Khanqah
To benefit his disciples and seekers of Allah both physically and spiritually, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen laid the foundation of two Khanqahs:
- Khanqah Sarwari Qadri
- Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen and Zahra Mosque
What is the concept of Khanqah?
Wherever Muslims went in the world, they built mosques to call for prayer and perform worship. The presence of mosque is mandatory for worship in Muslim society. In fact, mosques are the hallmark of the Muslim society. One cannot deny the fact that in whatever region of the world Islam flourished, it was due to the efforts and devotion of the saints. Whenever a perfect spiritual guide resided in remote area for preaching Islam, his spiritual attraction gathered the seekers of Allah around him. The spiritual guides created a special place for the purification of the self and spiritual development of the seekers of Allah that were coming to them from far off places. This allowed them to spend more time in the company of the spiritual guide, get spiritual training and beneficence from him. In Sufi terminology this place is called Khanqah.
Difference between Mosque and Khanqah
In mosques there is a system of outward worship and education of Muslims while in khanqah there are arrangements for the permanent residence and langar for the seekers of Allah which is not possible in mosques. Khanqah has its significant value, whether a saint constructs it attached to the mosque or separate. This is because mosque is not an appropriate place for the exercises that according to saints are essential for the purgation of the self.
In khanqah, the perfect spiritual guide through his spiritual training converts Muslims into the believers. Through his spiritual glance he purifies the inciting self of the seeker of Allah in khanqah. He also enlightens his inward with the light of faith. It is the process of transforming the faith of Muslim from the acceptance with words to the acceptance with the inward. This is the level of spiritual favour for the seeker, at which he becomes a true believer from a Muslim. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, the perfect spiritual guide of the present era says:
♦ In khanqah, the company of the perfect spiritual guide purifies the self of the seeker of Allah.
Khanqah is the center for the preaching of religion where preachers are always present. The items and materials necessary for preaching are also prepared here.
Importance of Khanaqah
The excellence of khanqah is because of the perfect spiritual guide and sincere seekers of Allah who reside there and are constantly busy in the invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat to gain the gnosis of Allah. The following verse of Holy Quran verifies this:
Meaning: (This Light of Allah illumines) such houses (khanqahs and centers) as Allah has ordained to exalt (i.e. enhance their esteem and honour) and remember His Name therein. (These are the houses) in which (Allah’s servants) glorify Him morning and evening. (Blessed with this Light) are those servants of (Allah) whom neither trade nor sale diverts from the remembrance of Allah and from establishing prayer and paying zakat (the Alms-due. Even whilst performing their worldly duties) they keep fearing the Day when hearts and eyes will (all) overturn (with terror). (24: 36, 37)
Exegesis of the Verse
Shaykh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi said the following in the exegesis of the aforementioned verse:
In this verse, Allah has given the real value to the people of invocation and not the land and its location. Therefore, those places would be considered such houses where the invokers gather and where remembrance of Allah continues at all times. (Awarif al-Ma’arif)
Dhikr of Hoo always continues in Khanqah
In the verse 36 of sura an-Nur Allah says:
وَ یُذۡکَرَ فِیۡہَا اسۡمُہٗ ۙ یُسَبِّحُ لَہٗ فِیۡہَا بِالۡغُدُوِّ وَ الۡاٰصَالِ ﴿ۙ۳۶﴾
Meaning: (These are the houses) in which (Allah’s servants) glorify Him morning and evening. (24:36)
In this verse, the houses that Allah Almighty is referring to keep on glorifying the invocation of ‘Hoo’ and this is possible only in khanaqah. Since in khanqah, not even a single moment goes by without the invocation of Hoo. The seekers of Allah engrossed in the Divine vision continuously glorify Hoo.
The word بُیُوۡتٍ used in this verse also verifies that here house means khanqah. As in khanqah there is not even a single moment when its dwellers do not perform invocation of ‘Hoo’. While there are set timings of worship and salat in mosque. Also, the mosques are locked at night while khanqah is always open for everyone regardless of their sect and religion. In the present era, most mosques unfortunately are sect based.
We cannot assume that the houses in this verse refer to madrasahs. That is because the madrasahs are usually sect based and only teach exoteric Islamic knowledge, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), exegesis, Quran and Hadith. Contrarily in khanqah a perfect spiritual guide purifies the self of the seeker through invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat.
