Hazrat Mahboob-e-Zaat

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1 HAZRAT SYED AHMAD HUSSAIN GILANI

(Mahboob-e-Zaat)

Mundair Sharif Syedan

(1899-1961 A.D.)

By: Muhammad Iqbal Irshad

M.A. LL.B., Lahore.

Splendid and charming Kashmir hills on the North-east are dominant features of

location of Mundair Sharif Syedan. The Basti (colony) was known as Mundair Kalan (ر الکں ڈنمی

- Large Mundair). On the arrival of Syed Salim Ali Shah (RA) with his son Syed Abdullah

Shah Hazoori (RA) from his native domicile Batala, to this area, he purchased land for

agricultural purposes. He also built residential houses in this area. The family lived in this

zone with dignity, cordiality, cooperation and friendliness. The people of the area were

deeply impressed by their modesty of manners and tolerant disposition. On account of their

moral beauty and winsomeness, Mundair Kalan was transformed into Mundair Syedan. It

was a reverential tribute to the prestige of the Syed Family. It is situated in the central belt of

two canals emerging from “Head Marala”.

Auspicious son was born in the house of Syed Nawab Ali Shah (RA) on Friday, 12

Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1317 A.H. (21st July 1899 A.D.). The magnificent new born was named

Ahmad Hussain. He rose to fame with epithet of Abu Muhammad. The new born was to be a

spiritual gem of incalculable value. He grew to adulthood with exceptional spiritual promise.

His name was ringing delightfully and reverently in the nook and cranny of the Sub

Continent. He was Hazrat Syed Ahmad Husain Gilani (RA). His ancestry travels back to the

Hazrat Ali (KAW) and Syeda Fatima Zahra (RA) by 38 steps of genealogical stair.

Magnanimity of his birth had already been forecast by his maternal grandfather, Mir Sharf

Ali Shah (RA). Ahmad Hussain was the apple of eye of his maternal grandfather. Hazrat Mir

Sharf Ali Shah (RA) had profound spiritual insight. He knew about spiritual splendor of

Ahmad Hussain through intuitive communication. He remarked that:

“My Ahmad Husain will be eagle in the horizon

of Walayat. Auliya will be envious of his Walayat”

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2

Maternal grandfather gave a “crown” (distinction of pride and honour) to her daughter

(mother of Ahmad Hussain) with the instructions that:

“The crown is for Ahmad Hussain. It is sacred “trust”. Keep it

safely. If I travelled from this ephemeral world, before his growing to

honourable adulthood, you will put it on his head. If you too leave

this world, deliver this „trust‟ to his grandmother to put this sacred

crown on his head as a symbol of spiritual splendour”

His maternal grandfather and grandmother left this world. The crown of grandeur was

embellished on his head by his paternal grandmother.

The saint lost propitious shadow of his father in early childhood. He was bereaved of

benevolent umbrella of his maternal grandfather at the tender age of 8 years. Jaws of death

first devoured his mother and then his grandfather. All responsibility of his nourishment and

welfare landed on the old and decrepit shoulders of grandmother. After all the blessed day

approached, his grandmother placed the sacred crown on his head. Soon after discharge of his

responsibility she breathed her last. Hazrat Sakhiy-e-Kamil (eldest son of Hazrat Syed

Ahmad Hussain Gilani) elaborated that he spent his childhood in orphan-hood like Prophet

of Islam (PBUH). This gloriously remarkable simile has made orphan-hood of Hazrat Syed

Ahmad Hussain Gilani (RA) “Nur-un „Ala Nur” (Effulgence saturated with Effulgence).

Hazrat, in contemplative state, was walking along Railway Track from Sialkot to

Wazirabad, stayed at the shrine of Baba Mulk Shah Wali at Ugoki. The saint performed his

Tahajjud prayer. He envisioned a dignified saint impressively clad in green mantle having a

green turban on his head who said, “Son! It is not your destination” He reverently asked,

“May I request you to disclose your identity?” He replied, “I am Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani.

You are my son”. Syed Abdul Qadir took oath of spiritual allegiance from him and

emphatically advised him to travel towards West. “You have to stop at sundown. Further

instructions will be given to you at every occasion that needed enlightenment”. The saint

once expressed this secret to his son that this spiritual company with Sheikh Abdul Qadir

Jilani (PBUH) continued for seven years of guidance and exultation.

