreme joy for Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh as this was what he had longly cherished. He went onto recite the following : "Nehadah Taje Doulat Bar Sare Man Ala al-haq Wadeen Ganje Nabat " 'Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen placed the kingly crown on my head ' After years in the company of his Shaykh, during which he was attributed with the honour of all secrets of akhlaq and ihsaan, Hadrat Shaykh Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh said; '' O' Ashraf, I have completed all haqiqah-al-marif (realities and knowledge) on you: I would like to set a place for you where you have to light the candle of rectitude and reformation.'' Tears filled Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh's eyes at the thought of being separated from his Shaykh but he knew he had to leave Pandawa Shareef for this destined and final place - Kicchocha Shareef. It was explained that this was to his permanent place of reformation and eternal abode. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh left for Kicchocha Shareef passing through different areas of Bihar, Zafarabad and Jaunpur. He stayed at Jaunpur for a few days where Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharki and Qazi Shahab al-din Daulatabadi were amazed to see his sublime spiritual dignity and purity of character. This personality left a lasting impression on them as he went onto Kicchocha Shareef. Dargah Rasulpur, Kicchocha Sahreef, Dist: Faizabad

5 Religious services It is an accepted fact that the mystics of Islam have rendered valuable services to the cause of Islam in every period. The religious and literary services, done by Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Semnani Rahmatullahi alayh are the golden chapter of the history of Islam in general, and history of tasawwuf in particularly. He lighted the candle of reformation and spirituality in the darkness of infidelity at Kicchocha Shareef and brought those astray on the right path. It is narrated that twelve thousand non-believers accepted Islam having been impressed with Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh's purity of character and spirituality. Hadrat Nizami Yemani Rahmatullahi alayh in his book, 'Lataif-e-Ashrafi has written that wherever Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh went he delivered spiritual lectures in the dialect of that locality and wrote four books in the area dialect and left them with the locals to benefit from. Notable Sufis & Khadims Some of the known khadims of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Rahmatullahi alayh. Shaykh Ruknuddin Ala-ad Dawla Semnani Mir Sayyad Ali Hamadani Makhdoom Sayyad Jalal al-din Bukhari Khawaja Hafiz Sherazi Shaykh Najm al-din Isfahani Khawaja Baha al-din Naqshbandi Sayyad Shah Badi ud-din Madar Kazi Shahab al-din Dawlatabadi Gesu Deraz Banda Nawaz Books Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Rahmatullahi alayh during his lifetime wrote a number of books on many different subjects which indicate that he was deeply motivated scholar, thinker, philosopher who researched and studied many different aspects of life, nature and theology. Books written by him are as follows : Kanz al-asrar Maktubat-e-Ashrafi Sharh-e-Sikander Nama Sirrul Asrar Sharh-e-Awar'if al Marif Sharh-e-Fosus al Hakam Quwadd al-aqeed Ashraf al Ansab Bahrul Azkar Ashraf al Faweed Tanbi-ul Akhwan Bashara Tuzzakireen Basharat al Ikhwan Musta Lehate Tasawwuf Faweed al Ashraf Manaqib al Khulafa-e-Rashideen Hujjaluzza Kerin Fatwa Ashrafiya Tafseer-e-Noor Bakhia Irshad al Ikhwan Resala Wahdat al-wajud Resala dar Tajweeze tane Yazid

6 Bahr ul Haqiqah Nahve Ashrafiya Kanzudd aqeeqah Bashrat al Murideen Diwan-e-Ashraf Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh knew the world better through his travels and journeys rather than through geography books. These travels took him to many countries preaching and vividly presenting Islamic theology and in doing so bringing thousands on the righteous path. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh had full command of arabic, persian and turkish languages resulting in the most productive of lectures in the world of spirituality and the Oneness [tawhid] of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Title : Mahboob-e-Yazdani Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh attained the status of Mahboobiyat (Belovedhood) on the 27th Ramadan 782 A.H. One particular day whilst he was amongst his disciples at Roohabad, all of a sudden from every corner came the cry "Ashraf is my Mahboob. " This heavenley sound was glad tidings of the status of Mahboobiyat and ever since then he began to be called "Mahboob-e- Yazdani ". It was the sublime spirituality of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh that he performed fajr (dawn prayer) in Masjid-e-Haramain. The day he was bestowed with this spiritual honour Hadrat Nizam al-din Asfahani Rahmatullahi alayh was at the Ka'aba Shareef, and upon seeing Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh coming to pray fajr at the Ka'aba, he said; " Come, Come Mahboob-e-Yazdani : may this title from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala be fortunate for you." Titles: Ghawth al A'lam & Jahangir It is a historical fact that Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh was endowned with the dignity of Ghawth in the Khanqah of Hadrat Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz Radi Allahu anhu on the first of Rajab 770 A.H. Hence forward he was called Ghawth al-a'lam. The title of Jahangir tagged with Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh's name is also very famous. Once when he was in the Khanqah of his Murshid - Shaykh Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh & with his disciples when all of a sudden, there was an echo of 'Jahangir' resounding from the walls and doors of the Khanqah. Hearing it, Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Rahmatullahi alayh who was engrossed in meditation ( Muraqabah) after a while raised his head and honoured him with the title of Jahangir as it was a heavenly title confirmed on him. Khulafa Some of the known and recorded *Khulafa of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh. Hadrat Sayyad Abd 'al Razzaq Nur Al-Ayn, Shaykh Kabir al-abassi Shaykh Dareyatim Sarwarpuri Shaykh Shams al-din Faryad Ras Awadi Shaykh Uthman Shaykh Suleyman Muhaddith Shaykh Maroof Shaykh Ahmad Quttal Shaykh Rukn al-din Shahbaz Shaykh Quim al-din