Sultan ul Ashiqeen says:
In madrasahs, Allah is known through knowledge, while in khanqah Allah is recognized through love.
Foundation of Khanqah
The Holy Prophet set the foundation of the system of khanqah by gathering the Companions of al-Suffa at al-Suffa. In sura al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah Almighty says:
Meaning: (O My servant!) Stay tenaciously in the companionship of those who remember their Lord morning and evening, ardently seeking His pleasure, (keen on the glimpse of His sight, and eagerly aspiring to glance at His radiant Countenance). Your (affectionate and caring) looks must not but focus them. (18: 28)
The Companions gathered around the Prophet aspiring for Divine vision. In other words, only Prophet Mohammad could fulfil the desire of the seekers of Allah. Then Allah ordered him in Quran to stay with only such seekers of Allah who always aspire for Divine vision.
Why First Khanqah was created?
It is due to the intense desire of Divine vision of the Companions that the first khanqah was ever created which was named al-Suffa. This khanqah was home to many such Companions who had to leave their homes and cities after adopting Islam and had nowhere to stay like Salman of Persia and Bilal al-Habashi. Additionally, all the guest Companions from outside Madina also stayed at khanqah al-Suffa.
Talha ibn Ubaydullah relates:
If foreigners visiting Madina had relatives or someone they knew, they used to stay with them. Otherwise, they used to stay at al-Suffa. I am amongst those who stayed with the people of al-Suffa. (Tibrani 8086)
Glad Tidings for the Companions of al-Suffa Khanqah
Those Companions hold distinct status in the history of Islam who got spiritual training at the al-Suffa khanqah and are famously known as the Companions of al-Suffa or al-Suffa Fraternity. This was the first institution for the Companions where Prophet Mohammad enlightened their inward with the light of faith. Later, these Companions played a vital role in spreading Islam all over the world. The Companions of al-Suffa have such a prestigious status that Allah Almighty mentioned them even in the Quran. The Holy Prophet also gave glad tidings to them in the following words:
SuffaFraternity! Glad tidings for those who will continue to adhere to these values which you have today and remain contented as well. Then, he will surely be my Companion on the Day of Judgment. (Awarif al-Mu’arif)
What distinguishes the Companions of al-Suffa Khanqah?
The company of Prophet Mohammad is what distinguishes the al-Suffa Fraternity and is why Allah is pleased with them. They were acquainted with this sacred company by getting away from the world and staying at al-Suffa. This closeness to the Prophet granted them distinct values and superior attributes which will make them Companions of the Prophet on the Day of Judgment.
Furthermore, al-Suffa Fraternity is superior because they remained in close company of the Holy Prophet due to which they got chance to hear more Hadiths and then narrated them. Among the renowned narrators of Hadiths are the Companions of al-Suffa including Talha ibn Ubaydullah, Abdullah ibn Umar, Abu Said al-Khudri, Abu Hurairah, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari to name a few.
All the Companions of al-Suffa were poor and had no financial means because they had submitted their lives to serve the religion. Prophet Mohammad and his other Companions used to financially support them.
Why did Saints create Khanqah?
Dervishes are given the title of Sufi with reference to the al-Suffa Fraternity because they resemble them in their morals, attributes and lifestyle. The Sufis have kept the Prophet’s Sunna alive of creating a secluded place merely to please Allah and attain His gnosis. This is why Sufis create khanqah for their disciples which is the center of all of their activities.
The spiritual orders have continued, and the sincere seekers of Allah have always turned their attention to seeking the company of a perfect spiritual guide. As through his company they could quench the thirst of their soul and enlighten their inward with the Divine vision. Contrarily, the scholars of religion have turned their attention to the exoteric teachings. Unfortunately, they let go the Prophet’s Sunna that flourished Sufism and the esoteric teachings of Islam. Not only that but they have also relinquished the system of khanqah. This is why regardless of having enormous number of mosques and madrasahs, Muslims are esoterically hollow and their worships lack spirituality.
Sunna of Establishing Khanqah
After Prophet Mohammad, the perfect spiritual guides of every era following his Sunna established khanqah. This is the place where they spiritually train the seekers of Allah. The world has witnessed the fact that thousands of people remained present in the khanqah of al-Ghawth al-Azam, holding a pen and paper transcribing his words down. Al-Ghawth al-Azam further strengthened the Sunna of the Holy Prophet of training the seekers of Allah in khanqah.
