Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi Explained

Abul Hasanat Sayyid Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi Qadiri (6 February 187227 August 1964) also known as Hadrat Abdullah Shah Sahib, was a scholar of Islam and spiritual reformer.^[1] He is more particularly known as a muhaddith, honorifically as Muhaddith-e Dakkan (the Muhaddith of the Dakkan).^{[2] [3]} His contributions to Islamic scholarship and spirituality have left a lasting impact. His scholarly contributions include extensive writings on Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and his best-known work, Zujajat al-Masabih, which is a comprehensive collection of Hadiths aligned with the Hanafi school of law, compiled into five volumes.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Early life

He was born in the Qadiri family in Aurangabad, India. He received his early education in Islamic sciences and Arabic literature.^[7]

Spiritual life

Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi's spiritual teachings were rooted in the principles of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. His guidance emphasized the importance of inner contemplation, remembrance of God (dhikr), and spiritual connection with the divine. Key aspects of his teachings:

• Awareness of Numbers (wuquf adadi): This practice involves a conscious awareness of the number of times one recites a particular dhikr or divine name, fostering focus and mindfulness.^[8]
• Awareness of the Heart (wuquf qalbi): It encourages the seeker to maintain a constant state of awareness and presence of heart, especially during the recitation of dhikr.
• Silent Dhikr: Naqshbandi's practice includes silent dhikr, which is the remembrance of God without vocalization, allowing for a deeper internal connection.
• The ‘Uwaysi’ Transmission of Spiritual Knowledge: This refers to a form of spiritual guidance received not through physical interaction but through a connection in the spiritual realm with past saints and prophets.^[9]
• Spiritual Exercises: The Naqshbandi path includes specific spiritual exercises designed to remove the veils between the seeker and their heavenly position, bringing them closer to the Divine Presence.^[10]

These teachings aim to cultivate a direct and personal experience of the divine, transcending formal rituals and external observances to achieve a state of unity with God. The Naqshbandi way, as taught by Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi, is a path of purification and self-improvement, leading to spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the divine.^{[11] [12]}

Literary works

Some of his notable literary works include:

• Noor Ul Masabeeh: This is a comprehensive book on Hanafi Fiqh, which he spent almost 50 years writing. It covers various chapters such as Aqaid, Salah, Zakat, Nikah, etc., and is spread across 12 volumes.
• Gulzar E Auliya: This book provides brief accounts of the lives and teachings of Naqshbandi saints.
• Fazail E Ramzan: This book discusses the virtues and blessings of Ramadan, along with other spiritual topics.
• Zujajat al-Masabih: A unique and comprehensive collection of Hadiths pertaining to the Hanafi school of law, compiled into five volumes.

These books continue to be influential in the study of Sufism and Islamic spirituality.^[13]

Notes and References

1. Book: Jalālī, Sayyid Shāh Faz̤lurraḥmān Saʻīd . كلام سعىد: شعرى انتخاب . 1997 . Bazm-i Ḥassān . ur.
2. Web site: younus . 2022-11-10 . حضرت محدث دکن رحمۃ اللہ علیہ . 2024-05-02 . Siasat Daily - Urdu . ur.
3. Book: Fikr o naẓar . April 2005. Markazī Idārah-yi Taḥqīqāt-i Islāmī . ur.
4. Web site: Khalil . Syed Mussarat . 2018-06-05 . Jamia Nizamia alumni felicitates Moulana Abdul Salam in farewell event . 2024-05-01 . Saudigazette . English.
5. Book: Luther, Evander . Abdullah Shah Naqshbandi . 2011-06-26 . Acu Publishing . 978-613-6-77719-1 . en.
6. Book: Naqshbandi, Abdullah . The Book of Love . 2013-12-28 . CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform . 978-1-4909-1680-4 . en.
7. Book: A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province . 1997 . Atlantic Publishers & Dist . 978-81-85297-68-2 . en.
8. Book: Narang, Gopi Chand . وضاحتي کتابيات: jil. 1999 . 1980 . ترقى اردو بيورو،، . 978-81-7587-105-2 . ur.
9. Book: Kaur, Ravinderjit . Political Awakening in Kashmir . 1996 . APH Publishing . 978-81-7024-709-8 . en.
10. Book: Burman, J. J. Roy . Hindu-Muslim Syncretic Shrines and Communities . 2002 . Mittal Publications . 978-81-7099-839-6 . en.
11. Book: Kabbani, Muhammad Hisham . Classical Islam and the Naqshbandi Sufi Tradition . 2004 . Islamic Supreme Council of America . 978-1-930409-23-1 . en.
12. Book: نواى ادب . 1987 . Anjuman-i-Islam Urdu Research Institute. . ur.
13. Book: خان, محمد عبدالستار . تذكره حضرت محدث دكن: رهبر شريعت ، رهنمائے طريقت عارف بالله تعالے حضرت مولانا ابوالحسنات سيد عبدالله شاه نقشبندى حيدرآبادى . 1999 . ملنے كے پتے، منار بک ڈپو، . ur.