Sultan ul Faqr VI
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali rehmat-ul-Allah alayh was born on Friday, August 14, 1947 (Ramadan 27, 1366 Hijri) at dawn, in the town of Samundari, Garh Maharaja, District Jhang, Pakistan. He belonged to the family of Sultan Bahoo and his lineage goes back to him as follows:
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali son of Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz son of Sultan Fateh Mohammad son of Sultan Ghulam Rasool son of Sultan Ghulam Meeran son of Sultan Wali Mohammad son of Sultan Noor Mohammad son of Sultan Mohammad Husayn son of Sultan Wali Mohammad son of Sultan Bahoo.
Through Sultan Bahoo, his lineage ultimately reaches Ali ibn Abi Talib.
STATUS
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali holds the status of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth. Sultan Bahoo has mentioned about seven Sultan-ul-Faqr souls in Risala Roohi Sharif, although he revealed names of only five. They are; Hazrat Fatimah-tuz-Zahra, Hazrat Hasan Basri, Ghaus-ul-Azam Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, Shaikh Abdul Razzaq Jilani and Sultan Bahoo himself. He described the splendour of remaining two souls as;
“Furthermore, two among them are the souls of other Saints. The stability of both the worlds owes to their favour. Unless these two souls manifest in the world of diversity coming out of abode of Oneness, doomsday will not occur. Their sight is absolute light of Oneness and the alchemy of honour. On whosoever the reflection of their hidden reality casts, his being transforms into absolute light. They do not need to engage their disciples in the struggle of superficial daily recitals and mystic exercises”. (RISALA ROOHI SHARIF)
All these attributes perfectly manifested from Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. His enlightened personality, contributions for mysticism and Faqr, beneficence upon seekers of Allah are enough proof that he surely is the sixth Sultan-ul-Faqr.
PARENTS
Father of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali, Sultan-ul-Auliya Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz (may Allah bless him) was also his spiritual guide. He was the possessor of Divine Trust and 29th Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order. Sultan Abdul Aziz got the Trust of Faqr from Pir Bahadur Ali Shah and transferred it to his beloved son. Name of mother of Sultan Asghar Ali was Mehmooda Baigam. She also belonged to the family of Sultan Bahoo.
CHILDHOOD
Sacred face of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was enlightened with the Divine light since birth. He was a perfect blend of beauty and magnificence that made him prominent among his brothers. Due to his unprecedented beauty his father and spiritual guide Sultan Abdul Aziz used to call him Chan (moon) lovingly. He had a sober personality and was the beloved of entire family owing to his eternal grand status.
EDUCATION
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali got his early education from Garh Maharaja. Then he passed his middle standard exams from Islamia School Jhang. Afterwards, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth did his matriculation from Naushehra, Soon Valley, District Khushab.
At the time of his matric examination, he was sixteen years old. During his worldly education, his father also taught him complete mystic knowledge of Sultan Bahoo’s books Ain-ul-Faqr and Shams-ul-Arifeen. After matriculation, he formally adopted path of Faqr by taking oath of allegiance at his father Sultan Abdul Aziz’s hand. Thereafter, he never parted even for a single moment from his spiritual guide till his death. Although, on the order of spiritual guide, he did construction job in Kamalia for a few days. However, soon got rid of this worldly business and devoted himself only to his spiritual guide.
The enlightened soul of Sultan Abdul Aziz knew that his blessed son, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali is stationed at highly esteemed position of Sultan-ul-Faqr. Hence, he gave special attention towards his mystic education and spiritual enhancement.
LOVE FOR SPIRITUAL GUIDE
Throughout his life, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali served and followed his father not as a father but as spiritual guide. Not a single moment of his life passed without the obedience to his spiritual guide. His spiritual guide also loved him intensely and never let him go away from his sight. Even now they are eternally resting in their graves side by side.
DEDICATION OF SULTAN MOHAMMAD ASGHAR ALI
Whatever responsibilities his spiritual guide assigned him to test and train him, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth fulfilled them with unprecedented dedication. He performed the duty of making tea and food for his spiritual guide for several years. In fact, he also took care of his spiritual guide’s horses and to perform this duty he learnt everything about horses. Furthermore, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali performed the task of serving langar (sacred meal for visitors) prudently. He not only used to get food cooked under his supervision but also distributed it. Afterwards, he would even wash the utensils himself.
