Hazrat Sultan Bahu (May Allah have mercy on him) was a renowned Sufi saint of the Indian subcontinent, a perfect spiritual master (Wali-e-Kamil), a possessor of Divine Gnosis (Marif-e-Billah), a poet, and a miracle worker (Sahib-e-Karamat). He belonged to the Qadri spiritual order and devoted his entire life to inviting people towards the Love of God (Ishq-e-Ilahi), Divine Gnosis (Marifat-e-Haq), and the invocation of the Ism-e-Allah Zaat (The Personal Name of God).
Sultan Haq Bahu's Family Background
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) belonged to the noble and brave Awan tribe. His lineage traces back, through twenty-nine generations, to the Leader of the Saints, Hazrat Ali Karam Allahu Wajhah (R.A.). He was descended from the non-Fatimid progeny of Hazrat Ali (R.A.). His esteemed father, Bazid Muhammad (R.A.), served as a Mansabdar (holder of a high administrative rank) and a soldier in the mountainous region during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. He was not only a Hafiz-e-Quran (one who has memorized the entire Quran) but also an extremely pious, religious, and knowledge-loving personality, considered a great scholar of his time, who always upheld honesty and piety in his life.
In the final phase of his life, Bazid Muhammad (R.A.) resigned from his worldly post and settled in Multan. After some time, he moved to Shorkot, where he established his residence. He was granted a landholding (Jagir) in Shorkot, where he spent the rest of his life and passed away. Hazrat Sultan Bahu's revered mother, Bibi Rasti (R.A.), was a highly righteous, devout, and worshipping woman, known far and wide for her integrity and goodness.
The Birth of Sultan Haq Bahu
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) was born in Shorkot in 1039 Hijri (corresponding to 1628 CE). His parents named him Bahu. He held a special love and pride for his name, as he believed it contained hidden spiritual meanings. He used to say:
"May the Mercy of Allah be upon my mother, who named me Bahu,
because this name becomes Ya Hu (O He/God) with only a difference of one dot."
Sultan Haq Bahu's Childhood
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) spent most of his childhood in the blessed lap of his mother, Bibi Rasti (R.A.). Spiritual signs and perfections began to manifest in him from his very early years. Even in his innocent age, signs appeared that testified to his future great spiritual station.
It is narrated that even during his infancy, signs of devotion and piety were evident. He would not drink milk during the daytime in the holy month of Ramadan, as if fasting (Rozadari) was part of his nature from the days of his birth. This event was a symbol that Divine Light had enveloped him from the beginning and that his heart was illuminated with the remembrance of God (Zikr-e-Ilahi).
The Education of Hazrat Sultan Haq Bahu
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) received his initial education and training directly from his mother, Bibi Rasti (R.A.). Although he did not formally attend any school or Madrasa, his innate intelligence and spiritual capacity granted him a rank far above conventional learning.
He stated:
"I did not go to any school, nor did I study in any Madrasa.
I took the first letter, 'Alif', from the Holy Quran, which stands for Allah,
and I continued reciting Allah, Allah. When my heart became illuminated,
the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appeared,
and embraced me to his blessed chest.
In that very moment, all knowledge and secrets were revealed to me."
Meeting with the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
When Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) reached the age of spiritual maturity, a momentous spiritual event occurred that changed the course of his life. According to tradition, the Leader of the Saints, Hazrat Ali Karam Allahu Wajhah (R.A.), presented him in the Darbar-e-Nabawi (The Prophetic Court). There, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) granted him the oath of allegiance (Bay'ah) with his own blessed hand, bestowing upon him spiritual stations and ranks beyond description. In that same spiritual moment, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) entrusted him to Ghous-ul-Azam Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.). Following this, a great spiritual revolution occurred within him, and his being became immersed in the search for the Love of God, Divine Gnosis, and the invocation of the Ism-e-Allah Zaat.
