Meanwhile Hazrat Haji Syed Khadim Ali Sahib fell ill and in spite of treatment by expert
hakims, his soul flew to Heaven. His mortal remains were consigned to the earth. On the third
day of his death the ceremony of Fateha‐ Khani (praying for the dead soul) was performed.
After the ceremony the selection of his successor and the function of Dastar‐Bandhi came up
for discussion (function of tying the turban for confirming a successor.) Maulvi Manna Jan
Sahib, manager ‘langar’ (the public kitchen) brought a turban on a silver tray and offered it to
the assembly of learned persons of becoming the successor.
There are different versions about the tying of the turban on our Saint’s head. The learned
compiler of “Jalwae‐Waris” has mentioned two versions of Dastar Bandhi:
1. The one was that, on the third day of the sacred death ceremony, spiritual leaders tied
the turban on the head of our young Saint.
2. The other is that Sheikh Hussein Sahib a village resident of Bara Banki district says that
two collarless patched shirts (Kharqa Posh, as Saints dress, one of Qadri mystics and the
other of Chishti Sect.) were given to our Saint. While going towards the market he sold
one to eat Kababs and the other to eat sweetmeats.
Janab Shah Hussein Sahib a venerable person and devotee of our Saint, has given his version
about the ceremony of Dastar Bandhi. He says that Sheikh Ghulam Ali Sahib alias Ghasitay
Mian, a close companion and playmate of our Saint accompanied his father at the time of the
third day ceremony of Khadim Ali Shah Sahib when the Dastar Bandhi ceremony was taking
place. Being very intimate with our Saint, he told Sarkar Waris that he had a great desire to eat
Kababs. Our Saint purchased it from the Kabab vendor for four paise. When the vendor
demanded money, he said that he had nothing. Our Saint gave him the priceless turban which
the vendor accepted with happiness and regarded it as a priceless possession. Our Saint
further states that when he returned home and his sister learnt how he parted with the
priceless turban, she commented. “Now I know, you have further illuminated the nobility of
Syeds!”
The grandson of Hazrat Ghouse of Gwalior, Akbar Shah and other luminaries unanimously
selected our Saint to be the deserving successor. The turban was tied by august and noble
persons on his head. Thus at a very young age he was elevated as a spiritual leader and guide. Just as he gave away such a valuable turban with a view to help a poor vendor of Kababs, in
like manner, he helped the common people which was his special habit, rendered monetary
help to the needy and to seekers of eternal truth and fostered the habit of Divine Love. Within a
short period he had a following of hundred the habit of devotees and initiated them in the
circle of high station. In this how his father related to him, the incident that led to his becoming
a devotee of our Saint.
“Hazrat Haji Syed Qadim Ali Shah Sahib, a spiritual personality was held in high esteem. I
participated in the religious ceremony of his death anniversary. In this gathering after the
‘Fateha‐Khani’ I noticed a youth of dignified bearing and engaging personality on whose head,
men of religious learning and Saints tied the turban of honour. My heart was struck with
wonder at his dignified and commanding personality. I desired to shake hands with him but
was afraid to do so and went home. A few days later, I saw him in my dream and heard him
saying “Come to me”.
Early in the morning I stated to pay a visit and offer my respects to him. Before I reached the
mosque, on the way he came out returned my greetings in a cordial manner and said ‘wait
here, I am coming’. Within a few seconds he came Running from the female quarters with a kite
and a small spinning wheel.”
He gave the kite and asked me to fly it. Hardly had I lift the thread for a distance of ten or
fifteen pace when he smilingly said “Don’t leave the thread.” This small sentence had a deep
effect on my heart. Weeping bitterly He fell on his feet and said, “For God’s sake help me to
hold the thread firmly.”
He sat down and holding my hand ordered me to repeat, “I am holding the hand of my spiritual
guide.”
When I repeated this sentence he loosened his grip on my hand and instructed me not to be
worldly minded and for the sake of love of God render service as possible to his creatures to
guard the soul and curb sensual pleasures.
According to his advice, I returned and desired to remain at home, but his pleasant features
and embodiment of Divine likeness made me restless to see him often and so repeatedly I
visited his house. After a week to my surprise, he came to my house and admitted your mother
to join his fold. He advised me to by content be holding one face and the same will be with me
here in the grave as well as in the Hereafter.”
Thus the chain of instruction to lead a life of moral uprightness and righteousness continued to
be given and many became his disciples to render Divine service. Sarkar Waris returned to
Deva Shareef, distributed his elder’s obsolete things and household furniture amongst the poor
persons of the neighbouring arrear and the remaining valuable landed property and costly
books he distributed amongst his kith and kin, Finally he consigned the documents of his property to a watery grave in the lake. He thus broke off all worldly ties. In 1838 A.D. he
decided to visit holy places to perform Hajj.
His devotees and disciples insisted to take someone as his companion but refusing all worldly
arrangements for his journey, started on foot towards the Holy Shrine. It is also narrated that
he saw Haji Qadeem Ali Shah Sahib in a dream gesticulating his to proceed to Mecca. Thus an
impetus was given to the passionate longing of his heart and casting aside all worldly shackles
proceeded on foot, refusing any companions.
When he started on his journey bidding adieu to sister and paying a farewell visit to the tomb
of Hazrat Haji Syed Qadeem Ali Shah, he wended his steps towards Kanpur. He was seen going
alone with a black rug on his shoulder the only luggage he carried on this arduous on this
arduous Journey
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 