Hazrat Khwaja Hasan Sarkar
Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah was born in 1875 Bhainsori, Uttar Pradesh, India. He belonged to a well-respected and generous family of landlords (thekedars) and successful cloth merchants known as "Ansaar." His father , Ramzan Thekedar was a cloth merchant. Khwaja Hasan Sarkar in his early career carried over his father's business for livlihood. He was married to Bibi Hafiza Begum[a] at the young age of 24 in 1899.[1]
Despite his successful family business, Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah's heart yearned for spiritual truth (Talash-e-Haq). He eventually found his Murshid (spiritual master), Hazrat Khwaja Nabi Raza Shah (Almaroof Dada Miyan R.A.), under whose guidance he attained high spiritual stations (Maqam).
Following his master's order, he dedicated his life in propagating the message of Sufism through the Silsila-e-Jahangiriya. He established thousands of Khanqahs (Sufi lodges/spiritual centers) that continue to thrive today, with his Caliphs and Sajjadanashin (hereditary custodians of the shrine) carrying on his mission.
His spiritual lineage spanned multiple Silsilas (Sufi orders), including the Qadriya, Chishtiya, Naqshbandiya, Suharwardiya, Abulolaiya, and Jahangiriya.
Spiritual influence
Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah held the spiritual succession (Khilafat) and permission to guide seekers in six different Sufi orders (Silsilas). His primary affiliation was with the Silsila-e-Jahangiriya (also known as the Razaiya-Jahangiriya).
In order to reach Hazrat Ali (R.A.) and the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the Shajra (geneological tree) of Hazrat Khwaja Hasan Sarkar passes through his own master, Hazrat Khwaja Nabi Raza Shah (Dada Miyan R.A.), as well as a series of esteemed masters in the Silsila-e-Jahangiriya and the main orders (particularly Chishtiya).
The six orders he was connected to are:
- 1). Qadiriya order of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani which Emphasis on strict adherence to Islamic Law and courage in the face of adversity.
- 2). Chishtiya order of Khwaja Mu'inuddin Chishti Known for love, tolerance, and separation from worldly affairs. Famous for Qawwali (Sama).
- 3). Naqshbandiya order of Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband which focus on silent Zikr (remembrance of God) and strict spiritual discipline.
- 4). Suharwardiya order of Shahab ad-Din Suhrawardi, a more pragmatic approach, often interacting with rulers and wealth to serve the community.
- 5). Abul Olaiya Sufi order of Shah Abul Ola Ahrari a lesser-known but historically significant order with its own chain of spiritual masters.
- 6) Jahangiriya Sufi order of Khwaja Nabi Raza Shah (Dada Miyan). This is the specific lineage through which Sultanul Auliya received Khilāfat.
The ability to unite the spiritual teachings of these diverse paths within a single lineage showcases the comprehensive nature of the spirituality taught at Bhainsori Sharif.
Urs
Shrine of Huzur Sultanul Auliya Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah in the Bhaisodi Sharif is marked by the annual Urs Mubarak (death anniversary commemoration) of Huzur Sultanul Auliya, held from 4th to 7th Jamadil Ula (as per the Islamic calendar). This multi-day festival includes various spiritual programs like Mehfil-e-Sima (Sufi music and Qawwali), Fateha Khwani (recitation of opening verses of the Quran), and Zikr-e-Ilahi (remembrance of God). The Dargah also hosts the annual Urs celebrations for his successors, Huzur Azizul Aulia Sarkar and Huzur Mehboobul Aulia Sarkar. Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah (Sultanul Auliya) Urs Mubarak is celebrated from 4th to 7th Jamadil Ula, whereas, Huzur Azizul Aulia Sarkar Urs from 6th to 9th Shawwal following Huzur Mehboobul Aulia Sarkar Urs Mubarak from 1st to 3rd Safar. The main Urs of Huzur Sultanul Auliya (Hazrat Khwaja Sufi Mohammed Hasan Shah) is a four-day spiritual festival that draws thousands of devotees from around the world.[2]
Notes
- [a]. Ammajan aka Bibi Hafiza Begum has significantly assisted his husband Khwaja Hasan Sarkar in the expansion of the Silsila Abul Olaiya. She was the daughter of Chaudhary Ghulam Nabi.
References
- "History – Khwaja Hasan Sarkar (Q.S.A)". Retrieved 2026-03-23.
- "हजरत ख्वाजा सूफी हसन शाह का 65वां उर्स मुबारक शुरू: देश विदेशों से जियारत करने पहुंचते हैं अकीदतमंद, मुल्क के अमन मांगी दुआ". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 2022-11-29. Retrieved 2026-03-23.