Khwaja Habib Ali Shah

Shah Deccan Qutub Kokan Khwaja Pir Hafiz Habib Ali Shah was born in a Sufi family, whose lineage is traced back to Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, his ancestors were Sufi masters. From Syedna Abu Bakr Siddiq, the forefathers of Pir Khaja Habib Ali Shah obtained the spiritual education (Tassawuf/Tariqat) and bestowed with Caliphat from their fathers

The birth of Khwaja Habib was allegedly foretold by the Sheikh himself, who remarked that "his" son would be born in the home of Nawaab Ahmad Yar Khan (Mohi ud dowla). At this stage the mother of Khwaja Habib, Amatul Fatima was beyond child bearing age, but since the sheikh had spoken, they believed that Allah willed otherwise.

In a couplet in Diwan Habib, Khwaja Habib Ali Shah exhibited love for his Sheikh Mohammed Hafiz Ali Shah Khairabadi the parental nobility and worldly life. In his discourses he explained that the love and respect for the Sheikh the spiritual master.

''"Kar Habib Apne Pidr aur na Madr pe Ghoooror, Ishq mein falan ibn falan haach hai haach"''

English Translation of the Persian couplet:

"On your ancestry Habib be not proud aught. In the path of love So-and-So, is naught, is naught"

As predicted by Hafiz Pir Dastagir 2 years later, a male child was born as the fourth child of Nawaab Ahmad Yar Khan, as family tradition who was named Habib Yar Khan. In Hagiography "Tadhkiratul Habib" (memorial of the beloved) by Hafiz Muhammed Fuzail Soofie Al Habibi, Durban, South Africa reported that at the time of the birth of Khwaja Habib a majzub stood at the door of the home in Kuch-e-Nasim Sultan (located near Machli Kaman near Charminar, Hyderabad) the palace of Nawab Ahmed Yar Khan (Mohi ud dowla), and pacing the floor in ecstasy repeatedly uttered "Shaykh Paida Shud" (English Translation: Sheikh has born)." It is to be noted according to the science of Abjad, the year of the birth of Khwaja Habib Ali Shah is "Ya Sayyid Habib Ali Shah Chishti"

Four years later, the grand Sheikh Hafiz Mohammed Ali Shah Kharaibadi visited Hyderabad. He knowingly enquired from Nawab Ahmed Yar Khan, "Well, well was not my child born at your home?" Nawaab Ahmed Yar Khan replied "Yes". Hafiz Pir Dastagir asked, "Well have you named him"? The Nawaab sahib replied in the affirmative. "What have you named him?" asked the Sheikh. The Nawaab sahib replied, "Habib Yar Khan Bahadur". Hafiz Pir Dastagir was very pleased and said, "I have come to perform the Bismillah (Tasmi khani) ceremony of my son". On 23 Shawal 1240 AH at the age of four years four months and four days, Hafiz Pir proceeded with the Bismillah of the child and thereafter put the child on test. A handful of gold coins and a handful of sweetmeats were placed in front of the child and he was asked by the Sheikh to choose that which he desired. The child (Khwaja Habib) placed his hands on both and said, "I will take both!". Upon this Hafiz Pir Dastagir smiled knowingly and declared, "My child will choose spirituality over wealth, and will be a wealth of spirituality"!.

After the official Bismillah ceremony, Khwaja Habib imitated the actions of his beloved Sheikh by learning and memorizing the verses, meanings and ultimately the secrets of the Quran.

Khaja Pir Habib Ali Shah became the disciple of Shaikh ul Islam Hafiz Sayed Khaja Mohammed Ali Shah Khairabadi Chishti, Quadri, Soharwardy, Naqshbandi, who was the Khalifa of Khwaja Suleman Tawsawi of Punjab, India (Now in Pakistan).

At this tender age Khwaja Habib formally began the process of acquiring external as well as internal knowledge. By the age of six, Khwaja Habib would retire to the garden house, in a state of wudu, facing qiblah covering his face with a cloth would indulge in Muraqabah, in total privacy. By the age of nine, Khwaja Habib made it a consistent practice to be in a state of wudu. The obvious signs of wilayah affected his parents and other family members.

An anecdote narrated by several of his family members and Caliphas: During Id, Khwaja habib's father would listen to the requests of his children as to what they desired as gifts (iddi) on the occasion of happiness/id. When it came to the turn of Khwaja Habib tears would roll down his eyes and he would weep and request "My dear father, whenever you visit the Khaqah of my beloved Pir-o-Murshid (Sheikh){Hazrat Hafiz Pir Dastagir}, grant me the privilege of accompanying you.".

