Introduction
Hazrat Sheikh Sharafuddin Bu Ali Shah Qalandar, a revered saint and one of the most prominent mystics of his time, is celebrated for his extraordinary spiritual powers and profound influence. His life, marked by divine miracles and unwavering devotion, played a crucial role in spreading Islam in regions where its message had not yet reached. This article delves into the life, teachings, and legacy of this remarkable Sufi saint, whose shrine in Panipat, India, continues to draw countless devotees seeking spiritual solace.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Sharafuddin, he was the son of Sheikh Fakhruddin Iraqi, a distinguished scholar and dervish. Fakhruddin Iraqi, after an unexpected inclination towards the Qalandar way of life, joined a group of Qalandars. His journey led him to Hindustan, where he eventually settled at the Khanqah of Khwaja Bahuddin Zakariya Multani. Recognizing Fakhruddin's spiritual depth, Khwaja Bahuddin facilitated his departure from the Qalandar group and welcomed him into his circle of devotees, even arranging his marriage to his daughter.After the passing of his first wife, Fakhruddin Iraqi returned to Iraq, where he married again. His eldest son, Sheikh Nizamuddin Iraqi, was born there. Nizamuddin later moved to Panipat, Hindustan, for trade and settled there. Unable to bear the separation, Fakhruddin Iraqi and his wife followed their son to Panipat, where Hazrat Sheikh Bu Ali Qalandar was born.
Birth and Lineage of Sharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar
Hazrat Sheikh Bu Ali Qalandar, whose birth name was Sharafuddin, was born in Panipat. While there is some disagreement among biographers regarding his exact birth date, it is generally accepted that he was born in 606 Hijri (1209 CE) during the reign of Qutb al-Din Aibak. Historical accounts suggest he was a descendant of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa Kufi and a cousin of Hazrat Sheikh Jamaluddin. His father was Fakhruddin, and his mother was Bibi Fatima or Bibi Hafiza Jamal.The Title "Bu Ali Qalandar"
The title "Bu Ali Qalandar" was bestowed upon him after a miraculous event. It is said that while he was engrossed in worship in a river, Imam Ali (Mawla Ali) brought him out. At that moment, he experienced a state of spiritual ecstasy and divine intoxication, which remained with him thereafter. From that day forward, he became known as Bu Ali Qalandar.Education and Spiritual Journey
Hazrat Sheikh Bu Ali Qalandar received his initial education under the tutelage of his father, Sheikh Iraqi, who was a great scholar himself. Biographers state that by the age of 11 or 12, he had mastered the exoteric sciences, demonstrating a profound understanding that surpassed many elder scholars. His thirst for knowledge led him to dedicate 40 years to the study of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Hadith. A significant portion of his early life was spent in Delhi pursuing exoteric knowledge.However, after reaching a saturation point with worldly knowledge, he cast his books into the river and embarked on a quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Role as a Teacher
After completing his formal education, he dedicated himself to teaching and preaching. For approximately 12 years, he delivered sermons at the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.The Quest for Truth
One day, while he was delivering a sermon in the mosque, a dervish entered and loudly proclaimed, "Sharafuddin has forgotten the purpose for which he was born. How long will he remain engrossed in this discourse?" This profound statement ignited within him an intense search for a perfect spiritual guide (Murshid-e-Kamil).The Search for a Perfect Guide
The identity of his Murshid-e-Kamil is a subject of varying accounts. Some believe he was a disciple and successor of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, while others suggest he received inner spiritual knowledge from Sheikh Shahabuddin. Some also identify him as a successor and disciple of Najmuddin Kubra, who was himself a disciple of Bakhtiar Kaki's disciples. Another tradition suggests he was initiated by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya on the banks of the Yamuna River.However, the most widely accepted belief is that he received spiritual grace directly from Mawla Ali. According to this narrative, during a meditative state, he spiritually reached the assembly of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), where Hazrat Ali was also present. The Prophet instructed Ali to reveal the divine secrets to Sharafuddin, which Ali did. Mawla Ali then applied his blessed saliva to Sheikh Sharafuddin's tongue and bestowed upon him the epithet "Bu Ali." This account indicates his direct spiritual allegiance to Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him).
Worship and Asceticism
It is widely known that he discarded all his books, renounced worldly knowledge, and devoted himself entirely to worship. He spent a significant portion of his time standing in the river, engaged in prayer, to the extent that his calves would become wounded. He continued this rigorous asceticism for 12 years.One day, a voice from the unseen called out, "O Sharafuddin, your worship has been accepted. Ask what you desire." Then, the voice commanded, "Now, come out of the water." He responded, "I will not come out myself; you must pull me out."