7 Shaykh Asil al-din Shaykh Jamil al-din Supayd Baz Mawlana Kazi Hazzal Shaykh Arif Makraani Shaykh Abul Makarim Khujandi Shaykh Abul Makarim Harwi Shaykh Safi al-din Rudawlvi Shaykh Samah 'ud-din Rudawlvi Mullah Karim Shaykh Khayr al-din Sudawri Kazi Muhammad Sudawri Kazi Abu Muhammad Mawlana Abu Muzaffar Lukhnawi Alam ud Din Jaisi Shaykh Kamal Jaisi Sayyad Abdul Wahhaab Sayyad Reza Jamshed Beg Qalander Turk Kazi Shahab al-din Dawlatabadi Mawlana Haji Fakhr al-din Faruqi Jaunpuri Mawlana Shaykh Daud Mawlana Rukn ud Din Shaykh Adam Uthman Shaykh Taj ud Din Shaykh Noor ud Din Shaykh al-islam Shah Waji al-din Ahmadabad Gujerati Shaykh Mubarak Gujerat Shaykh Hussayn Dawezvi Shaykh Safi al-din Masnad Ali Saif Khan Shaykh Ahmad Kanlawri Mawlana Abd 'al-deyar Banarsi Mawlana Noor al-din Zafarabadi Malik Mahmood Baba Hussayn Kitabdar Sayyad Hasan Alam Barada Shaykh Jamal al-din Rawat Hisam al-din Zanzani Punwi Mawlana Khaggi Muhammad Shaykh Abu-Bakr Shaykh Safi al-din Arweli Sayyad Ali Lahori Shaykh Ludhan Shaykh Nizam al-din Bareilly Shaykh Ali Dosti Semnani Shaykh Umnar Shaykh Abu Saeed Khigri Khawaja Abd 'ar Rahman Khawaja Sad ud-din Khalid Kazi Shudha Awadi Shaykh Zaheed Nur Shaykh Pir Ali Arlat Turki Shaykh Nizam al-din Labir Shaykh Ali Semnani Shaykh Gouhar Ali Shaykh Taqi al-din Mawlana Sharafullah Imam Shaykh Nizam al-din Shaykh Yahya Kaldader Shaykh Mir Mu'allah

8 Kazi Beg Shaykh Qutbuddin Yahya Khawaja Nizam al-din Awliya Shaykh Muhiyuddin Amir Nangar Quli *Ridwanallahi ta'ala alayhi'majmain Thoughts of other Sufis & Shaykhs Hadrat Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlavi Rahmatullahi alayh In his book 'Akhbar ul Akhyar', Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlavi Rahmatullahi alayh describes Hadrat Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh as a great Sufi saint of his time. He also wrote that the shrine in Kicchocha Shareef was very effective in repelling Aseb and Jinn, and was very well known for this. With reference to 'LATA'IF AL ASHRAFI' compiled by Hadrat Nizam Yemani Rahmatullahi alayh he acknowledged the greatness as a servant of Islam by presenting his theological and philosophical ideas particularly his notion about the belief of Firaun (Pharoah). Hadrat Shaykh Abdur Rahman Jami Rahmatullahi alayh Hadrat Shaykh Abdur Rahman Jami Rahmatullahi alaih in his famous book 'Nafatullins' has derived his theological and philosophical sayings showing the utmost regard to this supreme Saint of Islam. The opinion of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih and Shaykh Abdur Rahman Jami Rahmatullahi alaih are the same about Hafiz Sherazi. In this book 'Nafatullins' he wrote one of the holiest saints of the Chistiya Order deems no Diwan (collection of poems) better than the Diwan e Hafiz Sherazi. When referring to "saints of Chistiya Order" he actually means Hadrat Sultan Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Rahmatullahi alayh. Hadrat Shaykh Abdur Rahman Chisti Rahmatullahi alayh Hadrat Shaykh Abdur Rahman Chisti Rahmatullahi alayh wrote "He (Makhdoom Ashraf) had Khilafat from fourteen Orders because he has availed the company of all the Holy Sufi saints of his time." After Hadrat Nizam al-din 'Mahboob e Ilahi' Radi Allahu anhu he revived the spiritual instructions and reformation : In the declaration of realities he was the interpretor of the words of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, Hadith of the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam, and sayings of Amir al Momineen Hadrat Imam Ali-e-Murtaza Karam Allahu waj'hu. Mission It is a historical fact that Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh made Kicchocha Shareef the spiritual and guidance centre at the intimation of his Shaykh Hadrat Ala al-haq Wadeen Pandawi Rahmatullahi alayh. He built Khanqah-e-Ashrafiya taking part in the construction work with his disciples. Together they built two Mosques as well as the tomb - a final resting place in his own private room. This wasnt an easy time for Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh as Hermits

