Introduction
In the heart of Lahore, Pakistan, lies the Shrine of Data Darbar, a sacred place dedicated to Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri, also known as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. This revered Sufi saint is celebrated for spreading the light of knowledge and humility throughout the region. Let’s delve into the life and teachings of this esteemed spiritual leader and learn how he continues to inspire people to this day. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh died in 1072 AD/5465 AH with the reputation of a renowned preacher.
Who was Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri?
Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri, commonly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, was a Persian Sufi saint and scholar who lived during the 11th century. Born in Ghazni, Afghanistan, he later migrated to Lahore, where he devoted his life to teaching and guiding others on the spiritual path. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh was a proponent of Sufism, a mystical dimension of Islam that focuses on the inward search for God and spiritual enlightenment.
Journey to the Lahore
It is mandatory that every believer should join to some accomplished spiritual mentor. Accomplishment is not achieved by learning the literary knowledge, but by burning the bones of the self. Spiritual mentor not only cares for literal knowledge to his disciple, but also spiritual knowledge and nourishes his spiritual health. A stranded (not bound to any spiritual mentor) believer surely gets victimized by Satan conspiracies and intrigues.
After the demise (Wesal) of his Spiritual guide, the revered personality (Sarkar) left his native town Ghazni for good and made his way to the Indian subcontinent which was strewn with idols and idol worshippers. He was accompanied by his spiritual colleagues Shaikh Ahmad Sarakhasi and Shaikh Abu Saeed Hajveri. It was 431 A.H and the reigning period of sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi. His reigning period sustained from 421 A.H. to 465 A.H
The great scholar settled in the suburbs of City Lahore.
What were his Teachings?
Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri was known for his profound teachings on the importance of knowledge, humility, and service to humanity. He emphasized the inner purification of the soul through prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh believed that true knowledge is acquired through spiritual enlightenment and the guidance of a qualified teacher. He taught his followers to cultivate a deep sense of humility and compassion towards others, regardless of their social status or background.
The Legacy of Data Ganj Bakhsh
Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri’s teachings had a profound impact on the people of Lahore and beyond. His shrine, Data Darbar, is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees who seek blessings and guidance. The teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh continue to inspire people of all faiths to seek spiritual enlightenment and lead a life of humility and service to others.
How did he Spread Knowledge and Humility?
Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri spread the light of knowledge and humility through his writings and discourses. His most famous work, “Kashf al-Mahjub” (Unveiling the Veiled), is a seminal text on Sufism that has inspired generations of seekers. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh also established a Sufi order that continues to exist today, spreading his teachings of love, tolerance, and compassion.
The Impact of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh
Hazrat Ali al-Hujwiri’s legacy is felt not only in Pakistan but around the world. His teachings on knowledge, humility, and service have transcended cultural and religious boundaries, earning him the title of “Data Ganj Bakhsh” or “the bestower of spiritual treasures.” People of all backgrounds continue to visit his shrine to seek blessings and find inner peace.
Why Take Oath of Allegiance on the Hands of the Spiritual Leader of the Era?
The perfect and sacred men of Allah whose saintly lineage reaches the Holy Prophet pbuh through continuous chain of oath of allegiance are called ‘Shaikh-e-Itesal’. This word literally means linked spiritual guides. Their spiritual lineage reaches Prophet Mohammad through continuous steps of oath of allegiance. The link between them is never broken at any point. If a Muslim is fortunate enough to take oath of allegiance to such perfect Saint, then he is spiritually linked with the Holy Prophet pbuh through his spiritual leader. In mysticism it is considered that he has, in fact taken oath of allegiance at the sacred hand of the Holy Prophet pbuh. He then through his mediation reaches Allah.
The spiritual beneficence of the perfect spiritual guide saves the seeker from the deceptions of Satan and innerself. Then he in turns takes the seeker towards piety and the gnosis of Allah.
Who is the Present Spiritual Leader of the Era?
The true seekers of Allah have recognized Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen as the perfect spiritual guide and the spiritual leader of the era. He belongs to the order of al-Ghawth al-Azam. Sultan Bahoo renamed this order as the Sarwari Qadri order and took it to its peak. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen gained the trust and treasure of Faqr from his beloved Murshid Sultan-ul-Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali.
One can verify the spiritual benevolence of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen by the fact that he has liberated his disciples from physical presence for swearing oath. Moreover, this justifies the fact that the spiritual abilities of Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman are beyond time and space. The doors of his Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr are open for all those who seek the path to Allah. There is no biasness or favoritism in terms of caste, creed, color, gender, sect, etc.
Get oath of allegiance (al-Bayah) with Present Perfect Spiritual Leader of this Era
