Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is the 31st Shaikh and the perfect spiritual guide of the Sarwari Qadri order. He is spreading Faqr around the globe which is the real heritage of Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu alayhi wasallam. He has ardent love for Prophet Mohammad and his progeny. Actually, no words are enough to explain his regard, love and devotion for the people of cloak. In fact, he owes the blessings of his life to the spiritual favor of the people of cloak (Ahl al-Bayat).

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Eternal Love for People of Cloak

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s love for Ahl al-Bayat is eternal. Rather, the signs of his devotion for people of cloak started appearing even before his sacred birth. As Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s respected mother often expressed that in the entire duration of expecting him, she felt increased devotion for Holy Prophet. In fact, her inclination towards devotion and salutation to Prophet Mohammad was more than her usual life. Unusually her desire to continuously recite Durood (send blessings and peace upon the Holy Prophet) increased. Whilst, she did not have such devotion when pregnant with her other children. Therefore, she soon realized that Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is not like other children rather he is among the specially chosen ones.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was not Like Common Children

Since childhood, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was not interested in the worldly charm. Rather, he was keen to gain the knowledge and understanding of the religion Islam. As a child, he loved going to the gatherings of Mawlid an-Nabi and Ashura along with his parents. Even as a child he would lower his gaze out of respect on hearing the names of people of cloak. As he grew up, his love for Ahl al-Bayat and the strive to search the path of righteousness elevated. He could not find inner peace despite possessing all the worldly blessings and luxury. Well! how could the restless soul find peace?

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Phase of Excessive Prayers

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s restless soul was probably eager to seek Allah Almighty. Therefore, to find inner peace he perpetually recited Durood and the first Islamic creed thousands of time daily. For this purpose, he had made a special rosary of five hundred beads. The excessive prayers had even given him dark eye circles. Not only that, his index finger had pressed due to continuously rotating the rosary. Despite all this his zeal to find the righteous path had not decreased at all.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Regard for Fatimah tuz-Zahra

One evening in March 1997, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was reading a book in which he came across the following lines;

“The Holy Prophet (pbuh) never refused his beloved daughter Fatimah tuz-Zahra who is the lady of paradise. At times the sacred wives fear to be refused by the Prophet on certain matter. Then they used to present their request to him through his dear daughter. And Prophet Mohammad had never refused his beloved daughter”.

After reading the above lines, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen started presenting all the reward of his worship to the lady of paradise. He also gifted to her sacred husband Ali al-Murtaza and sacred sons Hasan and Husayn.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Special Prayer

After reading about the high ranks of Fatimah tuz-Zahra, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen started making special prayer (dua or an act of supplication). With some variation of the words, the same appeal became the essential aspect of his life. This prayer is as follows;

“O respected lady of the universe! I the sinful slave is presenting a very ordinary gift of supplication in your honor. Certainly! you do not need any reward of our devotion. Rather we are the needy and seek your family’s favor and beneficence. This reward is only like the call of a beggar at your door.

Just like no seeker or beggar ever returned empty handed from your door in your physical life. Likewise, I am certain that in your spiritual life as well, you won’t return this beggar ungranted. Therefore, I am begging and yearning in your sacred court. Please recommend me in your sacred father’s court that he may bless his slave with the straight path. The path in which Allah has promised to reward the travelers. Certainly! this beggar would not go back empty handed. As to let any beggar return ungranted is not the custom of your sacred family.”

Presence in the Mohammadan Assembly

The pattern of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s special prayer continued every day for weeks. Then came the blessed night of 12th April 1997. That night firstly, Sultan Muhammad Najib-ur-Rehman finished offering Tahajjud (late night) prayer. Then he began to recite Durood (sending peace and blessings upon the Holy Prophet). Suddenly, his spiritual self enlightened and he found himself in the Mohammadan Assembly. There he saw the eternal Divine light, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) sitting in the middle. Seated on his right side were Ali al-Murtaza, Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn. While on his left were Abu Bakr, Umar ibn Khattab, Usman Ghani and the leaders of the four spiritual orders.

Among the sacred entities, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen remained stunned with awe and majesty of the Assembly. Perhaps, he was about to collapse with surprise and fear. Meanwhile sacred Ali al-Murtaza stepped ahead and held him by taking his hand in his own hand.

Granted with Holy Prophet’s Legacy

As mentioned above, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was blessed with the presence in the Mohammadan Assembly on 12th April 1997. There, respected Ali al-Murtaza presented him before the Holy Prophet, letting him sit by the sacred feet of the Prophet. Then he said to the Prophet, “Hazoor! (respectfully addressed) he is Najib-ur-Rehman. He is your slave and is the spiritual son of your dear daughter (Fatimah tuz-Zahra). Additionally, she has selected him to grant her legacy (of Faqr). Now she has presented him in your court for your approval,”.

The aforementioned instance verifies that Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen was granted Faqr due to his ardent love for Ahl al-Bayat.

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Efforts

to Promote Grandeur of Ahl al-Bayat

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has expressed his love for Ahl al-Bayat in all of his books and teachings. Not only that the monthly Sultan-ul-Faqr published under his supervision also expresses his love and devotion for people of cloak. In the following paragraphs, we will briefly discuss some of his books published particularly in honor of Ahl al-Bayat.