This Sunna continued in links starting from the order of Sayyid Najmuddin Burhan Puri and continued till Sayyid Abd ar-Rehman Jilani Dehlavi. Then Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sultan Bahoo further refined this Sunna. The blessed seekers of Allah spread all over the world from his khanqah and uncovered the secret of the greatest name of Allah. After him, his spiritual confidant Sultan-ul-Tarikeen Sultan Sayyid Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani established his khanqah in Ahmadpur East and granted Sultan-ul-Sabireen Sultan Pir Mohammad Abdul Ghafoor Shah with the enormous treasure of Faqr and sent him to Mad Rajbana. From his khanqah Shahbaz-e-Arifan Sultan Pir Sayyid Mohammad Bahadur Shah got beneficence of Faqr and set the foundation of his khanqah at one kilometer from Qasimabad.
In short, till today the Sunna of establishing khanqah continues which started from al-Suffa. It reachedSultan ul Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali and from him transferred to Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen in the form of two khanqahs, Khanqah Sarwari Qadri and Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen.
Some of the qualities of the dwellers of khanqah are as follows:
1- Immersed in Dhikr of Allah
Allah says in verse 37 of sura an-Nur:
رِجَالٌ ۙ لَّا تُلۡہِیۡہِمۡ تِجَارَۃٌ وَّ لَا بَیۡعٌ عَنۡ ذِکۡرِ اللّٰہِ وَ اِقَامِ الصَّلٰوۃِ وَ اِیۡتَآءِ الزَّکٰوۃِ ۪ۙ یَخَافُوۡنَ یَوۡمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِیۡہِ الۡقُلُوۡبُ وَ الۡاَبۡصَارُ ﴿٭ۙ۳۷﴾
Meaning: Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts them from remembrance of Allah nor from performing salat nor from giving zakat. (24:37)
In the aforementioned verse, men refer to the seekers of Allah. The Holy Prophet said:
In the aforementioned verse, Allah Almighty is talking about the seekers of Allah who stay at the khanqah and are constantly engrossed in the invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Such men are in a constant state of salat and are constantly paying zakat. As according to Sufi saints true salat is relentlessly invocate Allah. While zakat is completely submitting one’s being to Him. A true seeker of Allah remains engrossed in such a state. In fact, he is not attracted to the glitter of the world no matter how appealing it is. They are immersed in the invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat in such a way that they are oblivious of the world outside of khanqah. Allah Almighty says:
Meaning: And remember the Name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with complete devotion. (73:8)
2- Invocate and Contemplate Ism-e-Allah Zaat
The interrelation between invocation and contemplation is like warp and woof as they cannot be separated from each other. Our mind is constantly thinking about something and is never idle. This is a kind of invocation. Our eyes picture what we think. For example, if a man is thinking about his family, then he will picture them, this is called contemplation. This process of invocation and contemplation is constantly running in our minds. Thus, man’s connection gets stronger with the world and its belongings, if that is what he is always thinking about. According to the mystics we can turn the direction of these thoughts from the world to Allah by invoking Ism-e-Allah Zaat and attain Divine proximity. In the aforementioned verse of sura al-Muzzammil, Allah is referring to such connection.
In khanqah the seekers of Allah invoke Ism-e-Allah Zaat which disconnects them from everything else and engrosses them in Divine vision. Shaikh Shahab al-Din explains the basic principles of khanqah at al-Suffa as:
Similar to the people of al-Suffa, there will always be people of khanqah in every era who will imitate the people of al-Suffa in every action. As such there is a lot of resemblance between the people of al-Suffa and today’s people of khanqah. (Awarif ul-Ma’arif, chapter 14)
This shows that the people of khanqah in the present and future era hold resemblance to the Companions of al-Suffa.