Sultan Haq Bahu's Search for a Murshid
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) was constantly absorbed in the remembrance of God and the contemplation of the Divine Reality (Mushahida-e-Haq). His state was such that he appeared lost in the Beauty of the Absolute Being. When his mother, Bibi Rasti (R.A.), saw this condition, she advised him that it was essential to pledge allegiance to a perfect Sheikh (Murshid-e-Kamil). He submitted, "When I have been honored in the Prophetic Court, what need is there for another Bay'ah?" His mother replied, "My son! This world is the Aalam-e-Asbab (Realm of Means); it is necessary here to pledge allegiance at the hand of a perfect master." He then asked, "If that is the case, then you are sufficient for me." His mother responded that "Women do not have the authority to grant Bay'ah." Upon hearing this, he inquired, "Where should I search for a Murshid?" His mother pointed him towards the East. He immediately left his home and set out in search of a guide. During his travels, upon hearing of the perfections and saintliness of Hazrat Shah Habibullah (R.A.), he presented himself to him. Shah Habibullah (R.A.) advised him, "Success on this path requires single-mindedness (Yeksoo'i) and sincerity. If the heart is inclined towards two directions, it is difficult to reach the destination, so first empty your heart of worldly wealth and possessions." Hearing this, he returned, gave up everything he owned, and when he came back with a purified heart, Shah Habibullah (R.A.) recognized his sincerity and truthfulness. One day, he said, "The blessing you are entitled to is not with us, but we will show you the signpost to your destination—go to the service of my Sheikh, Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Rahman Qadri (R.A.). Take hold of his mantle; he will be sufficient for you."
Pledging Allegiance to the Murshid
Following the instruction of Hazrat Shah Habibullah (R.A.), Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) traveled to Delhi. There, Hazrat Syed Abdul Rahman Qadri (R.A.) had already been informed through spiritual unveiling (Kashf) that a high-ranking seeker of truth was approaching him. Consequently, he sent a person to receive him. This person brought him into the presence of Hazrat Syed Abdul Rahman Qadri (R.A.). The Hazrat honored him with Bay'ah at his blessed hand and then guided him through the stages of the spiritual journey (Madarij-e-Sulook o Faqr). In a short time, he completed all the spiritual stations, and Hazrat Syed Abdul Rahman Qadri (R.A.) blessed him with Khilafat and permission (Ijazat). It was there that he received the great blessing he had sought for so long—the light of Faqr-e-Muhammadi (Muhammadan Poverty) and Marifat-e-Ilahi (Divine Gnosis), which later became the focus of his teachings and writings.
His Method of Spiritual Beneficence in Delhi
After achieving spiritual perfection, the practice of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) was to walk around the bazaars of Delhi. Anyone upon whom he cast his glance would, in a short time, become filled with the Love of God and Divine Gnosis. The circle of his spiritual beneficence (Faiz) was widespread, and the renown of his spiritual influence spread everywhere in Delhi. When news of this reached his Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Syed Abdul Rahman Qadri (R.A.), he summoned him and said:
"We granted you a special treasure, but you have made it common."
To this, Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) humbly and respectfully submitted:
"O Master! I merely wished to test the blessing that was bestowed upon me, to see how far this special treasure was effective, and what its reality and nature were."
Haq Bahu's Return to Shorkot
After residing in Delhi for some time and rendering spiritual services, Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) returned to his hometown of Shorkot. There, he dedicated himself to teaching, spiritual guidance (Talqeen), inner rectification (Islah-e-Batin), and preaching the path of guidance. Scholars, seekers of truth (Taliban-e-Haq), and common people attended his gatherings in large numbers, and everyone was illuminated by his Zikr and spiritual grace.
Sultan Haq Bahu's Married Life
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) was married four times and had eight sons. His youngest son, Sultan Hayat Muhammad (R.A.), passed away in childhood. The names of his other sons are:
Sultan Noor Muhammad (R.A.), Sultan Wali Muhammad (R.A.), Sultan Latif Muhammad (R.A.), Sultan Salih Muhammad (R.A.), Sultan Ishaq Muhammad (R.A.), Sultan Fateh Muhammad (R.A.), and Sultan Sharif Ahmad (R.A.).
