Sultan-ul-Tarikeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani, a revered spiritual figure in the Sarwari Qadri order, was chosen by Sultan-ul-Arifeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Bahoo to transfer the Divine Trust to him, making him the next spiritual leader of the order. His life and legacy continue to inspire and guide the seekers of the Divine Path.
Birth and Early Life:
Sultan Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani was born on the night of Friday, 29th Ramadan, 1186 H (24th December, 1772) in Madina. His spiritual journey began in this blessed city, which set the tone for his future contributions to mysticism and the Sarwari Qadri order. On 29th Ramadan, 1241 H (6th May, 1826), during the reign of Nawab Bahawal Khan III, he moved to Ahmadpur East, Bahawalpur (then India), marking a significant step in his spiritual mission.
Lineage and Title:
Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Shah was the son of Syed Abdul Raheem, who was the son of Syed Abdul Aziz, the son of Syed Abdul Rehman Jilani Dehlvi. His mother, Syeda Momina, was a descendant of Imam Syed Mohammad Taqi, making him a Hussaini Syed from his maternal side.
His title, “Sultan-ul-Tarikeen,” was granted to him in the sacred assembly of Prophet Muhammad. This title reflects his status as one of the rare saints described in a Qudsi Hadith: “There are some of My friends who remain concealed beneath My robe. Nobody knows them except Me.”
Appearance and Personality:
Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah was known for his humble personality and simple attire, always in accordance with Sharia. He wore plain shirts and trousers, often with a green, blue, or white turban. His turban had a distinctive erect edge of two or three spans, and he donned traditional dress on special occasions such as Eid. His physical beauty was extraordinary, with a broad face, an enlightened forehead, and large eyes. His eyes would often appear red from deep spiritual meditation. His thick, white beard and high nasal bridge added to his majestic appearance.
People were often entranced by his presence, forgetting their worldly concerns upon seeing him. Even children would stop playing upon encountering his radiant sight.
Marriage and Family:
At the age of twenty-six, Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah married his cousin, Syeda Saeeda. However, the marriage lasted only two years and remained childless. He later married Syeda Maryam, a mystic woman of profound spiritual status. From this marriage, two daughters were born: Noor Bibi in 1248 H (1833 AD) and Saleha Bibi in 1260 H (1845 AD).
Death and Shrine:
Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani passed away on Friday, 29th Ramadan, 1276 H (20th April, 1860 AD), after a prolonged illness. His passing coincided with both his birth and the day he had moved to Ahmadpur East, making it a spiritually significant date in his life.
He was buried at his residence, and initially, his grave was marked with mud. Later, his superior Haji Mohammad Bakhsh constructed a mud room over it. In 1327 H (1909 AD), a shrine and mosque were built, following the architectural design of Sultan Bahoo’s shrine. The shrine endured various stages of destruction, especially due to water erosion in 1999, and was renovated between 2000-2002 with a small room and minaret.
Renovation and Revival of Blessings:
In May 2012, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman undertook the renovation of the shrine, following the architectural style of Sultan Bahoo’s shrine. Four multi-colored minarets were added, and turrets decorated with glazed tiles were placed between them. The sacred grave was made out of marble, and the renovation was completed by 30th August 2012.
Pir Syed Mohammad Bahadur Ali Shah beautifully expressed the significance of the shrine, saying:
تریاق مزار حضور انور دا ، زہر ونجے نفسانی
“Seekers who present themselves at the shrine of Sultan-ul-Tarikeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani with pure and sincere intentions praying for his blessings, he then takes them to the court of Allah by killing the poison of their inciting innerselves.”
Role of Sultan ul Ashiqeen and Spiritual Beneficence Revival
Since 1942, Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Shah had ceased granting spiritual beneficence due to the materialistic tendencies of many of his visitors. However, at the humble request of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman , he resumed his spiritual beneficence through his shrine, once again showering the blessings of Faqr on the seekers.
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, the 31st Shaikh of the Sarwari Qadri order, played a pivotal role in the restoration of the spiritual link with Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Shah. After completing the shrine’s renovation, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen held a grand event on 2nd September 2012 to commemorate the death anniversary of Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Shah. During this event, the grandeur of Sultan Mohammad Abdullah Shah was celebrated, and his spiritual status was highlighted to raise awareness of his influence within the Sarwari Qadri order.
At the end of the urs, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen requested in his holy court to resume his spiritual beneficence for the seekers of Allah. Syed Mohammad Abdullah Shah was very pleased with all the efforts Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen had made for the construction of the shrine and the commemoration of death anniversary. Hence, he could not refuse him and agreed to resume his spiritual beneficence. Syed Abdullah Shah inspired, “Since Sultan-ul Ashiqeen has made all the efforts to resume my spiritual beneficence, therefore my beneficence is reserved only for his disciples. As a reward, the spiritual powers of Sultan-ul Ashiqeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman are increased so that the world can benefit and proceed to the path of Faqr with his spiritual attention and he shines like a bright sun enlightening the world with the rays of Faqr..
Shrine:
His shrine is in Fatani Chowk, Fatani Street Ahmadpur East, district Bahawalpur