3- Dwellers of Khanqah consider it as their home
The dwellers of khanqah must consider it their home. Everyone in khanqah is responsible for keeping it clean. Shaikh Shahab al-Din said:
They always remained at khanqah and look after it as if it is their home. Just as the people of every nation have their homes, similarly the home for the mystics is khanqah. This is why they are like the Companions of al-Suffa. (Awarif ul-Ma’arif, chapter 14)
4- Do not hold grudge or animosity
Shaikh Shahab al-Din said:
The people of al-Suffa had separated themselves from the worldly affairs. Neither they used to cultivate, nor did they keep cattle. So, their inwards were free from all the esoteric ills i.e. jealousy and enmity. Same applies to the people of khanqah, they resemble the people of al-Suffa inwardly and outwardly. People of khanqah perform all devotions in congregation. Since their goal is same, they are always ready to help each other. Their sitting and eating is together. They know that it is bliss to stay together. (Awarif ul-Ma’arif, chapter 14)
All the attributes and morals that the Companions had because of living together at al-Suffa are seen in the people of khanqah in every era. Also, the basic principles and rules of khanqah and its people in the present era are the same as were fourteen hundred years ago in the first ever khanqah al-Suffa. The al-Suffa Fraternity did pious deeds and together served the religion with their sweat blood and in return just wanted Allah’s favour. Similarly, the people of khanqah only wish for Divine proximity, vision and gnosis of Allah. They also remain united in the work of Allah. We do not see such unity among the people of other sects. Allah says regarding such believers:
Meaning: The (Believers) who fight in His cause in rows as if they were a solid structure. (61:4)
5- Must keep mutual relations because of Allah
Nu’man ibn Bashir narrates that the Holy Prophet said:
The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow feeling is that of one body. When any one-part aches, the whole body aches. The same way if any believer is hurt, all believers feel it. (Muslim 6586)
It must be noted here that the mutual affection among the believers is not because of a personal interest rather it is to please Allah. Regarding this, Umar ibn Khattab related that Prophet Mohammad once said:
“Some men of Allah will be neither prophet nor martyr. On the day of Judgment, their ranks will be so elevated in the court of Allah that prophets and martyrs will envy them.” The Companions asked: “Please tell us who will be those men?” The Holy Prophet replied: “They are the men who love each other because of Allah. Neither they are related to each other, nor do they have any business dealing with each other. By God! Their faces will be enlightened, and they will be seated on the throne of light. They will neither fear when people will be afraid, nor they will be sad when people will be sad. Then the Prophet read the following verse:
Meaning: Beware! Verily, the friends of Allah will not have any fear, nor will they grieve. (10:62) (Masanad Ahmad 23294)
6- The dwellers of Khanqah are each other’s well wisher
Shaykh Shabah al-Din writes:
It is mandatory for all mystics that they protect the mutual love and affection. They must not let animosity build in the heart, rather try to cultivate love and unity. This is because they are all attached in a spiritual bond that connects them to Allah and their hearts witness that. They are in fact staying at khanqah so the perfect spiritual guide can purify their self. Also, so they can be bonded just for the sake of Allah and not for any personal interest. This is why it is important for them to become each other’s well-wisher and form a bond of love and affection. (Awarif ul Ma’arif)
Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said:
“ A believer is familiar with people and people are familiar with him. There is no good in a man who is neither acquainted with anyone nor is anyone acquainted with him. The better among people is the one who is more useful to others.” (al-Silsila Sahiha 2860)
- Shaikh Abu Zar’a Tahir ibn Yusuf relates this from his mystics that Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Mohammad said:
“Souls are like an army gathered in one place. Familiar souls become acquainted to each other. Those who are not familiar to each other remain isolated. (Abu Dawood 4834)
7- The Dwellers of Khanqah must correct each other
Shaykh Shahab al-Din said:
Verily, this is how people of khanqah are, when they gather at one place their hearts and inwards connect with each other. Their souls become companions and they protect each other’s wealth. As the Holy Prophet said:
“A believer is the mirror for the other believer”.
