Lineage of Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani
Syed Ashraf, son of Sultan Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakhshi, son of Sultan Syed Imaduddin Noor Bakhshi, son of Sultan Syed Nizamuddin Alisher, son of Sultan Zahiruddin Mohammad, son of Sultan Tajuddin Bahlol, son of Syed Mohammad Noor Bakhshi, son of Syed Mehdi, son of Syed Kamaluddin, son of Syed Jamaluddin, son of Syed Hasan Sharif, son of Syed Abu Mohammad, son of Syed Abul Moosa Ali, son of Syed Ismail Sani, son of Syed Abul Hasan Mohammad, son of Syed Ismail Arij, son of Hadrat Jafar Sadique, son of Imam Mohammad Baquar, son of Imam Zainul Abedin, son of Imam Hussain, son of Hadrat Ali.
Father: Sultan Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakshi
Sultan Syed Ibrahim Noor Bakshi was the father of Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (may Allah be pleased with him). He ruled Simnan with justice and sincerity for 20 years, not only as a king but also as a theologian and mystic. An esteemed supporter of Islamic scholars and institutions, he ensured education for over twelve thousand students across the kingdom. He constructed a khanqah for the holy men and a shrine for Imam Azam (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Hadrat Nazame Yamani in Lataefe Ashrafi, twelve thousand Islamic institutions thrived during his reign.
Mother: Bibi Khadija Begum
Bibi Khadija Begum, mother of Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani, came from the lineage of Khwaja Ahmed Yeswi, a revered Sufi and founder of the Yeswi Order. Raised in a deeply religious household, she was known for her piety and devotion to Allah, regularly reciting the Quran, fasting, and waking up for Tahajjud prayers. Bibi Khadija Begum was the custodian of the spiritual trust of her ancestors.
Prophecy of Birth
Syed Ashraf Jahangir was born in 708 A.H. in Simnan, Iran. His father, Sultan Ibrahim, and his mother had waited years for a son after the birth of their daughters. One day, while they were praying together, Hadrat Ibrahim Majzoob entered the palace. Sultan Ibrahim greeted him with utmost respect, and Hadrat Majzoob, sensing their desire for a son, accepted one thousand dinars from the sultan and prophesied, "You have your son." Soon after, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) appeared in Sultan Ibrahim's dream, foretelling the birth of a saint named Sayyid Ashraf.
Early Education
At four years, four months, and four days old, Sultan Syed Ashraf began his education with Bismillah Khani, under the guidance of Hadrat Imeduddin Tabrezi (may Allah be pleased with him). An exceptionally gifted student, he completed his memorization of the Quran with seven modes of recitation within seven years. By the age of fourteen, he had mastered subjects like Tafseer (Quranic commentary), Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and other theological branches, gaining recognition as a prominent scholar, even among the intellectuals of Baghdad. His extraordinary intellect and reputation are celebrated in a couplet by Nizame Yamani in Lataefe Ashrafi:
"So renowned did he become in his early student life
That men of letters acknowledged his intellect with admiration."
Foysal
Ascension to the Throne
After Sultan Ibrahim’s death, Syed Ashraf ascended the throne of Simnan at fifteen, ruling justly for twelve years. He was beloved as a fair ruler, ensuring prosperity and security for his people. According to Hadrat Nizame Yamani, Syed Ashraf displayed immense justice, as demonstrated in a story of an old woman’s grievance. After learning that one of his soldiers had wronged her by taking her curd, Sultan Ashraf tested the soldier, who ultimately admitted his wrongdoing. The woman was compensated with the sultan's own horse, and justice prevailed.
Renunciation of the Throne
Although Sultan Ashraf ruled responsibly, he felt a deeper spiritual calling and gravitated towards mysticism. The fire of divine love grew within him, and he spent time in the company of mystics, growing increasingly disinterested in worldly affairs. At age twenty-three, he experienced a transformative dream where Hadrat Owais Qarnee (may Allah be pleased with him) taught him Azkare Owaisia (silent remembrance of Allah). He dedicated three years to this practice, which intensified his yearning for a spiritual path.