9 and other unsavoury people frequently darkened the facade of Kicchocha Shareef with their antics. But such was his spiritual presence and purity of character that he was able to light the candle of Islam. This special characteristic as a Sufi made the non-believers spellbound, and in a short period, millions of non-believers accepted Islam and came into Silsila-e-Ashrafiya (Order of Ashrafia). In short, Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf's Rahmatullahi alayh services to the cause of Islam and tasawwuf are undoubtedly of great value and a landmark in that period of history of Islam. Karamat Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih was on such a supreme status of mysticism and spirituality that unaccountable miracles (karamat) at different times and at different places are scattered in the pages of history. It is an undeniable fact that every momentof his life was a miracle orientated, impressive and effectual. Some of these karamat are stated here ; [1] Ameer Taymur once advised Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh to travel to see him. When seeing Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih approach him, Ameer Taymur was captivated and showed utmost regard towards him. Climbing on a hill with Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh he said, "As far as your eyes can see; I will make a gift of all areas coming in your sight'. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih said, " You are not the owner of the area coming in my sight," Then he kept his hand on his head and asked as to what he was seeing. He replied that he was seeing Makkah and Madinah then again he enquired if that area belonged to him. Ameer Taymur replied negatively and was thoroughly ashamed,and since his then his Aqeedah and supplication have increased a great deal after seeing such a great mystic in whose sight is the whole world. [2] There was a woman who once came to the khanqah with her dying son, tearfully she asked Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih to pray for her sons life. During this time the boy took his last breath and died before him. The woman began to weep bitterly and said with folded hands, "You are a Walli-Allah bring my son to life." to which he replied, "life and death are in the hands of Allah; what can a banda (slave) do." Hearing this the ill-fated woman started weeping hysterically and with such a mournful voice that Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh's heart filled with pity and an astonished condition prevailed on his face. Solacing the grieved woman, Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih said in full eminence, "I give ten years from my life so for ten years this boy will live." He prayed to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for his life and then ordered the dead boy to stand up in the name of Allah. The 'dead' boy suddenly stood up and lived exactly for a further ten years. [3] When Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh came to Kicchocha Shareef from Jaunpur, the first man to meet him was Malik Mahmood. They both had visited the area (where the main khanqah and shrines are today) surrounded by water and was told that this was the very place intimated by Shaykh Ala al-haq Waddeen Rahmatullahi alaih. Malik Mahmood told him that there lived a stubborn and ageing hermit with five hundred of his disciples and who would not tolerate his presence there. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih asked one of his followers to go and ask the hermit to vacate the place and go elsewhere. The hermit in reply said the only way to remove him from there was through the force and power of a miracle. Hearing this Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih asked Jamal al-din Rawat who had accompanied him via the chain of his disciples, to go and present himself daily before the hermit and ask of him whatever he desired. Jamal al-din was reluctant at first, but after Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih called him and put some betal leaf into his mouth and his courage returned. So Jamal al-din Rawat went with renewed vigour and energy to face this juggler of a hermit. The hermit used all his powers of conjury but failed. Eventually he threw his hand stick in the air and Jamal al-din Rawat too sent the stick of his Shaykh in the air, and brought down the stick of the hermit harshly. Finally the hermit admitted defeat and asked to go before Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih. When he got there with his five hundred followers he bowed his head at the feet of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih and embraced Islam with all of his disciples.