After studying the Quran and the acquisition of the basic knowledge of Shariat, Khwaja Habib was formally initiated into Tariqa by Al Marifah Hazrat Hafiz Mohammed Ali Shah (Hafiz Pir Dastagir) Khairabadi. Khwaja Habib took the bayath on the hands of his Pir at the age of sixteen years six months and eleven days on 30 Moharram ul Haram 1252 H. In one of the verses in Habibul Talibun Khwaja Habib explains the feelings As:

"Hum ko Hafiz ki Gali ka woh taswur banddha, Showk Janat na raha bagh Irum bhool gaye"

English Translation of the Persian couplet:

"In the thought of Hafiz's alley I was so lost, Desire for heaven, the Gardens of Irum I forgot"

Hazrat Khawaja Habib Ali Shah in his own words reported by his Calipha Hazrat Shah Mohammed Ibrahim Soofie Habibi (whose Dargah Shareef is at Ajmer Shareef India). Afer Bayat I persistently requested from my parents to send me to the Khanqah of my Sheikh Hazrat Hafiz Pir Dastagir, but would receive no response from them. During that period a group of my spiritual brothers (Pir Bhais) was planning to visit the Sheikh in Khairabad. I secretly sent a petitionary letter by the hand of Hazrat Mirza Sardar Baig Sahib (whose Dargah Shareef is in Hyderbad, India).

When the entourage arrived in Khairabad, Hazrat Hafiz Pir Dastagir was conducting a lesson. The entourage was kissed his feet and musfah. Hafiz Pir Dastagir adjourned the class (lesson) and asked whether all was well. Everyone replied in the affirmative, having completely forgotten about the letter in the excitement of their arrival at the Khanqah of their Pir. Finally Hafiz Pir Dastagir himself was compelled to ask, "Is there anything else? Is there no letter for me?" At that moment my letter came to mind and was presented to Hafiz Pir Dastagir. It is narrated that Hafiz Pir came forward, took the letter placed it on his head, held it to his chest, and wept profusely. After a while Hafiz Pir Dastagir regained his composure and opening his arms as if motioning to someone declared resolutely, "I will call him here " ! The highlights of this incident stated in the following verse by Khwaja Habib in his diwan :

"Shukr kya uska baja laya Habib Assi - Ho gaya paesh nazar ye sag darban ka qat"

English Translation of the Persian couplet:

"How can gratitude be shown by Habib the sinner. Before his eyes was presented the lowly servant's letter"

The letter was taken and placed by Hafiz Pir Dastagir in his top pocket.

Khwaja Habib Ali Shah narrates in Diwan:

Naam sun ke wo Habib Ashiq Ka - Padh ke phir jaayb mein rakha Kagaz

English Translation of the Persian couplet:

Hearing the name of Habib the lover, In his pocket he kept the letter.

Hazrat Khaja Pir Habib Ali Shah performed Hajj (in the year )

Hazrat Khaja Pir Habib Ali Shah spent years in the presence of Hazrat Khaja Hafiz Mohammed Ali Shah Kharaibadi, in order to learn and gain the spiritual benefits (manasik), ultimately he was bestowed with the vision by the karam of Allah.

He established Khanqas (schools) in several cities of India. He was the focal point for the people from various religions, caste, creeds, colours, languages. They obtained his advise in spiritual development and understanding the Islam in right perspective. He used to conduct classes of dars Quran and Hadis Nabawi. Great attention was placed by him on the acquisition of knowledge of Sharia and of the intricate teachings of Tariqah. Lessons were not only given from the classical works of Awliay Allah such as “Fasusu Al Hikam”, “Ruh Ar Arwah”, “Mathanawi Shareef Moualana Rome ra”, “Jazb al Qulub”, “Kash al Mahjoub of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh ra”, “Kashkol-e-Kalimi of Hazrat Shah Kaleem Ullah Shahanjebad wali ra” and various other classical works, but some of his own books’ such as Habib ul Talibun were specifically taught at the Khanqah.

He wrote poetry in several languages: Hindi, Urdu, Farsi (Persian), Kokani. His poetry of Hindi, Farsi and Urdu is still sung by Qawals. His poetry contains homage to his Pir (Master) and other Sufi Saints of his order such as Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Khawajah Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, India.

One of his famous Urdu Couplet

"Hamari Kuchi bhi Nathi Haqeeqat, Tumhare Dar se mili hain Izzat,
Kharab hoone na dejo Sahib, Tumare dar ka bana huwa hunn"'''

English translation:

"We were nothing in reality, from your door we have attained dignity
Sir, Let us not ruined, At your door we have been fashioned."'''