Once, his spiritual guide of was travelling through desert for preaching purpose. In those days electricity was not available commonly. Hence, he sold his car to buy a fan and generator to comfort his beloved guide. After few years, he again sold his new car in order to help Sultan Abdul Aziz built the shrine of his spiritual guide Pir Bahadur Ali Shah.
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali himself would get his spiritual guide perform ablution, spread prayer mat for him, get him mount and dismount horse. Also, he himself used to take care of his spiritual guide’s health, take him to hospital and give him medicines. Moreover, when Sultan Abdul Aziz’s health did not allow him to ride a horse, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth presented him a car.
Here, only a few instances are mentioned to be precise. Though, the fact is that he devoted his entire life and every possession to serve his spiritual guide.
TRANSFERENCE OF DIVINE TRUST
Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz visited the shrine of his spiritual guide Pir Mohammad Bahadur Ali Shah on April 11, 1979. On Friday, April 13, 1979 (Jumada al-awwal 14, 1399 Hijri) after offering Maghrib (evening) salat he went inside the shrine. His sons Sultan Safdar Ali and Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali were with him. He sat near the grave, let Sultan Safdar Ali sit on his right and Sultan ul Faqr Sixth on left side. Thereby, he took oath of allegiance from both sons. He placed his hands on the grave of his spiritual guide and hands of the sons upon his own hands. Afterwards, he put his own turban on the head of Sultan Safdar Ali and appointed him his junior spiritual successor.
Then he adorned the new turban brought from Shorkot on the head of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. Thereupon, Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz secretly transferred the Divine Trust of Faqr to Sultan ul Faqr Sixth. Hence, he became the Universal Divine man (al-Insan al-Kamil) of his era about whom Ibn Arabi says;
- Everything present in this universe is the manifestation of a particular attributive name of Allah. And that name is the God of that thing. Whereas, al-Insan al-Kamilis the manifestation of the Ism-e-Zaat ( اَللّٰہُ ). This Divine name is comprehensive of all the holy names of Allah and includes all of them. Hence, he is the God of all Gods, hence, God of the universe. (Sharah Fusus al-Hikam wal Aiqaan)
THRONE OF DIVINE GUIDANCE AND PERSUASION
In 1981, immediately after death of his spiritual guide, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali ascended to the throne of Divine guidance and persuasion. Undoubtedly, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth is the spiritual descended or Khalifah of Sultan Bahoo. According to monthly Mirat-ul-Arifeen November 2007 issue, page 75;
- He (Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali) came out of his house twenty-five days after the death of his spiritual guide. Mohammad Safdar Husayn of Chakwal was the first lucky person who came to take oath of allegiance at his hand. Thus, he started giving spiritual guidance and persuasion by accepting oath from him.
Thus, he adorned the throne of 30th Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order as possessor of Divine Trust. Sultan Abdul Aziz once stated, “No one, till doomsday, can hold Faqr the way my son will.”
Spiritual lineage
Starting from Sultan Bahoo, the spiritual lineage of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth is as follows:
- Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sultan Bahoo
- Sultan ul Tarikeen Sultan Sayyid Mohammad Abdullah Shah Madni Jilani
- Sultan-ul-Sabireen Sultan Pir Mohammad Abdul Ghafoor Shah Hashmi Qureshi
- Shahbaz-e-Arifaan Sultan Pir Sayyid Mohammad Bahadur Ali Shah Kazmi al-Mashhadi
- Sultan-ul-Auliya Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz
- Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali
- Sultan ul Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman
PERFECT SPIRITUAL GUIDE
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth was true personification of the perfect spiritual guide as described by Sultan Bahoo in his books. All attributes of Sultan-ul-Faqr manifested from him perfectly. That is to say, he never involved his disciples in the struggle of hard mystic exercises. Rather, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali enlightened the rusty inwards of seekers with the light of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Furthermore, he exalted them spiritually by the efficacy of his sacred company and perfect spiritual sight. Undoubtedly, the spiritual attention of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth for a moment was far better than thousands of recitals and supererogatory prayers. His sight was absolutely the Divine light, whoever was blessed by his alchemic glance, became light himself.