Thus, they dislike it when they see a companion having a conflict or an ill thought about another companion. As that difference is when the self conquers the thoughts of man which absolutely is a waste of time. When a dervish goes through such a phase, people of khanqah recognize this and know that this person is now excluded from the circle of society. They pass a judgment that he has disobeyed, shown laziness in self-restraint and have passed the grace period. At that time, they show resentment towards him so he can be pushed back into their circle. An inward connection of affection with fellow beings is established just like his outward support system. This can be seen in no other group but the believers. (Awarif ul Ma’arif)
8- Diffuse Conflicts
It is very important for the people of khanqah to live together with love and bonding because jealousy and animosity results in the filth of the soul which in turn hinders the spiritual journey. However, if the self of a Sufi conquers him and provokes him to fight with his brother Sufi then he should not response the call of self with self. Rather, he should respond with his heart and diffuse the conflict. The only way to diffuse conflict and kill evil is by encountering the self with heart. Do not take your brother’s words or actions personally and forgive him from the bottom of your heart. As Allah says in Quan:
Meaning: And remove the evil in a better (way) with the result that one with whom you had rivalry becomes your most warm-hearted friend. And this (virtue) is granted only to those who observe patience. (41:34,35)
9- Spend time Seeking Allah
It is compulsory for the seeker to spend all of his time in khanqah in seeking Allah. He must invocate Ism-e-Allah Zaat and perform duties that his spiritual guide assigned him. Also, he must not waste time on worldly things. If he does this, he will be using his time improperly because time is also a trust of Allah. Therefore, one must spend time in worship because Allah will question him about it on the Day of Judgment. The dwellers of khanqah must help each other in fulfilling the responsibilities that their spiritual guide has given to them for the propagation of religion. Indeed, doing so is highly commendable.
10-Take care of the Rights of Neighbours
It is very important for the people of khanqah to take care of the rights of their neighbors. They must ensure that their actions do not disturb the peace of their neighbors. One should also avoid unnecessary worldly talk and loud noise in khanqah because the world and its talk is forbidden for the seeker of Allah.
11-Remain Focused on the Spiritual Guide
The hallmark of khanqah is the company of the spiritual guide. Therefore, all the seekers of Allah and dwellers of khanqah must gather around him. When the perfect spiritual guide is present in khanqah, the dwellers and the visitors must sit in his spiritual company and get beneficence. As the glance of the spiritual guide will help eliminate the filth of their self. This is why the dwellers of khanqah should leave their personal and unnecessary tasks and seek beneficence from the company of the spiritual guide.
12-Must Remain Humble
The people of khanqah must be very humble because the more humble a person is the more spiritual glance of the spiritual guide will cleanse the filth of their inwards. All the seekers of Allah must show utmost respect towards their spiritual guide. They must quietly sit in his company and pay attention to his each and every word and action as it has an in depth meaning. They must listen to his conversation with the faith that it will benefit them both esoterically and exoterically. If they have a question, they should speak in a low tone and with the utmost respect. They must never have their back towards the spiritual guide.
13-Seek permission before leaving khanqah
After staying in khanqah if somebody wants to go back home, he must get permission from the spiritual guide. As leaving without permission is disrespectful and is against the protocol of khanqah. The temporary occupant of khanqah must get permission from its dwellers before going out.
14-Must follow Sharia
The dwellers of khanqah must not do anything against Sharia. One must be careful not to smoke or use any illicit substance in khanqah. It is not permitted in khanqah to listen to music, watch films or anything inappropriate on TV that is against Sharia. Protecting the Sharia of Prophet Muhammad is in fact Faqr.
The beneficence in the khanqah is because of the continuous presence of the perfect spiritual guide. Also, the continuous invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat pours the Divine light on its occupants and enlightens their inward.
This place is a source of beneficence not just for its dwellers but also the surrounding people. It is true that even if an outsider passing by khanqah raises his hand for dua, it is accepted in the court of Allah. Abdullah ibn Umar narrates that the Prophet said: “By virtue of the pious men, Allah removes the sufferings of their family members and their hundred neighbors.”
In previous eras, the word “Rabat” was used in place of khanqah. Shaykh Shahab al-Din explained the reason behind it: “The word Rabat was used for the borders that separated the countries of Muslims and Non-Muslims and the people who guarded them. Therefore, just like the soldiers at the border of the country protect it, similarly the dwellers of khanqah live in ‘Rabat’, invoke Ism-e-Allah Zaat and remain busy in the work of Allah. This protects the surrounding people from any calamities and disasters.”
Thus, it is the duty of every believer to understand the importance of khanqah and abide by its principles. If a Muslim want to become a believer, then it is necessary for him to seek the company of a perfect spiritual guide in his khanqah. Allah’s promise is that he will surely show the path of guidance to the seeker of guidance.