He authored 30+ books in different languages but now being translated in Urdu and English by his disciples.

He designed syllabus and methodology for the teachings in Khanqas which are still practiced and admired. A possible module of “Theoretical Tasawwauf” could read like this and then a practical approach is done by the Pir (master) himself for disciples (Mureedin).

• Aqiqadah of Ahl Al Sunnah wal Jamaa’h

Dealing particularly with the contentious issues such as Tasawassul, Nida, Nadhr, Visitation of the Tombs of Awliay Allah, Urs of Awliay Allah are well defined in Habibul Inam.

• The Etiquette of Discipleship:

Respect, character development, conviction (yaqin) in the Murshid (Master), proper modes of conduct, basic house rules at a deverish lodge are defined in Habib al Talibun

• Mujahada against the Nafs and Shaytan:

Fighting off evil suggestions, resistance to succumbing to the temptations of the ego, fighting carnal basal desires, anger management, evils of arrogance, envy, ostentation, backbiting, slander, gluttony, apathy, refraining from Haram (restricted actions of Islam), are some of the topics that “Habib un Nasf fi Raddil Khnnas” and “Habibul Inam” addresses.

• Character Building & Personality Development:

Beautifying one’s demeanour, speech, actions, imbuing sincerity, humility, tolerance, compassion, concern for the welfare of others, gratitude, patience are all fundamental lessons that “Habibul Muridin” discusses.

• Spiritual Practices:

Litanies, Nafl Salah (extra prayers), prescribed prayers Adhkar, Ashgal, meditation (Muraqaba), and the method of its performance, pitfalls of and obstacles in the path are taught in “Habibil Awrad” and “Habibul Adhkar”.

• Mystic Poetry and Literature:

Besides Mathnawi of Moulana Rumi, Diwan-e-Habib, Habibul Irshad, Fawaid Al Fuad, Awarif al Marif are some of the books that were widely read and studied.

Shah Deccan Qutub Konkan HazratPir Khwaja Habib Ali Shah died at Bombay, India on Thursday, 6th Dhul Hijjah 1323H, Thursday 1 February 1906 C.E., in the Khanqah which was established by him, a learning centre in Dockyard Road, Majgown, Bombay, India, perpetuating the legacy of selfless service to humanity for which its founder was famous and now it visited by hundreds of people irrespective of religion, caste, creed or colour and all are benefitted by barakah of the Sufi saint. It is a centre of communal harmony for the community, spreading the word of Islam.

It was decided that his body be taken to Hyderabad for burial by his second son Sajjadah Nasheen Hazrat Pir Hafiz Ali Shah ra. Funeral took three days to reach Hyderabad railway station (reached on 9th Dhul Hijjah 1323 H (3 February 1906 C.E.)) delay was due to multitudes of people that gathered at all railway stations along the route to pay their homage, respect and offer Salat ul Janaza for their honourable Sheikh. At Hyderabad the funeral was received Hazrat Pir Khaja Hidayat Ali Shah along with thousands of devotees and procession went to their home at Ghansi Bazar Hyderabad, India.

Salat ul Janaza was performed at renowned Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad, India, Masjid Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, India, thousands of mourner(people) Muslims and non-Muslims, Mashaikhs, Ulemas, Scholars, Delegates from Nizam Government, Government Officials, students, disciples attended the funeral. Immediate after Eid Salat (Namaz) Idd Adha in Masjid Habib Ali Shah Katalmandi, again Namaz janaza (salatul Janaza) Monday, 10h Dhul Hijjah 1323H, (Monday, February 1906 C.E.) was performed led by his Pir-Bhai Hazrat Moulana Hassan Uzzama Hafizi and buried at the spot he identified, in Kattalmandi then Ahmed Bagh, Hyderbad, India.

A beautiful tomb was built after few years of his demise, the design was given by one of his architect disciples for the Dargah Shareef (the same architect who designed Hyderabad High Court, now AP High Court)Inside the tomb, on the grave a marble Masri was built, on top of four sides the Darood Taj is engraved and at the foot (south side) Tariq wisal (demised date) is engraved as Thursday, 6th Dhul Hijjah 1323H, Thursday 1 February 1906 C.E.

Prediction of Hazrat Pir Khaja Habib Ali Shah came true "Mubbarak ho idd-al-Zoha momineen, ko mein tum par qurban ho jaata ho". He wrote this complete ghazal. He was buried after Salatul Idd Al Adha at Katalmandi, Hyderabad, India.