One day, Hadrat Khidr (may peace be upon him) appeared before him, guiding him to leave his kingdom and travel to India, where Shaikh Alaul Haque Ganje Nabat awaited him in Pandwa, Bengal. Embracing his spiritual destiny, Sultan Ashraf Jahangir Simnani relinquished his throne and set out on a journey of faith and devotion.
Journey to India
Following guidance from Hadrat Khwaja Khidr (Alaihissalam), Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani resolved to leave his throne in Simnan and travel to India to seek a spiritual guide. He entrusted his younger brother, Sultan Mohammad Aaraf, with the responsibilities of the state and sought permission from his mother, Khadija Begam. She blessed his journey, recalling a prophecy by Khwaja Ahmad Yaswi: “A son will be born whose spiritual light will brighten the world.” Although it was difficult for her to part with her son, she knew that his true calling lay in Pandwa Sharif, India, where he would achieve the pinnacle of spirituality. With this goal in mind, he departed with twelve thousand soldiers, who accompanied him for a while until he asked them to return. Hadrat Alauddola Simnani, a renowned Sufi, also accompanied him for part of the journey, offering a farewell couplet:
Tarke Dunia gir ta Sultan Shawi
Mahrame Asrar ba jana Shawi
(O Ashraf) “Leave this world so that you may become king and a close friend of Allah.”
Meeting Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho)
Traveling through Bukhara, he reached Uch Sharif, Multan, where he met Hadrat Makhdoom Jahaniyan Jahan Ghasht Jalaluddin Bukhari (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho). The saint blessed his journey, advising him, “Sheikh Alaul Haque Waddin awaits you eagerly; do not delay,” and recited:
Equamat Dar Rahe Maqusood Hargiz
Nabayad Kard Ta Barasi Badargah
“One should not tarry on the way so that one may reach the destined threshold soon.”
After a brief stay, he continued his journey and arrived at the shrines of other saints in Lahore and Delhi, gaining further spiritual blessings.
Arrival at Pandwa Sharif
The desire to reach his spiritual guide, Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque Waddin (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho), drove him onward. Passing rivers, mountains, and deserts, he faced all hardships until he arrived at Bihar Sharif. Coincidentally, Hadrat Makhdoom Sharfuddin Yahya Munairi (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) had just passed, and his last wish was for a noble Syed from the west to lead his funeral prayer. Fulfilling this will, Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani conducted the prayer. That night, he stayed at the khanqah, where Hadrat Makhdoom Bihari appeared in a dream, granting him a blessed garment, the Khirquah.
After this, he quickly made his way to Bengal, reaching Malda, and finally arrived at Pandwa Sharif, where Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) warmly welcomed him. Tears filled Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani’s eyes as he embraced his cherished guide, exclaiming a couplet of joy for reaching his destination after a long wait:
Che Kush Bashad Bad ke az intazare
Ba omide Rasad Omidware.
“What a blessing it is, after waiting long, for the hopeful to reach his goal.”
He then entered the khanqah with great reverence, was served in the traditional manner, and finally accepted as a disciple of both the Chishti and Nizami orders by Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque Waddin (Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho). Overwhelmed with joy, he recited:
Nehadah Taje Doulat Bar Sare Man
Alaul Haque Waddin Ganje Nabat.
“Alaul Haque Waddin placed the crown of spiritual wealth on my head.”
Departure from Pandwa Sharif
After four years, having attained spiritual mastery under Shaikh Alaul Haque Waddin, Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani was sent to a new place to spread the light of reformation. Though saddened by the separation, he followed his guide's directive and left for Kichowcha Sharif, his future spiritual center.