Hazrat came to Lahore and paid visit to the shrine of Hazrat Said Sauf adjacent to

Masjid Wazir Khan. The custodians of the shrine anxiously warned Hazrat that a lion visit the

shrine at night and many strangers had lose their lives because of horrifying sight. It is our

duty to intimate you about the impending event and its disastrous consequences. Hazrat

acknowledged the warning and asked the caretakers to abandon every worry about Hazrat.

The caretakers of the shrine were wonder-struck to see Hazrat safe and sound next morning.

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3

Hazrat paid visit to the shrine of Hazrat Pir Makki. After that Hazrat paid humble

visit to the shrine of Emperor of Lahore, Hazrat Ali Hajveri, Data Ganj Bakhsh. Hazrat

attended the shrines of many other illustrious saints. Humble attendance at the holy shrines is

a significant chapter of the spiritual syllabus of a saint advancing towards mystic perfection.

After this arduous and exhausting spiritual exercise, the state of “absorption” was returning

to steadying state. Hazrat was stable and soaked in mystic experiences of incredible

intricacies. The exercise of strenuous spiritual exile was over and Hazrat returned to Mundair

Sharif.

Hazrat was married in the family of Hazrat Agha Badi-ud-Din Gilani Shaheed.

Family was reputed for nobility of manners and virtuous living. Daughter of Hazrat Syed

Muazzafar Ali Shah of this family was fortunate wife of Hazrat. His wife was a deeply

religious woman. She heartily encouraged and immensely cooperated with Hazrat in the

advancement of his sacred mission. Almighty Allah blessed Hazrat with four auspicious sons

and seven noble daughters. Six daughters died in childhood. Family of one flourished. The

names of four sons are, Syed Afzaal Ahmad Hussain Gilani, Syed Iqbal Ahmad Hussain

Gilani, Syed Iftikhar Ahmad Hussain Gilani and Syed Amjad Ali Gilani. All the four sons

have 13 sons and family of Hazrat has thrived. Two sons of Hazrat, Syed Afzaal and Syed

Iftikhar have travelled to their eternal abode. Syed Iqbal and Syed Amjad known as Doim

Sahib and Chaharam Sahib are living a life of spiritual saturation.

Hazrat (RA) was staying at Lower Topa (Murree Hills). A man Lal Shah by name

served Hazrat with loyalty. He prepared tea and meals for Hazrat. He served Hazrat with

hearty obedience and devoted faithfulness. When platoon of Hazrat (RA) was to leave the

place, he earnestly impleaded “Hazrat you have lifted thousands from quagmire of misery to

the heights of nobility and grandeur. Kindly infuse insightfulness into me from your

inexhaustible treasures of mystic wealth”. Hazrat took a pledge from Lal Shah “to be a horse

for the Ummah of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)”. He meant by this allegorical pledge that

he would serve the Muslim Ummah constantly, tirelessly, cheerfully and with loyalty. He

would share the sorrows of Ummah generous-heartedly and help them get rid of agonies with

a view to obeying and pleasing Almighty Allah. Lal Shah heartily promised to obey the

directions of Hazrat (RA). Hazrat (RA) encompassed Lal Shah with his “Tawajjuh”

(Attention). Lal Shah fell unconscious and remained senseless for some hours. Hazrat recited

on the water and sprinkled on his face. His condition was improved.

Lal Shah fulfilled his pledge in a befitting manner. He devoted his life to reduce

sufferings of others and general public welfare. He remained excessively involved in deep

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absorption. Spiritual illumination created unbearable fervour (heat) in his body and he felt

restless under garments. He mostly was in Langoti (brief underwear) and sometime freed

himself from its inconvenience and was starkly naked. People thronged around him for

getting fulfillment of their desires through his blessings. It was widely known that Lal Shah is

“Mustajab-ud-Dua” (whose prayers are certainly granted by Almighty Allah). He was

almost always in deep meditation and was oblivious of his surroundings. The needy ones

teased him to bring him out of spiritual absorption to attend the devotees. He thus was

offended and thrashed the petitioners. After beating the petitioners he was somber and

contritely remembered the pledge of serving the people, made with his Murshid (Spiritual

preceptor). Then earnestly prayed for the helpless petitioner from the depth of his repentant

heart. Almighty Allah granted his prayers emanated from his sorrowful heart. It was

mythically known that who was beaten by Lal Shah, his yearnings were definitely groomed.