The Demise of Sultan Haq Bahu
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) passed away on 1st Jamadi al-Thani 1102 Hijri (1691 CE). His blessed mausoleum is located in Shorkot, which remains a source of spiritual convergence for people from all over the world.
Some time before his demise, when he fell ill, a Brahmin Hakim (physician) was called for treatment. The Hakim refused to come, saying, "If I see Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.), I will spontaneously utter the Kalima Tayyaba and become a Muslim, so it is better that he be brought to my place." Consequently, Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) was taken to the Hakim's location. As the Brahmin's gaze fell upon the Sheikh's luminous face, the words of the Kalima Shahada involuntarily flowed from his tongue, and he embraced Islam.
Sultan Haq Bahu's Literary Works
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) had a deep affinity for knowledge and Gnosis. Although he did not receive extensive formal education, the Divine grace and esoteric knowledge granted him unparalleled intellectual insight. His writings attest to his mastery of both external (Zahiri) and internal (Batini) sciences.
He authored many books containing profound subjects on spirituality, Sufism, and Divine Gnosis. His famous works include:
Ain-ul-Faqr (The Essence of Faqr), Ganj-ul-Asrar (Treasure of Secrets), Kaleed-ul-Tauheed (Key to Monotheism), Noor-ul-Huda (Light of Guidance), Muhabbat-ul-Asrar (Love of Secrets), Shams-ul-Arifeen (Sun of the Gnostics), Aurang-e-Shahi (Royal Throne), Asrar-e-Qadri (Secrets of the Qadris), Taufeeq-ul-Hidayat (Divine Guidance), Majalis-un-Nabi (PBUH) (Gatherings of the Prophet), Tegh-e-Barhana (The Naked Sword), and Jami-ul-Asrar (Collector of Secrets), etc.
These works serve as a complete guide for the spiritual travelers (Salikeen) on the path of Faqr and Sufism.
Spiritual Marvels of Sultan Haq Bahu
Countless spiritual marvels (Karamat) and unveilings (Kashf) are attributed to Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.). It is narrated that his benevolent gaze (Nigah-e-Karam) possessed such power that anyone it fell upon would immediately begin to make the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah from the heart. Seventy years after his demise, when a flood in Shorkot necessitated the opening of his blessed grave, everyone was astonished to find his sacred body completely fresh and intact.
Another famous miracle involves a Syed (descendant of the Prophet PBUH) who came with the intention of acquiring wealth. He had heard that the Sheikh was a great Sufi. However, when he saw the Sheikh busy plowing the field, doubt arose in his heart, and he started to leave. The Sheikh, through his esoteric knowledge (Ilm-e-Batin), perceived the state of his heart, called out to him, and said that he had traveled a long distance and was leaving without meeting. The Syed, who was a Syed, turned back and met him. After the meeting, the Syed went to answer the call of nature and returned. The Sheikh had a clod of earth in his hand. The Sheikh said to the man, "Brother, what you have heard about me is just a rumor. I am just a simple Jat (farmer), and you have troubled yourself for no reason." The Syed replied, "You are right. How unfortunate I am that being a Syed, I came to beg from a Jat." When the Sheikh heard these words from the Syed, he struck the clod of earth on the ground, and that patch of ground turned into gold. Seeing this, the man began to weep and fell at the Sheikh's feet. The Sheikh lifted him up, saying, "Brother, this is not the time to weep. Take as much gold as you can and fulfill your needs."
Sayings of Hazrat Sultan Haq Bahu
He states that Faqr (Spiritual Poverty) has three letters: Fa, Qaf, and Ra. Fa means Fana fi al-Nafs (Annihilation of the Self), Qaf means Qahr bar Nafs (Subduing the Self), and Ra means Razi ba Khuda (Contentment with God's Will). He further says that Fa means Fakhr (Pride in God), Qaf means Qurb (Nearness to God), and Ra means Raz (Secret of God). He said that these ranks are only achieved by the Faqr-e-Muhammadi (PBUH); otherwise, Fa means Fazeehat (Disgrace), Qaf means Qahr-e-Khuda (Wrath of God), and Ra means Radd (Rejection).