Religious and Literary Contributions
Hadrat Syed Ashraf Simnani’s impact is a celebrated chapter in Islamic history. In Kichowcha Sharif, he inspired thousands of people to embrace Islam, attracted by his purity of character and spiritual depth. Not only a Sufi, he was also a scholar, authoring numerous works in theology and Islamic mysticism. His notable works include:
01. Kanzul Asrar
02. Lataefe Ashrafi
03. Maktubate Ashrafi
04. Sirre Asrar
05. Quawaedul Aqayed
06. Bahrul Azkar
07. Fawaedul Ashraf
08.Diwan-e-Ashraf
09. Tafseere Noor Bakhia
10. Nahve Ashrafia
Each book reflects his unmatched knowledge and spiritual insight, leaving an enduring legacy.
Journeying of Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)
Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) gained his knowledge of world geography not through books but by traveling extensively. He journeyed across many countries, especially in the Arab world, guiding countless people to the path of righteousness through his teachings and clear presentations of Islamic theology. Fluent in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, he delivered impactful lectures, drawing his audience into deep spirituality and a profound sense of Allah's oneness.
Title of "Mahboob-e-Yazdani"
On the 27th of Ramadan, 782 A.H., while among his disciples in Roohhabad, a voice resounded, proclaiming, "Ashraf is my Beloved (Mahboob)." Since then, he has been known as "Mahboob-e-Yazdani." His spiritual eminence was such that he was able to perform his morning prayers daily at the Masjid al-Haram. On the day he received this title, Hadrat Najmuddin Asfahani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), who was at the Ka'ba, greeted him with the name "Mahboob-e-Yazdani," blessing him with this divine title.
Titles "Ghous al-‘Alam" and "Jahangir"
In the Khanqah of Hadrat Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) on the 1st of Rajab, 770 A.H., Hadrat Sultan Makhdoom Simnani received the title of "Ghous al-‘Alam," an acknowledgment of his spiritual status. Known also as "Jahangir," this title came to him when his Shaykh, Hadrat Shaikh Alaul Haque (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), heard "Jahangir" echoing through the walls of the Khanqah. After meditating, the Shaykh raised his head and honored him with the title of Jahangir, a divine recognition.
Gems of Wisdom by Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani
Knowledge shines like the sun, with skills as its rays.
Beyond faith (Iman) and the oneness of Allah (Touheed), understanding Shariah law and true doctrines (Aqeedah) is obligatory.
Knowledge without action is like a mirror without reflection.
The difference between an Islamic scholar and a worldly scholar is like the difference between pure and impure silver.
Remembrance of the righteous and the mystics casts a guiding light for those seeking truth.
Shariah is knowledge; Tariqat is the practice of that knowledge; and Haqiqat is the ultimate truth of both.
True seekers must follow the path of Shariah to realize Tariqat, which will then naturally illuminate the reality of Haqiqat.
The companionship of holy persons is invaluable and more fruitful than numerous isolated devotions.
His Mission in India
Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) established Kichowcha Sharif as a center for guidance, as directed by his Shaykh, Hadrat Alaul Haque Waddin Pandwi. Settling there, he faced challenges in spreading Islam due to the prevalence of idolatry. His character and spiritual charisma led many non-believers to Islam, contributing to the growth of the Ashrafi order.
Miracles (Karamat)
Hadrat Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Simnani's life was marked by numerous miracles, showcasing his spiritual and mystical stature. Some of these include:
When Amir Taimur offered him vast lands in admiration, Hadrat Simnani replied that he could only give what truly belonged to him, revealing his sights were set on Makkah and Madinah.
Upon a mother’s plea, he revived her dead son, granting him ten additional years of life.
His powerful presence led a veteran hermit with hundreds of disciples to embrace Islam, demonstrating his spiritual dominance over worldly powers.
In Banaras, he called an idol to accompany him, transforming it into a girl who then embraced Islam.
Wisaal Sharif (Passing)
Hadrat Makhdoom Simnani passed away on the 27th of Muharram, 808 A.H. Before his death, he prepared his own grave, where he spent time in spiritual writings. He received a divine announcement of forgiveness and blessings for his followers, confirming the enduring spiritual protection of all who sought guidance at his shrine.
These teachings and miracles continue to inspire his followers, preserving the spirituality and light he kindled for future generations.
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