At another occasion, he wrote a similar couplet: "Mujda Suna Raha hoon Visaal sanam ka tum ko, Ae Raz dan Hafiz Idd Zoha Mubbarak ".

(I give you glad tidings of the beloved union. O confidant of Hafiz on Idd ul Adha congratulations) ***Hafiz is His Pir Hazrat Mohammad Hafiz Ali Shah Kharaibadi ra)

He had predicted his burial day with the following verses and even identified the place of burial before departing for Bombay (Mumbai)of the last safar (Travel):

• Madras Habibia in the Masjid and Dargah premises (boys, girls and adults) free Quranic and Islamic coaching is provided.
• On every Thursday - Khattam Khajagaan is performed Asrt to Maghrib.
• Recitation of Darood Shareef, dua and Chirgah is performed at Maghrib every day
• 6th of Lunar Hegira Month, Chhati Shareef For Hazrat Khaja Syed Moinuddin Gharib Nawaz and Hazrat Khaja Habib Ali Shah
• 19th of Lunar Hegira Month, Fateha of Hazrat Khaja Mohammed Hafiz Ali Shah (Hafiz Pir Dastagir)
• 19th D. Qudah Annual Urs Shareef Hazrat Khaja Mohammed Hafiz Ali Shah Hafiz Pir Dastagir)
• 17th R.Sani - Annual Gyarweeh Shareef (Fateha of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Khader Jeelani Ghouse Pak).
• 12th R.Awal - Annual Milad Shareef (Mohammed)
• Every 29th day of Lunar Hegira - monthly Fateha of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Khader Jeelani Ghouse Pak).
• Irrespective of Caste, Religion, Colour and Creed, people visit his grave and get benefitted and time to time langer is served.
• Even today the dargah premises is the evidence of human unity and communal harmony.

• Ghusl Shareef on 29th D. Qudah
• Sandal Shareef on 3rd D. Hijjah - procession starts from Qadam Rasool (Panja Shah) from the middle of the city it reaches to Dargah Shareef just before Isha. After Sandal Mali and Isha langar is distributed. Followed by Jalsa Seerathul Awlia in Masjid Khaja Habib Ali.
• 4th D. Hijjah - 1st day of Chirag - Majlis sama with prayers break and Langar
• 5th D. Hijjah - 2nd day of Chirag - After Salat ul Zohar Mehfil Sama in the adjacent Hall where the daughter of Hazrat Khaja Habibi Ali Shah, Begum Vicraunnisa is buried.
• After Asr Majlis Sama in Sama Khana with proper Salat breaks and langar
• 6th D. Hijjah Quran recitation from Fajr to 9:10 am - at sharp 9:10 am (local time) Khatam Quran starts, brief sama mehfil - then flowers are offered at Dargah Shareef
• At Baitul Habib- Gaddi Mubbarak and Malida taqseem (distribution of Tabbark). Then men walk to Dargah Yousufian, offer Flowers on the Dargah of Hazrat Syed Yousufuddin and Hazrat Syed Shareefuddin. Then visit the mazaar(tomb) of Pirani maa sahib (Wife of Hazrat Hafiz Pir Dastgir) who was buried in the dargah premises. The fateha and flowers are offered and then brief SAMA is performed and tabarruk distributed.

Urs Shareef ceremony begin from Qadam Rasool on 3rd D. Hujjah and end at Dargah Yousufian on 6th D. Hijjah. People from various parts of the world attend the Urs Shareef and get benefitted (In addition to the zairain from various parts of India, people from South Africa, England, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangla Desh, UAE, Muscat are seen). It will be difficult to get a hotel accommodation during Urs Shareeef in the vicinity of Dargah Shareef.

All the Urs ceremonial functions are performed and conducted by the current Sajjada Nasheen himself.

• Urs Shareef is celebrated across the globe, on 6th D.hijjah according to the local calendar, custom, the activities might differ but

Shajra Mubbarak is recited everywhere.

Toronto Canada

Moulana Pirzada Alhaj Haamed Pasha Siddiqui Habibi (also known as Haamed Yarkhan)son of Hazrat Khizr Pasha Siddiqui Habibi ra (also known as Nawab Mujtaba Yarkhan) who was Calipha of Hazrat Maqdoom Pir Khaja Hafiz Ali Shah Sahib ra. He is a descendant, disciple, calipha in Silsila Habibia-Nizamia, Chishtiul Quadri, Naqshbandi. He studied Arts and Law majoring Muslim Law and studied Tafseer Quran Al Kareem with Hazrat Qazi Ahmed Basheeruddin Farooqi Quadri, Calipha of Hazrat Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Hasrat ra. He is also trained by 2 of his uncles who were renowned Sufis and Mashaikh of recent past {Hazrat Pir Khaja Habib Ali Shah Sani ra and Hazrat Mehmood Pasha Quadri Takht Nasheen ra}.