Publication of ‘Fazayal Ahl-e-Bayat aur Sahaba’

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has written a great book named ‘Fazayal Ahl-e-Bait aur Sahaba Karam Razi Allah Anhum’. This book describes the excellence and honour of the sacred Family and Companions in the light of Quran and Hadith. In fact, the book clears any misconception and resentment from the inward of the ones with an insight. Indeed, this book truly is a prove of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s love and regard for Ahl al-Bayat. To read the complete book click the following link:

https://www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com/shop/fazayal-ahl-e-bait-aur-sahaba-karam-razi-allah-anhum/

Publication of ‘Imam Husain and Yazid’

Another book ‘Imam Hussain And Yazid’ by Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen sheds light on the concealed aspects of the battle of Karbala. It describes the courage and heroism of the sacred progeny of Prophet Mohammad and their Companions. Furthermore, the book highlights the Hussain’s Faqr and his submission to the will of Allah. Indeed, this book is guidance for people in the path of righteousness. This book is translated into English language so people around the globe can benefit from it as well. The links to Urdu and English editions are as follows:

https://www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com/shop/imam-hussain-and-yazid-english-edition/

https://www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com/shop/imam-hussain-and-yazid-english-edition/

Translation and Exegesis of Mirat-ul-Arifeen

One of the disciples of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, under his supervision has translated and elaborated ‘Mirat-ul-Arifeen’, a book written by Imam Hussain. Undoubtedly, this book provides guidance to the seekers of righteous path. Click the following link to read this book:

https://www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com/shop/mirat-ul-arifeen/

Publication of ‘Khulfa-e-Rashideen’

Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman ardently love and regard the sacred self of Prophet Mohammad sall’Allahu alayhi wasallam. He also considers himself as his slave. Therefore, in his book, ‘Khulfa-e-Rashideen’, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has beautifully expressed exalted status and grandeur of Ali ibn abi Talib, Imam Hassan and the other caliphs. Normally, people think that there are four caliphs which means the caliphate ended with the reign of Hazrat Ali. However, in this book Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen has very beautifully explained with reference of several Hadiths that Imam Hassan was the fifth caliph. He also described the opulence and magnificence of Imam Hassan. Following is the link to read the complete book:

https://www.sultan-ul-faqr-publications.com/shop/khulfa-e-rashideen/

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Holds

Annual Spiritual Gatherings

Every year Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen celebrate Mawlid of Prophet Mohammad with great zeal and splendor on 12th Rabi al-awwal. Similarly, he commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali on 10th Moharram. In this sacred event, disciples deliver speeches and eulogies to provide awareness about the grand sacrifice of the Imam Husayn. Disciples also recite salutations and encomiums that particularly describe the splendor of Fatimah tuz Zahra and other people of cloak.

Additionally, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen commemorates the martyrdom of Ali ibn Abi Talib at the khanqah of Sarwari Qadri order. This event highlights the bravery and grandeur of Ali. Even on the Sunday gatherings, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is often seen giving reference from the lives of the people of cloak. In fact, he teaches disciples to idealize their lives to learn patience, perseverance, bravery and ardent Divine love to succeed in the path of Faqr.

Quotes of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen on Ahl al-Bayat

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen eyes are filled with emotions of regard and respect whenever he talks about the people of cloak. According to him love for Ahl al-Bayat is the basis of faith. In this regard one of his quotes is as follows:

“Love of the sacred Family and Companions of the Holy Prophet is an integral part of faith of the true Muslims. Even a minor negative feeling against them can confiscate person’s faith.”

He further says:

“In the path of righteousness, the example set by Imam Husayn in terms of submissiveness and truthfulness is one of its own kind. Certainly, this example will be a source of guidance for the seekers of Allah till Doomsday. And very few people will understand the real reason behind his great sacrifice.”

At another occasion, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen said the following;

“The person who keeps animosity against the people of cloak and the Companions, in fact kept enmity with Allah.”

Modern Era and Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s Love for People of Cloak

The Modern era of selfishness and materialism has deflected people from the real soul of Islam. In other words, people who call themselves a Muslim are in fact far away from the actual teachings of Islam. As a result, the true soul of Islam in the era is faded. Therefore, in this era of ignorance, guidance of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen indeed, is like the bright sun. Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen is guiding people towards the righteous path keeping in mind the modern needs of the present era. This is why, he is the revival of the religion Islam in the present era. He has made the world aware of the grandeur of the people of cloak, sacred Companions and the Sarwari Qadri spiritual guides. For the first time in history, the teachings of these sacred entities are being promoted through the modern means of communication, like blogs, websites, social media, books, magazines, etc.

As mentioned before, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s books and compilations unveil the grandeur of Ahl al-Bayat to the world. Certainly, his literary work is going to be a source of guidance for people till Doomsday and enlighten the world with Faqr which is the real heritage of Prophet Mohammad. Undoubtedly, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen fully rendered his duty as a spiritual successor of the Sarwari Qadri order.

Conclusion:

One can witness Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen’s love for the people of cloak by his acts, teachings and quotes. Whenever Sultan-ul-Ashiqin guides his disciples he gives the reference from the life of the people of cloak. In fact, he directs to follow the life of these sacred people to attain success in the path of Faqr. As Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen says:

“Faqr is not complicated. If you want to understand Faqr go through the lives of the four Rashidun Caliphs. Then Faqr will become easy on you.”

The above article is the English translation of سلطان العاشقین کی اہل ِ بیتؓ سے محبت و عقیدت which is originally penned by Dr. Sahar Hamid Sarwari Qadri for September 2019 edition of the magazine “Mahnama Sultan-ul-Faqr Lahore”. Fatima Noor Sarwari Qadri presented it in English with some changes exclusively for the website. Do not forget to visit the original article for which you only have to click the link below:

https://www.mahnama-sultan-ul-faqr-lahore.com/september-2019-sultan-ul-ashiqeen-ki-ahle-bait-se-mohabbat-aur-aqeedat/

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