January 2022 – Page 22 – Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi

In Sufism the Barzakh or Alam-e-Araf is not only where the human soul resides after death but it is also a place that the soul can visit during sleep and meditation. Ibn e Arabi defines Barzakh as the intermediate realm or “isthmus”. It is between the World of Corporeal Bodies and the World of Spirits, and is a means of contact between the two worlds. Without it, there would be no contact between the two and both would cease to exist. It is described as simple and luminous, like the World of Spirits, but also able to take on many different forms just like the World of Corporeal Bodies can. In broader terms Barzakh, “is anything that separates two things”. It has been described as the dream world in which the dreamer is in both life and death.

Barzakh is an Arabic word that literally means ‘barrier’, ‘separation’ or ‘hindrance’. The World of Barzakh (Aalam-e-Barzakh) designates a phase happening between death and resurrection. The word ‘grave’ in its widest sense also refers to the Barzakh because this is the period intervening between this world and the next, therefore a world itself. After death and before Resurrection, all the human beings and Jins will have to live in the world of Barzakh as per their ranking. Barzakh is much larger than this earth. It is a place where some will live with comfort while others will confront hardships.

It is the popular belief of the Muslim faith that every person will lead a fixed lifespan on earth. The fixed life can neither be increased nor decreased. When the time of a person’s fixed lifespan completes, Hazrat Izra’eel in Arabic or Azrael in some Jewish traditions (the angel of death) appears and removes his soul. The person observes the presence of Angles to his left and right, for as far as his eyes can see. This is the time when the reality of Islam becomes more obvious than the brightness of the sun to every person. After the angel of death, Hazrat Izraeel captures the soul of a person, his phase of Barzakh starts.

It is the faith of Muslims that even after death; the soul is somehow linked to the body of man. Even after leaving the body, the soul experiences and feels everything that is inflicted on the body, just as it takes place during worldly life. Just as the body experiences five senses on earth, so too the soul has its own sensations, through which it feels happiness or sadness. The soul of a person continues to have such sensation in the World of Barzakh.

What does happen to the soul of a person in the World of Barzakh?

After death and according to one’s ranking based on piety and taqwa, the souls of the believers reside in different places of the World of Barzakh. The souls of some believers reside on their graves, while some reside near the well of Zamzam, some reside between the skies and the earth, some reside in the first sky, some reside in the second sky and so forth, right up to the seventh sky, while some reside even higher than the skies. No matter where the soul may be, it remains connected to its body. It recognizes and observes those who come to its grave. It even hears their words. The power of seeing by the soul is not only restricted to near the grave. (Bahare Shariat, vol. 1, p.101)

It is narrated in a hadith that “When a Muslim passes away, his path is cleared. He may go anywhere he desires”.

Some popular beliefs about the happenings after death, with reference to Bahare Shariat of Allama Sadrush Sharia Amjad Ali Qadri, are as follows;

It is an act of kufr to believe that soul enters another boy after death, be it that of another human or animal, which is known as ‘Tanasukh’ or ‘Awagawan’ i.e. re-incarnation.

It is the popular belief of Muslims that death refers to the separation of the soul from the body. It does not mean that the soul dies. Hence it is misguidance to believe that the soul is totally obliterated.

SHAMS-UL-ARD
HAZRAT KHWAJA SHAMSUDDIN TURK PANIPATI (Rahmatullah Alaih)
Hazrat Khwaaja Shamsuddeen Turk (Rahmatullah Alaih) was born in Turkey/Turkistan and like many of the great Mashaaikh he was a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallalalahu alaihi wasallam). Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) completed early knowledge in Tafseer, Hadith and Fiqh in Turkey/Turkistan. Thereafter, having the thirst for the spiritual knowledge he left his country in search for a Kaamil Pir-o-Murshid (Spiritual Guide). During his travel he met many Mashaa’ikh but his heart was not satisfied. Finally Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) arrived in the Indian subcontinent where he heard of the greatness of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganje Shakr (Rahmatullah Alaih) and he desired to become his mureed.

When arriving at the feet of the great Master Hazrat Baba Farid (Rahmatullah Alaih) on the 12th Zil Haj 658 A.H.(7 years after the destruction of Kalyar by the jalaal of Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih)) ) with the intention of becoming his mureed, Hazrat Baba Farid Ganje Shakr (Rahmatullah Alaih) told him that “This faqeer has nothing for you, you should go to Kalyar, for whatever is your share you will receive it from my Khwaaja Makhdoom Allauddin Saabir (Rahmatullah Alaih)”.