It has been revealed by Army Chief, Zia-ul-Haq, after being President of Pakistan, in

an interview to the daily “Nawa-i-Waqt”, “I was Captain; my Company was deputed in

Murree. I knew that a saint Lal Shah was Mustajab-ud-Dua. Who is beaten by him his

longing is fulfilled. My promotion was held in abeyance. The saint was at a distance of 7

miles pedestrian travel. I decided to visit the saint on foot. I reached the saint and annoyed

him persistently. He was outraged and thrashed me. The fellow who came with and other

people, who were already present there, happily congratulated me with sure remarks about

realization of my “longing”. It is astonishing to incredible degree that promotion channel was

miraculously opened for me. I became Commander-in-Chief of Army within amazingly brief

span of time. Now I am being interviewed as President of Pakistan”.

During spiritual striving Hazrat Mahboob-e-Zaat (RA) paid a visit to the Shrine of

Khawaja Bakhtiar Kaki (RA). Hazrat (RA) was morose to observe indifference of the

Mujawars (Serving attendants) towards upkeep of the shrine and greeting the visitors and

devotees. Hazrat (RA) reprimanded the Mujawars. The Mujawars retorted that they were

Syeds and (were to) be addressed courteously. It offended delicate disposition of Hazrat

(RA). He was overtaken by a spell of spiritual vehemence in response to outspoken and

arrogant attitude of the Mujawars. The shrine started rocking in trance. Hazrat (RA) asked

the Mujawars, “If you are Syeds, put your arms around the tombstone of the shrine and ratify

your assertion” The Mujawars were awestruck and fell at the feet of Hazrat (RA) and sought

pardon. Hazrat (RA) was intuitively intimated by Khawaja Bakhtiar Kaki (RA) that the

Mujawars were not Syeds. Hazrat admonished them for their falsehood and directed to treat

the visitors with regard and attention.

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Hazrat (RA) attended the shrine of Khawaja Moin–ud-Din Chishti (RA) when he

was departing, Khawaja Moin-ud-Din asked Hazrat to lead the congregation prayer of

Jumu’a in a village (as pointed by Khawaja Moin ud Din) where disciples of Khawaja were

going slack in the performance of prayers. The Lumbardar (Headman) of the village was

intuitively informed about the arrival of a pious saint who will lead the Jumu’a prayer. The

Lumbardar made a public announcement and people reverently greeted Hazrat. Hazrat

lovingly led Jumu’a prayer and delivered a scholarly sermon and inspiringly highlighted the

virtues of Salat. The people made an enthusiastic pledge with Hazrat (RA) to perform their

prayers with punctuality and zeal.

Hazrat (RA) was staying at Upper Barian (Murree Hills) in connection with his

service. A fountain flowed in the vicinity. People used water from it. Wild animals also drank

water from the fountain during night hours. Lions were also among these animals. It was

popularly known as Sheron ki Baoli (a well for lions). At the time of departure from the

place the people of the area surrounded him and entreated not to leave. They expressed, “Our

diseases are cured and our troubles are eased by your prayers. You are a benevolent

boon for us and we cannot afford your departure”. Hazrat (RA) consoled and advised

them to eat the leaves of the tree where Hazrat (RA) used to perform worship and

contemplation. It will heal, provide relief from distress and dispel agony. The people

apprehended that during winter leaves are fallen and tree goes bald, then they will be helpless

and will have to suffer misfortune. Hazrat (RA) solaced that the tree had been transformed

into “Sada Sohagan” (perpetual bride). It will never shed leaves and remain evergreen. No

autumn will be able to perish its green embellishment. The devoted people of the area have

displayed a plate there bearing the inscription “Sada Sohagan” that carries our imagination

back to the propitious days of Hazrat and his spiritual gifts generously distributed among the

people.

Allahabad is fortunate to greet the footsteps of Hazrat (RA) in 1923-24 when the

Regiment of Hazrat was transferred to this land of temples and allied plethora of

superstitions. People were incorrigibly skeptical. Hazrat (RA) showered his blessings and his

fame spread far and near in this region like fragrance. Antagonistic and jealous forces

received a serious blow and hatched hostility against Hazrat (RA). But his esoteric approach

changed the beliefs of many majestic scholars who had misgivings. Nawab Aleem-ud-Din

was a famous figure of the area. He was bitterly against the saints. He visited Hazrat (RA)

with a fury to show down Hazrat (RA). Hazrat brought him and his ill-will under

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6

“Tawajjuh” (Mystic attention); he was bereft of all his genius and hostile arguments.