He stated that if a person's single action is against the Shariat-e-Muhammadi (Islamic Law), he is not a Sufi but a devil. The reference here is to the inner Sharia.
"Generosity (Sakhawat) fulfills the right of God's creation and reveals the extent of the wealth owner's love for his wealth compared to his love for God."
He said that Faqr and Marifat-e-Ilahi are the waves of the river of mercy, and generosity and benevolence are the qualities that connect one with God Almighty. Regarding the Pir-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide), he says that if the Pir does not possess inner power (Quwwat-e-Batini), does not look after the Mureed (disciple), cannot stop him from sin and disobedience, does not pray to Allah and His Messenger during the Mureed's final moments, and does not safely guide him through the delicate hour of death, then he should not be called a Pir-o-Murshid.
He states that a truly perfect Murshid is one who can make the Mureed's heart recite the remembrance of Allah within seven days. If he cannot do so, he is a liar and should be cast into the river's water.
The final outcome of greed and envy is humiliation and disgrace.
The people of the world are slaves to the world and wealth, while the world and wealth are slaves to the Faqir Arif Billah (The Sufi Gnostic of God).
There are four birds in the human chest; one must sacrifice all four birds of the Nafs (Ego): the Chicken of Lust, the Crow of Greed, the Peacock of Envy, and the Pigeon of Stinginess. All these must be purified for the human heart to become clean.
Sultan Haq Bahu's Poetry
Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) had a deep connection with poetry, and he was himself a high-ranking Sufi poet. His works, Diwan-e-Bahu and Abyat-e-Bahu, are a great treasure of spiritual poetry of the subcontinent. His poetry possesses not only intellectual and spiritual depth but also describes the highest stations of the Love of God, Gnosis, and Sufism. His words have a simplicity coupled with a spiritual influence that stirs the hearts.
He also composed several beautiful verses in praise (Mad'h) of his spiritual master, Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.) (Ghous-e-Azam), which reflect his love and devotion. He states:
Shah-e-Meeran hast sani Shah-e-Amir,
Shah-e-Sawar-e-Marifat o Roshan Zameer.
Chun na bashad Sayed Qadir-e-Qawi,
Chun na bashad Sayed-e-Awlad-e-Ali.
Asl-e-Jilani za Batin-e-Mustafa,
Maratib-e-Qadri Qudrat-e-Ilah.
Sho Mureed az Jaan Bahu bil Yaqeen,
Khak-e-Pay-e-Shah-e-Meeran Rah-e-Deen.
(Meaning: Shah Meeran is the second King and Leader, the King of the Riders of Gnosis and the Enlightened Conscience. How could the powerful Syed Qadir not exist? How could the Syed from the progeny of Ali not exist? The origin of Jilani is from the inner being of Mustafa (PBUH); the ranks of Qadriyya are the Power of God. O Bahu, become a Mureed by heart with certainty, [be] the dust of the feet of Shah Meeran, the Path of the Faith.)
The Date of Sultan Haq Bahu's Urs
The blessed annual Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (R.A.) is celebrated every year on the 1st of Jamadi al-Thani, as his demise occurred on this date in 1102 Hijri. This blessed day is celebrated with immense devotion and reverence at his blessed mausoleum in Shorkot (Jhang District, Punjab). Thousands of devotees and pilgrims attend from far and wide. Spiritual gatherings (Majalis) of Zikr and Sufism, organized by Qadri Shaikhs, take place, and spiritual peace is attained through his inner grace (Faizan-e-Batini). Extensive arrangements for Langar (free food), Naat (poetry in praise of the Prophet PBUH), Manqabat (poetry in praise of saints), and Qawwali (Sufi music) are made on the occasion of the Urs, and the entire area is illuminated with light and devotion.
He stated that he spent many years in search of a true Murshid, and now that he had reached the station of perfection, he had been searching for a Talib-e-Haq (a seeker of truth) for forty years but could not find one. This statement of Sultan Haq Bahu proves that in that era, true seekers and lovers of God had become scarce.
Shrine of Hazrat Sultan Haq bahu Picture