10 [4] One morning Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh was sitting with his disciples after Fajr prayer. Shortly after some rogues appeared there to ridicule him. They had brought with them a coffin with a man wrapped up pretending to be dead and asked Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih to say the funeral prayer. At first he refused, but these jokers kept pressing him so eventually he asked one of his disciples to say the funeral prayer to satisfy them. After the disciple said the prayer the rogues waited for their man in the coffin to rise up and surprise everyone. But to their amazement this man who was alive moments before had actually died. This news spread like wild fire in the town and caused great uproar. Hadrat Nizam Yemani Rahmatullahi alayh has a couplet on this incident ; Kase Ku Az Buzurgan Khanda Giraft Bajuz Girya Azo Digar Che Ayad Meaning : He who ridicules the elders, would get nothing except weeping. [5] Once Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh was passing through Banaras with his disciples. One of the disciples was fascinated by an idol in a temple, and kept staring at it. The caravan of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh had marched some distance and it came known that a disciple had lagged behind and was in this temple. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh asked one of his followers to go and tell the 'idol' to come with him. This follower went to the temple and did as he was instructed. To everyones amazement the 'idol' moved and changed into a pretty girl and came before Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh and embraced Islam. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh then performed nikah and married this former 'idol' girl with that disciple. To which Hadrat Mawlana Jalal al- Din Rume Rahmatullahi alayh has said ; Awliya Ra Hast Qudrat Azilah Teere Jasta Baz Gardanadz Rah The above stated miracles indicate Hadrat Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani Rahmatullahi alayh has mystical and spiritual status and also given his extra-ordinary and most valuable services to the cause of Islam. It can also be said without fear of contradiction that so long the world exists, the flag of his greatness and supremacy will continue unfurling and the candle of spirituality lighted by him will go on showing light to all humanity. Every follower of the 'Ashrafiya Silsila' should endeavour to follow the doctrines laid down by him so that one may reap the benefits of both worlds.

11 Wissal Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alaih left this world on the 28th Muharram 808 A.H. Some time before his passing away he had his dargah (shrine) constructed exactly the way he wanted. On the 26th of Muharram he went to visit his dargah and noticed a 'pen' and some paper on the side of the grave. He sat in the grave and wrote two booklets namely 'Basharat ul Muradeen' and 'Resal-e- Qubria', an extract from Resal-e-Qubria is presented below : ' In this short time that i have stayed in the grave seventy thousand splendor (Tajally) of elegance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, angels descended on this Fakir and intimate Muqaraban of Allah Subhanhu wa Ta'ala Angels showed so much exalting (izaz) and kindness that cannot be expressed in words. The announcer from the sublime court of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala -'Bargahe Elahi' announced in the world of Angels (Alam-e-Malakut) that "Ashraf is my beloved (Mahboob) I write kindness and forgiveness on the forehead of his disciples and show care to his disciples with absolution (Maghferat) and forgiveness (Mafee)". All praise to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala his glad tidings for our companions. After that it was the order of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and eight thousand angels, thirty thousand of Haramain Shareef, one thousand from Bait al-muqaddus, one thousand from Abdal of Maghrib (west), one thousand from Rejalud Ghaib of Sarndip, and one thousand Maradaneh Ghaib from Yemen will perform your bath. Your funeral prayer will be said in front of Baitullah Shareef and you will be buried in the earth for the benefit of slaves (Banda) ; he who comes on your grave will get his barkaat and maghferat.' Sufi Martyr of Love Chisti Experience To its adherents, what was distinctive about the Chishti order was its religious practice. One early Chishti saint has tried to summarize the lifestyle of his precursors in prose, though he then shifts to verse: The style of life (of Chishti masters) is to build a house in a city or town and call the people away from vanity towards God. They always turn away from the world and those who seek it. Their distinctive sign is the practice of spiritual discipline and ascetic striving. They aim at poverty and denial, and they keep company with the poor and beggars, giving them food. They celebrate the urs [death anniversaries] of their masters, and they greatly prefer the poor to the rich. They themselves wash the hands of the stranger, and themselves provide fire and food to the poor. They never give the rich man a place higher than the poor man. Through their internal concern from the heart, the disciple turns away from love of the world, and they soon make the disciple repent.

12 One who is among the Chishti disciples Has a character from heaven. Without is law, within is divine presence -- Besides these two, how could there be a third? They bring each and every one to morality, Even though the mosque be next door to a church. Like Noah in the storm of worldly sorrow, Their generous spirit provides a spacious ship. Ashraf, part of this noble family, Has become less base as he grows in purity. The author of this passage, Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani (d. 807H CE), recognized that not everyone would be able to adhere to this high standard, and he made concessions for those disciples who had to earn a living to support themselves and their families. Yet what he stresses is the enduring attraction of this ethical and spiritual ideal as the core of Chishti experience. source: Sufi Martyrs of Love