Hazrat (RA) addressed him, “You have come from a distant place and taken the trouble of

trying journey. You should express your objective”. He replied, “I have lost my entire

intellectual asset soon after a look at your radiant face. He cheerfully revised his judgment

and reoriented his Aqeedah (spiritual doctrine). His inner was cleansed of skepticism and

incredulity. Removal of misgivings from the heart of Alim-ud-Din and his resultant

reverence for Hazrat (RA) massively increased fame of Hazrat. Alim-ud-Din served Hazrat

heart and soul. He was the fortunate one to receive first “vice regency” of Hazrat. Allama

Rukn-ud-Din, reputed to be the teacher of scholars, also entered the fold of reverent disciples

of Hazrat. Droves of non-Muslims were enriched with the wealth of teachings of Islam. A

remarkable phenomenon during stay at Allahabad is that many invisible creatures entered

the fold of Islam. It is a pride worthy achievement that falls to the lot of Hazrat and

immeasurably increases his height in the spiritual horizon.

After long and fatiguing travelling, harsh spiritual confinements Hazrat (RA) came

back. Hazrat (RA) was sojourning at the house of Sheikh Fazl Karim. It was the ebb of

illustrious life of Hazrat (RA) in this mortal world. Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Gilani

(PBUH) came to have meeting with Hazrat (in spiritual vision). He (RA) remarked,

“Spiritual confinements” have been blessed with approval. Now there is no need to extend

this spiritual exercise. He (RA) embellished the “crown of Qadria Silsilah” at the head of

Hazrat and advised to take oath of fealty from the people and start distributing spiritual

blessings and gifts. Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) intuitively brought a mammoth

gathering before the vision of Hazrat (RA), waiting for blessings Hazrat (RA). Hazrat (RA)

returned to Mundair Sharif as a result of authentication of mystic perfection by Shaykh Abdul

Qadir Gilani (PBUH).

The souls destined to exult in nearness of Almighty Allah, have clairvoyant

knowledge of the divine secrets. They do not take any step of their own accord. They desire

what Almighty Allah desires. They are divinely shown their destination and their mission is

explained to them. Spiritual coaching of Hazrat has achieved the status of perfection. After

reaching human climax he had become like a colossal oak tree that itself faces the scorching

heat of the Sun but provides cool shade and nourishment to those having seat under its kind

umbrella. In other words he is like that fruitful tree that receives stone throws and showers

down sweet fruit upon the stone throwers. All the life of Hazrat is deeply dyed in the

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sublime colour of Prophet of Islam (PBUH). He firmly followed the glorious practices of

the Holy Prophet (PBUH) without slightest neglect. He distributed love, peace of heart, purity

of soul and perpetual benevolence. The people got relief, comfort, removal of hardships and

fulfillment their needs from Hazrat (RA).

Hazrat (RA) after reaching the eternal state in the realm of mysticism, pledged

himself for human service and uplift. He enkindled the perpetual light of guidance for

mankind. Those who were straying in ignorance and wading through sinfulness will find

lessons of spiritual light to accurately adjust their defective compass for finding the path to

truth. This status was attained after spending prime of his youth in arduous spiritual

confinements and harsh strivings. He spent his time in caves for spiritual contemplation and

emerged as tower of illumination for mankind. He stayed at the shrines and achieved

blessings directly from the holy denizens of the shrines. It augmented his esoteric insight and

exoteric discerning. He preached that we should learn to walk steadily along path of truth and

attain intimacy with spiritual delicacies and mind boggling intricacies. Our strenuous

dedication will ease the formidableness of the path and we will feel convenient to scale the

heights of spiritual peak from where spiritual secrets will be visible with all clarity and

vividness. Hazrat (RA) is not among us, but it is ocular observation of an ordinary eye.

Vehement discussions of his teachings, exposition of knotty issues of man’s inner and

clarification of our temporal hardships is enlivening proof of his all invigorating

manifestations that energizes man’s resolve to steadfastly dispel the misleading allurements

of this world and to polish the precious stone of our character that scratches all other spurious

tones of niggardliness, debauchery, distortion, hypocrisy, arrogance and evil propensities.

Glimpses from the mellifluous stream of magnificent utterances of Hazrat (RA) from

his “Malfozaat-e-Zaat” compiled by Syed Muhammad Afzaal Ahmad Hussain Gilani (RA)

are depicted.