Residence in Panipat
He was a saint of Panipat and resided there. Upon the arrival of Hazrat Shamsuddin Turk in Panipat, he moved to Baghoti, where he stayed for a few years before relocating to Budha Ghera.Encounter with Khusrau
Sultan Alauddin Khalji, with the permission of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, sent Khusrau with gifts to Hazrat Bu Ali Qalandar. Upon Khusrau's arrival, the saint requested a special song. Khusrau recited a ghazal, and in return, Hazrat Bu Ali Qalandar shared his own poetry, which moved Khusrau to tears.Notable Disciples
Among Hazrat Sharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar's prominent disciples were Mubarak Khan, Ikhtiyaruddin, and Sheikh Ahmed.Character and Conduct
He underwent intense spiritual struggle and worship for thirty years. He was often overcome by divine ecstasy, losing awareness of his surroundings. Despite his Qalandar-like disposition, he held immense respect for the Sharia (Islamic law).An incident recounts that when his mustache grew long, his followers and those around him hesitated to speak. However, Maulana Ziauddin, a proponent of Sharia at the time, gently held his beard and trimmed his mustache. Hazrat Bu Ali Qalandar remained silent and later would hold his beard, saying, "This beard has been held in the path of the Sharia of Muhammad."
Literary Works and Sayings of Saharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar
He authored several books, with "Hukm Nama Sharafuddin" being particularly famous. He was also a poet, and as mentioned, he recited his poetry to Khusrau, who was deeply moved by it.Some of his notable sayings include:
- "The Beloved has been created in your image and sent among you to guide you to the right path."
- "When divine grace encompasses you, you are granted spiritual fervor, and your ego is removed from you, at that moment, love enters your heart, and the manifestation of beauty is shown to you."
- "Embrace love, consider both worlds as the beauty of the Beloved, and perceive yourself as the beauty of the Beloved."
- "The Lover created your existence from His love so that He could behold His beauty in your mirror."
Relocation to Baghaute
It is said that he moved from Panipat to Baghaute, a desolate place far from the city, at the behest of Shamsuddin Panipati.Miracles of Sharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar
Many extraordinary events and miracles are attributed to him.Demise
Hazrat Sharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar (RA) dedicated most of his life to the remembrance of Allah, asceticism, and serving humanity. He passed away on December 17, 1324 CE (725 Hijri) in Panipat. At the time of his demise, he was approximately 120 years old. The people of Panipat and the surrounding areas were so deeply influenced by his teachings and miracles that his passing created an atmosphere of grief and mourning throughout the region.Hazrat Sheikh Sharafuddin Bu Ali Shah Qalandar Urs Date
The annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Sharafuddin Bu Ali Qalandar (RA) is celebrated with deep devotion and reverence in the city of Panipat, Haryana (India). This Urs is observed every year on the 17th of Shawwal al-Mukarram, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad. On this blessed occasion, the shrine is beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers, while Qur’an recitation, special prayers, sama, and qawwali gatherings create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Langar is also distributed generously, symbolizing love, unity, and brotherhood. The Urs of Hazrat Bu Ali Qalandar continues to spread his timeless teachings of love, humanity, and service, keeping his spiritual legacy alive in the hearts of people.
Hazrat Sheikh Sharafuddin Bu Ali Shah Qalandar Shrine
The shrine of Hazrat Bu Ali Qalandar (RA) is located in the historic city of Panipat, in the state of Haryana, India. This shrine is an excellent example of ancient Sufi architecture and is constantly visited by pilgrims. The complex includes a beautiful dargah and a spacious courtyard where people offer prayers and supplications. A market known as "Bu Ali Bazaar" has flourished around the shrine, selling perfumes, prayer beads, and religious books. This shrine has been a symbol of the Sufi heritage and a spiritual center in the Indian subcontinent for centuries.
Lessons and Teachings
The lives of Sufis consistently impart the lesson of self-negation (Nafs ki Nafi). Through rigorous worship and spiritual struggles, one must eliminate the ego. Behind the veil of this ego lies the beauty of the Beloved, Allah. Reaching this beauty is impossible without tearing through this veil. This is why he spent his entire life standing in the river, performing self-mortification, which led him to attain union with the Divine.He taught us that mere exoteric knowledge, sermons, and prayers are insufficient for self-negation. It requires abandoning worldly attachments, undertaking severe asceticism, and submitting to a Murshid (spiritual guide). A Murshid bestows inner knowledge, enabling one to perceive God from the earth as if from the heavens. Let us also strive to acquire this inner knowledge, which is the second wing of religion, and access its inner secrets.
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