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MAKHDOOM SAYYAD ASHRAF JAHANGIR [d.808 H]
Hadrat Ghawth al-A'lam, Mir Ahayy'ud-Din, Sultan Khawaja, as-Sayyad Shah,
Al-Shaykh Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir al-Semnani
'alayhir ar-rahman w'al Ridwan
Birth & Parents : 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 alayh, started their education at the age of 4 years, 4 months and 4 days. Allah, the most Sublime, blessed Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alayh 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 Yafa'i at Makkah Mukarramah, Baba Mufrah (s/o the great Najm 'al-Din Kubra) at Iskandaria and Mawlana Ahmad Haqqani ridwanallahi ta'ala alay'him'ajma'een. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf rahmatullahi alayh, had overwhelmed even the great scholars and theologians from as far as Baghdad with his remarkable talent which was recognised 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 alayh attributed a lot of his time in teaching. Amongst his pupils was his nephew Hadrat Sayyad Abdul Razzaq 'Noor al-Ayn' Jilani rahmatullahi alayh - 11th direct descendant of The Great Ghawth al-A'zam, Sayyad as-Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu.
Crowned Sultan :
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 (a province of present day Iran). 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 alayhi as-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 Ganj-e-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 alayhi as-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.
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The Spiritual 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''.
Hadrat Shaykh al Islam w'al Muslimeen wrote the following couplet ... "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'
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 ta'ala anhu, in Lahore. A visit much reminicent of that when 'Khawaja Gharib Nawaz; Sultan al-Hind' MUIN AL-DIN CHISTI AJMERI Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu, made during his well documented visit at the shrine of Hadrat Data Sahib Radi Allahu ta'ala 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 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 spiritual 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 Ganj e 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 - Khicchocha Shareef. It was explained that this was to be his permanent place of reformation and eternal abode. Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh left for Khicchocha 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 Shahib al-Din Dawlatabadi were amazed to see his sublime spiritual dignity and purity of character. This personality left a lasting impression on them as he went onto Khicchocha Shareef.
Religious Service : 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 lit the candle of reformation and spirituality in the darkness of infidelity at Khicchocha Shareef and brought those astray onto the straight 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 and 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
* May Allah be pleased with them
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Works :
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
Sirr 'ul Asrar
Sharh-e-Awar'if al Marif
Sharh-e-Fusus al Hikam
Quwadd al-Aqeed
Ashraf al Ansab
Bahr 'ul Azkar
Ashraf al Faweed
Tanbi-ul Akhwan
Bashara tuz -Zakireen
Basharat al Ikhwan
Musta Lehate Tasawwuf
Faweed al Ashraf
Manaqib al Khulafa-e-Rashideen
Hujjaluzza Kerin
Fatawa Ashrafiya
Tafseer-e-Noor Bakhia
Irshad al Ikhwan
Risala Wahdat al-Wajud
Risala dar Tajweeze tane Yazid
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 of Mahboob al-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."
Title of 'Ghawth al-A'lam' and '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 1st of Rajab 770 A.H. Hence forth he was called Ghawth al-A'lam.
The event of how the title of Jahangir was tagged with Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh's name is also very famous. It is reported that he was once in the Khanqah of his Murshid - Shaykh 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 at that time (Muraqabah), ... raised his head and immediately honoured him with the title of Jahangir. This was a heavenly title confirmed on him.
Khulafaa :
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
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
Kazi Beg
Shaykh Qutbuddin Yahya
Khawaja Nizam al-Din Awliya
Shaykh Muhiyuddin
Amir Nangar Quli
*Ridwanallahi ta'ala alayhi'majmain
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Thoughts of other Shaykhs and Sufis :
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 and other unsavoury people frequently darkened the facade of Khicchocha 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.
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Karamat :
Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh 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 alayh 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 alayh 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 Khiccocha 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 alayh. 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 alayh 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 alayh 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 alayh 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 alayh. When he got there with his five hundred followers he bowed his head at the feet of Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh and embraced Islam with all of his disciples. [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 alayh 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 clearly indicate that Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Semnani Rahmatullahi alayh had great piety and a truly gifted spiritual status. Also given his extra-ordinary service and sacrifice for the cause of Islam, it is abundantly evident that he was a remarkable and unique individual. 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 lit 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.
Wissal :
Hadrat Makhdoom Ashraf Rahmatullahi alayh left this world on the 28th Muharram 808 A.H. However sometime 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 nearby. He sat in the grave and wrote two booklets namely 'Basharat ul Muradeen' and 'Risal-e-Qubria', an extract from Risal-e-Qubria is presented below :
'' In this short time that I have stayed in the grave seventy thousand (Tajally [SPLENDOR] of elegance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), Angels descended on this fakir and showed so much 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 & maghferat. ''
Shrine of Hadrat Mir Sultan Khawaja Sayyad Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir al-Semnani
Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu Kicchocha Shareef, U.P India 
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