After composition of man, Almighty Allah infused soul and added Baser Self (Nefs)

to the creation. The Self is subject to death but soul is deathless. The Self has various stages

attended by multifarious evil attributes. The first stage of Self is termed as “Grosser Self”. It

arouses evil cravings. Its inclinations are powerful and its demands are irresistible. The true

salves of Allah bridle it with strenuous piety. Hazrat (RA) has given a graphic description of

its appetite and favourite pursuits. Soul is light as elaborated in the Holy Quran and light is

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eternal. On the day of Resurrection soul will be accountable. Man’s abode in Heaven or

landing in Hell depends upon its earnings.

Nefs always excites evil desires and morbid cravings. The ingredients of its diet are:

Luxury and luxuriance, worldly pelf and glory, delicious foods, extravagant comforts

and felicitation, self-aggrandizement, falsehood, self-conceitedness and greed.

It is obligatory upon man to wage a war against the onslaught of Self (Nefs). It is

clarified in Hadith literature that it is praiseworthy to return to Jihad Akbar after Jihad

Asghar (Minor crusade to major crusade) and it denotes that man should battle against the

cravings of Self. If Nefs is let loose it will prefer to drown in sensuality, debauchery and

corruption that will push man into quagmire of sinfulness. Remembrance of Almighty Allah

that is soaked in asceticism, piety, purity of heart, veracity, fairness, honest recognition of

Rights of Allah and downright upholding of rights of man are essential elements of sincere

worship. Love, affection, winsome manners, patience, fortitude, tolerance and respect of the

elders also add beautiful gloss to Remembrance of Almighty Allah.

O Man! If you desire to achieve praiseworthy success, then resolutely oppose your

Self (Nefs) and ardently engage yourself in Remembrance of Almighty Allah. In this way

your soul will buoyantly radiate and you should establish domination on your Self (Nefs) in

order to ensure welfare and felicitation in both the worlds.

Hazrat (RA) has described that subordination of greed, avarice; inordinate cravings

become the cause of ignorance and destruction. Greed portrays itself in thousands of

manifestation, then leads man astray and entangles man in slavery of Self (Nefs). Hence he

who desires to attain nearness of Almighty Allah should restrain his Self (Nefs) within

boundaries of frugality approved by Sharia.

It is related that Hazrat (RA) was apparently too senile to move his hands or turn his

side in the bed. He was fed with milk by squeezing cotton swabs into his mouth. But at the

time of Salat (Regular Prayer) he stood up himself and asked for helping him to perform

ablution (Wudu). It is the strongest indication of a perfect Wali that he lives all his life in

complete accord with the magnificent divine code of conduct (Sharia). As it is learnt that a

guest stayed with Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA) for some days. When he was departing, Hazrat

Ali Hajveri (RA) inquired, “You stayed for some days and did not tell the object of your

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arrival”. He said, “I was attracted by reputation of your spiritual excellence and I wanted to

be your disciple but I had not seen any miraculous incident during my stay. I am going with

disappointment”. Hazrat Data (RA) asked him, “Have you found any act antagonistic to

Sharia during your stay?” He replied in negative. Hazrat Data (RA) expounded, “There is

no other greater miracle of a perfect “Murshid” that all his acts are in consonance with

Sharia”. The man felt ashamed and became a disciple of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA). There can

be no better convincing argument of perfection of Walayat of Hazrat (RA) that in spite of

extreme decrepitude and ailment he was not neglectful of performing Salat. This practice

of Hazrat (RA) gives a strong reminder that Salat should be performed in every condition of

disability. It is cherished practice of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and becomes a stair to

nearness of Almighty Allah.

Hazrat (RA) left this mortal world at the age of 63 years. The Auliya cherish a desire

that their life span should not be longer than the span of life of the Prophet (PBUH) but it is a

divine decision and desire is not certainly fulfilled. However, there are some blessed ones

whose prayer is granted. Hazrat (RA) is one of those blessed Auliya.

Hazrat Sakhiy-e-Kamil, Syed Afzaal Ahmad Hussain Gilani (RA) has aptly

remarked, “Hazrat (RA) spent an age of 63 years. A perfect beloved who followed the

footsteps of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) all his life, how can he tolerate to desire to surpass the

outer span of life of the Prophet (PBUH). Undoubtedly there are few among the spiritual

sages who are blessed with this attribute”.

Hazrat departed this world on 21st Sh‟aban, 1380 A.H. (February 8, 1961).

Sources:

1) Malfozaat-e-Mahboob-e-Zaat

2) Mirrat-ur-Rahman

3) Misbah-ul-Irfan