Accordingly Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) with a group of 21 other dervishes left for Kalyar and reached the 24 mile radius beyond which no human or even a bird dare cross. Here they were met by Hazrat Jamaaludeen Abdaal who entertained them until Hazrat Alimullah Abdaal, who was in the service of Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih), , took them safely across to where Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) was. Here Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) and other dervishes found Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) engrossed in an overwhelming contemplation.

For 22 days and nights Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) was in this state. During this period the other dervishes had lost their patience and left Kalyar, besides Khwaaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) , who was so overtaken by the personality of Hazrat Saabir Paak (radiAllahu anhu) that he had forgotten the world and even his own physical needs. Since Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) was a Qari and Hafiz of the Quran he began reciting the Quran aloud. After some time due to tiredness he stopped. Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) ) who was still in a state of contemplation asked as to why the beautiful recitation has been stopped so Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (radiAllahu anhu) who was standing all the time (for 22 days) said that he had become tired.

Upon hearing this Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) ordered him to sit and recite the Quran, and Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) replied as to how was it possible that the Master stands and the servant sits, as this is a sign of disrespect. Hearing this Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) sat down for the first time in 7 years. When Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) regained his consciousness he spoke out saying:

“Shamsuddeen,are you sent here by Hazrat Baba Fariduddin (Rahmatullah Alaih) ” “, and the latter replied, “Your Honour knows everything better than this humble soul”. Therafter, Hazrat Saabir Paak(Rahmatullah Alaih) said “The sun of Allah is in the sky and the sun of this faqeer is on the earth “. A declaration that gave Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) the title of “SHAMSUL ARZ” (The Sun of the earth).

Thereafter he was initiated by Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) as his mureed in the Chistia silsila with all due honour. Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) then ordered Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) to go back to Paak Patan and serve his Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Baba Fariduddin (Rahmatullah Alaih) and undergo spiritual training under him dutifully until he leaves this mundane world.

After the Wisaal of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin (Rahmatullah Alaih), Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) left Paak Patan for Kalyar and reported himself in the presence of Hazrat Saabir Paak (radiAllahu anhu) whom he had found in the same state holding the goolar tree as he had left him 4 years ago. When Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) regained consciousness he asked for his green turban and his other relics, and on the 12th of Muharram 661 A.H. he conferred his Khilaafat of the Chistia silsila on his one and only mureed Hazrat Khwaaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) in the prescence of Hazrat Khwaaja Nizaamuddin Auliya (radi Al1ahu anhu) and Hazrat Khwaaja Nasiruddin Chiragh (Rahmatullah Alaih).

Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) then said “Shamsuddeen, you are my son and I make dua to Allah that my silsila will spread from you right until Qiyaamat”. On the 19th Muharram 684 A.H. Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) ordered Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) to to go into a 6 year mujaheda called “Habse Kabeer” in a grave. The grave was prepared by Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) himself by one movement of his finger. Alimullah Abdaal was ordered to place one glass of water and one loaf of bread in the grave so when Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) felt hungry he will have some sustenance.

After 6 years when he was taken out, only half a glass of water and half a loaf of bread was left. His Pir-o-Murshid now ordered him to go and help Sultan Allauddin Khilji conquer the Amber fort and also said that on that day he (Khwaja Shamsuddeen) will manifest his first karaamat, and will also be the passing away of his Pir-o-Murshid. Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) could not resist his tears and he was given all the instructions by Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) for the funeral proceedings. On this very occasion, he was also handed the Spiritual leadership of Panipat.

After conquering fhe fort, Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) left for Kalyar to prepare the Janaaza of his beloved Pir-o-Murshid, Hazrat Saabir Paak (radiAllahu anhu).). When Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) saw the Janaaza namaaz of Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) was performed by none other than Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) himself he fell unconscious and disappeared from the place where he fell and landed in the city of Firkhaar in Turkistan. An impression of the body of Khwaaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) was left on the spot where he landed and a Roza was built over it by the Qutb of Firkhaar, Hazrat Sayed Masoom Ali (Rahmatullah Alaih). . Khwaaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) performed mujahedas for one year at the mountain of Firkhaar.

He then proceeded to Panipat which was one of the instructions given to him by Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) before he passed away. He arrived in Panipat on the 4th Zil Qadh 693A.H. staying for short intervals on the way at Kashan, Tehran, Badakshan, Qandhar, Kabul, Lahore. The person who had the spiritual leadership of Panipat was Hazrat Sharfudeen Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Rahmatullah Alaih).. Therefore, to inform Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Rahmatullah Alaih) of his arrival in Panipat, he sent his salaams and a full glass of milk to him.

When Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Rahmatullah Alaih) saw this he smiled and put a rose on the full glass of milk and returned it together with his salaams to Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih). When Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) saw the rose on the milk he also smiled. The people who were present were very confused at the strange proceedings and enquired as to the meaning of this. Khwaaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) explained that the full glass of milk meant that the spiritual leadership of Panipat is now bestowed upon him by Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih), and Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Rahmatullah Alaih) accepted his leadership by placing the rose on the glass of milk.

Once, Hazrat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) said that, “My Shamsuddeen is like the sun from amongst the Auliya”. From Panipat Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) conducted the misson started by Khwaaja Muinduddin Chisti (Rahmatullah Alaih) in India through a new branch known as the Chistia Sabiria Silsila.

Here he had initiated many mureeds including Hazrat Shah Jalaaludeen Kabirul Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih).. On the 19th of Shabaan 694 A.H. when Shah Jalaaludeen Kabirul Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih) completed his 6 months mujaheda, “Habse Kabeer”, a Mehfil-e-Sama was arranged. In this mehfil, Hazrat Khwaja Shamsudeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) had a prolonged wajd. While he was in this state of wajd, a dervish appeared with a veil over his face, but when he saw Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) in this state, he left. When Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) regained his consciousness he was told about the visit of the dervish. He expressed extreme dissapointment and sorrow upon hearing this news and said, “What a pity, my Shaikh Hazat Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) had come to see me and I was unaware of his arrival”. After this day he retired into seclusion and never spoke to anybody except Hazrat Shah Jalaaluddeen Kabirul Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih), who was permitted to see him.

Hazrat Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) passed away in this state on the 10th of Jamaadul Akhir 699A.H. He was buried in Panipat wher his Mazaar Shareef stands today. Hazrat Khwaaja Shamsuddeen (Rahmatullah Alaih) ) bestowed the khilaafat upon his dear mureed Hazrat Shah Jalaaluddeen Kabirul Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih) who now conducted the work of the Mashaaik-e-Chistia .
In conclusion, We would like to wish one and all Urs Mubarak of Huzoor Khwaja e Khwajagaan Sayidina Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Panipati (Rahmatullah Alaih), and on the occasion of the Urs we would like to pay tribute to a Beloved of Allah, a Saint of our times,a saint who had served as a khadim at the shrine of Huzoor Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) his entire life -Huzoor Khadim Ghulam Jlani Baba Kalyari (Rahmatullah Alaih) lovingly known as Babaji throughout India and the rest of the world.
It was Huzoor Jilani Baba (Rahmatullah Alaih) who struggled all his life to gain control of the Shrine of Khwaja Shamsuddin (Rahmatullah Alaih) from Sikh Control and towards the later years of his life-Allah blessed him with acceptance of his lifelong wish, he single handedly took charge and control of the shrine of this great Saabri mystic.
We need to understand that in the Muslim World,Huzoor Saabir Paak
(Rahmatullah Alaih) has a unique status among the friends of Allah, and he had only one blessed Khalifa in Panipat-and the duty of freeing of the shrine from Sikh control as well as making the contemprary Muslim world aware of this great personality namely Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Panipati (Rahmatullah Alaih),was in no ways an easy task. It was a task that was destined for a Beloved of Allah, a beloved of Huzoor Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih) and a beloved of Khwaja Shamsuddin (Rahmatullah Alaih).The reality is that today-the very fact we can easily go to Panipat-celebrate the Urs of our Saint, experience the awakening of interest in the Panipat Shrine is no doubt-the collected lifelong efforts of Huzoor Jilani Baba (Rahmatullah Alaih).
Those fortunate people who were blessed to have seen his Mubarak countenance, will bear testimony to the fact that, gazing at his face transported one immediately to a bygone era and made one immediately Allah conscious. This gift-no doubt was given to the friends of Allah-because gazing at them is in itself a great ibaadat.
His pure trust in Allah, love for Allah, guidance of the Khwajagaan of our Silsila especially Huzoor Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih),his large heartedness,his great affection for sinners and the poor and downtrodden of society,his extreme love for the poor, and his great involvement in contemprory issues-all combined made him one of the most loved Muslim leaders in India and throughout the world, muslims and non muslims alike.
We salute this great man and cannot express enough gratitude to our beloved Allah for blessing us with the opportunity of being in his blessed company, and pray that May Allah keep the saaya of Huzoor Saabir Paak (Rahmatullah Alaih), Huzoor Khwaja Shamsuddin Turk Panipati (Rahmatullah Alaih) and their Beloved Khadim Huzoor Jilani Baba (Rahmatullah Alaih) on our heads always. Ameen