He is a bilingual speaker, and he delivers Juma Khutba and leads Idd Prayers in Toronto, Canada. He is actively serving the community in accordance with the Sufi teachings of love and equality, communal harmony and performing the activities of Silsila Habibia. Recognising his services Hazrat Sheikh Syed Aziz Nizami (Sajjada Nasheen Dargah Shareef Hazrat Syed Khaja Nizamuddin Mehboob Ilahi (New Delhi)honoured him with Chaddar/shawl (Khirqa Mubbark) in public during the Urs celebration of Mehboob Ilahi ra in Toronto, Canada on Saturday 13 March 2016.

South Africa

Hazrath Shah Goolam Muhammad Soofie Saheb was sent by Khwaja Habib Ali Shah to South Africa in 1895. There, he established 12 Masaajid under the name "Habibia". After Hazrath Soofie Saheb's demise in 1911, his two eldest sons, Hazrath Shah Muhammad Ibrahim Shah Saheb Soofie and Hazrath Shah Abdul Aziz Dadajaan Soofie served as Sajjada Nasheen of the Darbaar and the Chishti Nizami Habibi Silsila in South Africa. In 1950, after Hazrath Dadajaan passed away, Hazrath Shah Saheb conferred the Khilafat upon his eldest nephew, the son of Hazrath Dadajaan, Hazrath Shah Goolam Muhammad Soofie Sani. Hazrath Shah Goolam Muhammad Soofie Sani served as the Sajjada Nasheen of the Silsila until his demise in 1978. His successors were his sons Hazrath Shah Mohammad Saied Soofie as Sajjada Nasheen and Hazrath Shah Abdul Aziz Soofie Sani as deputy. Hazrath Shah Muhammad Saied Soofie served as Sajjada until his demise in January 2016 in the city of Makkah tul Mukarramah. His successor is his son Hazrath Shah Mufti Goolam Muhammad Soofie Salis Habibi who is currently the Sajjada Nasheen of the Darbaar of Hazrath Soofie Saheb and the Chishti Nizami Habibi Silsila South Africa. He is assisted by two deputies, Hazrath Shah Mufti Muhammad Farouq Soofie Siddiqi and Hazrath Shah Mufti Muhammad Ebrahim Soofie Siddiq

Hyderabad

Beside Sajjada Nasheen Moulan Pir Khaja Habib Ali Shah Salis, Hazrat Pir Ahsan Pasha Habibi {calipha of Hazrat Pir Khwaja Habib Ali Shah Thani} is actively involved in spreading the teachings of Islam and principles of Silsila Habibia Nizamia. He performs all the rituals of Dargah Shareef in the absence of present Sajjadah Nasheen. Hundreds of devotees and disciples visits the shrine each day and need to be catered with proper guidance.

Bombay (Mumbai)

Chilla mubbarak of Hazrat Khaja Pir Habib Ali Shah Chisti ul Quadri whose dargah-mazar (grave) is in Hyderabad India. But the place he took last breath is a mauslam built by his disciples. Now it is a place of many Islamic activities, irrespecitve of Caste, religion, color people are benefitting for the past 125 years from this small Khanqa and Masjid (Madrasa) at Dockyard Road... Moulana Mohammed Hanif Gaya sahib {only son in law of Hazrat Khaja Habib Ali Shah Thani} is actively performing the rituals at the Khanqah in Dockyard Road, Mumbai.

Ajmer

Hazrat Soofie Ibrahim a calipha of Hazrat Khaja Habib Ali Shah was sent to Ajmer, he lived and died in Ajmer on the ordes of Khaja Habib. His mazaar is on the hillock adjacent to Dargah Shareef..

Brother Hidayat Ali (he is also a Khadim of Khaja Sahib Dargah Shareef) is responsible for the activities of Silsila Habibia and Dargah Shareef of Hazrat Soofi Ibrahim Shah {one of the Calipha of Hazrat Khwaja Habib} stationed at Ajmer Shareef. He guide all the disciples of Silsila Habibia Nizamia upon their visit to Ajmer Shareef.

Ahmednager

Br Roshan Bhai is the custodian of Chilla mubbarak at Ahmednager, India. He performs regular activities of the Silsila Habibia Nizamia.

• Habibul Taliban
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