Sultan ul Faqr V: Sultan ul Arifeen Sultan Bahoo

Sultan ul Arifeen Sultan Bahoo, recognized as Sultan ul Faqr V, is one of the most venerated figures in the realm of Sufism. Born in 1628 CE in the Shorkot area of Punjab, Pakistan, Sultan Bahoo spiritual wisdom, poetry, and teachings have had a profound influence on Islamic mysticism. His name, “Bahoo,” meaning “With God,” reflects his constant state of divine presence and closeness to Allah. Sultan Bahoo legacy as a Sufi saint and his contribution to the Faqr tradition remain a guiding light for seekers of truth and spiritual enlightenment.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination

Sultan Bahoo was born to Bazid Muhammad, a devout and pious father, and Bibi Rasti, his mother, who was known for her spiritual insight and wisdom. From birth, Sultan Bahoo displayed signs of deep spirituality, and his mother played a pivotal role in nurturing his spiritual inclinations. Unlike many other saints, Sultan Bahoo did not formally seek knowledge from a human teacher or guide but was granted direct spiritual knowledge by Allah.

He had an extraordinary spiritual disposition, and from an early age, he was inclined toward seclusion, meditation, and remembrance of Allah. Sultan Bahoo’s life is marked by his search for Divine Truth, which led him to the pinnacle of spiritual realization without the conventional path of learning from religious scholars or formal education.

The Path of Faqr and Sultan ul Faqr V

As Sultan ul Faqr V, Sultan Bahoo was one of the highest exponents of the Faqr tradition, which focuses on the complete renunciation of worldly desires and total submission to Allah. Faqr, in the Sufi context, represents spiritual poverty, where the seeker becomes detached from material wealth, status, and ego to attain spiritual richness and proximity to Allah.

Faqr in Sultan Bahoo’s Teachings:

1. Oneness with Allah: Sultan Bahoo emphasized the concept of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah), which is the ultimate realization that everything in the universe is a manifestation of God. He taught that true Faqr leads to self-annihilation (fana), where the individual’s ego is dissolved, and only Allah remains.
2. Spiritual Poverty (Faqr): Sultan Bahoo definition of Faqr is not about material poverty but about surrendering one’s ego and will to Allah. He explained that the wealth of Faqr is the inner richness gained by relying completely on God and forsaking all worldly attachments.
3. Divine Knowledge: Sultan Bahoo was known as a “Knower of God” (Arif Billah) and believed that the knowledge of Allah (Marifat) cannot be attained through books or conventional learning but is bestowed directly by Allah to the seeker whose heart is purified.
4. Ishq-e-Haqiqi (Divine Love): For Sultan Bahoo, the essence of the spiritual journey was rooted in Divine Love. He taught that only through intense love for Allah could a seeker experience spiritual transformation and unity with the Divine.
5. Self-Purification (Tazkiya): Sultan Bahoo emphasized Tazkiya, or purification of the heart, as essential for spiritual growth. He believed that the seeker must cleanse their heart of worldly desires, pride, and selfishness to become a vessel for Allah’s light.

Sultan Bahoo’s Teachings and Writings

Sultan Bahoo was not only a Sufi saint but also a prolific author and poet. His spiritual teachings were primarily conveyed through his Persian and Punjabi poetry, which remains a source of inspiration for Sufi seekers to this day. His works are imbued with mystical wisdom and reflect his own experiences of the Divine.

Notable Works:

1. Ain-ul-Faqr: This is one of Sultan Bahoo most famous books, which provides detailed insights into the concept of Faqr and the spiritual journey toward unity with Allah. The book emphasizes that Faqr is the highest spiritual state and the true wealth of the soul.
2. Risala Roohi Sharif: In this treatise, Sultan Bahoo explains the significance of remembering Allah (Dhikr), purification of the soul, and the role of Faqr in the life of a seeker. It is revered as a spiritual guide for those on the Sufi path.
3. Noor-ul-Huda: This work focuses on the concept of Divine Guidance (Huda) and how one can achieve closeness to Allah through the practice of Faqr. It provides a detailed roadmap for spiritual seekers aiming to attain the highest level of closeness to God.

Sultan Bahoo’s poetry, particularly his Punjabi Sufi poetry, resonates with people across the world for its simplicity and profound spiritual depth. His Kalam (mystical verses) is still sung and recited in Sufi gatherings and continues to inspire spiritual seekers.

Key Themes in His Poetry and Teachings:

1. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Sultan Bahoo taught that constant remembrance of Allah through Dhikr is the key to spiritual awakening. He emphasized that by keeping Allah in one’s heart and mind at all times, the seeker gradually detaches from the ego and draws closer to God.
2. Fana fi Allah (Annihilation in Allah): Sultan Bahoo emphasized that the ultimate goal of the spiritual path is to achieve fana, the annihilation of the self in Allah. He believed that once the seeker reaches this state, they experience baqa, eternal life in the Divine Presence.
3. Guidance of the Perfect Spiritual Guide (Murshid Kamil): Sultan Bahoo stressed the importance of a Murshid Kamil, or a Perfect Spiritual Guide, who can lead the seeker through the challenges of the spiritual journey. He believed that only through the guidance of a Murshid can one attain the true realization of Faqr.

Sufi Order and Influence

Sultan Bahoo founded the Sarwari Qadri order, a branch of the Qadiri Sufi order. The Sarwari Qadri order emphasizes the concept of Sarwari (sovereignty) through Faqr, where the seeker attains spiritual sovereignty and inner richness by surrendering to Allah’s will. The order has spread widely across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Pakistan and India, and continues to influence spiritual seekers to this day.

Through his writings and personal example, Sultan Bahoo has influenced countless Sufi saints, scholars, and ordinary believers. His emphasis on inner purity, the renunciation of material wealth, and direct connection with the Divine has made him a central figure in the spiritual landscape of South Asia.

Legacy

Sultan Bahoo passed away in 1691 CE in Garh Maharaja, Pakistan, where his shrine stands as a center of spiritual pilgrimage. Devotees from around the world visit his shrine to seek spiritual blessings and follow the teachings of Faqr.

His legacy as Sultan ul Faqr V continues to inspire and guide spiritual seekers who are on the path of Faqr and Sufism. The core principles of his teachings, such as the oneness of God, Divine Love, and the renunciation of worldly desires, remain foundational to the Sarwari Qadri order and Sufi thought at large.