Spiritual Attention of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali elevated lakhs of people to the station of Divine vision and union drowning them in ocean of Divine Unity. Hence, they attained the level of annihilation in Allah (Fana Fillah) and became true Mystics by his blessing. Actually, he convinced people to focus on single Divine point. Because, when reality of that point becomes clear then there remains no need to involve in detail. According to Sultan Asghar Ali that Divine point is the invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat.
It is the law of nature to keep balance in the world. So, with increasing Satanism in world, the spiritual powers of Fakirs and Saints are also elevating. Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was the greatest example of these spiritual powers. Owing to his grand status and powers, he gave a boom to spirituality in this extremely materialistic world.
REVOLUTIONARY STEPS BY SULTAN MOHAMMAD ASGHAR ALI
BENEFICENCE OF ISM-E-ALLAH ZAAT
No one spread the beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat as much as Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali did. He travelled throughout Pakistan many times to call people towards Ism-e-Allah Zaat for inward purification. He changed the rule of earlier Saints that hiding Ism-e-Azam i.e. Ism-e-Allah Zaat is must while disclosing it is unlawful. Instead, he made it compulsory to reveal Ism-e-Azam and considered unlawful to hide it. He declared, “Preach Ism-e-Allah Zaat among masses and call them towards Allah as their betterment lies in it.”
After Sultan Bahoo, the spiritual guides of Sarwari Qadri order had been granting the first stage invocation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. That is اَللّٰہُ ھُو (Allahu Hoo). However, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali also granted invocation of یا ھو Ya-Hoo to his disciples. It is the king of invocations (Sultan-ul-Azkar) and was earlier given to chosen seekers only. To spread beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat, he made the way easier by granting Ism-e-Allah Zaat on first day of allegiance. Rather than involving the seekers in hard mystic exercises for years and then blessing them. Sultan ul Faqr Sixth, rather granted Ism-e-Allah Zaat without oath of allegiance. He also granted Ism-e-Allah Zaat made of gold which is real Ism-e-Allah Zaat to most special seekers of Allah.
The beneficence of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was not restricted to any place or group of people. Rather, he spread it in the entire world which is still continued through his spiritual successor Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman.
SULTAN MOHAMMAD ASGHAR ALI ESTABLISHED ISLAHI JAMAT-THE ORGANIZATION FOR SPIRITUAL REFORMATION
On February 27, 1989 Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali established an organization titled Islahi Jamat. Mainly, the organization aimed at spreading beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat so as to invite seekers of Allah towards spiritual enhancement.
MONTHLY MAGAZINE MIRAT-UL-ARIFEEN
In December, 1999 Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali ordered his most beloved seeker Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman to start a monthly magazine. Its objective was also to spread the teachings of Faqr and the beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. He appointed Sultan Najib-ur-Rehman as the chief editor of this magazine by the filial appellation of Abu Al-Murtaza. Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman published the first issue of monthly Mirat-ul-Arifeen Lahore in April, 2000. Thenceforth, he dedicatedly continued publishing Mirat-ul-Arifeen according to teachings of Faqr till the death of Sultan Asghar Ali.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MAKTABA Al-ARIFEEN
In 1994, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali established the publication department of Islahi Jamat for spreading the beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat.
In 2001, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali granted the supervision of this department as well to Sultan Mohammad Najib ur Rehman. He published many books from this department till the death of Sultan Asghar Ali. These books included:
- Guldasta Abyat-o-Taleemat Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Bahoo
- Haqeeqat Ism-e-Allah Zaat
- Shan Sultan-ul-Faqr alongwithRisala Roohi Sharif
- Murshid Kamil Akmal
- Tareeqat kia hey?
- Abyat-o-Sawaneh Hayat Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Bahoo
- Guldasta Abyat-o-Munajaat Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Pir Mohammad Bahadur Ali Shah
SPIRITUAL EDUCATION AND DIVINE PERSUASION
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali devoted his entire life to give spiritual education and Divine persuasion to the seekers of Allah. Every day, many people joined his sacred company and got beneficence through his spiritual sight. His benevolent company turned a lot of seekers into Mystics. People from far off places attended his spiritual meetings where he persuaded them towards invocation and contemplation of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. His spiritually effective sight cleansed their inwards and subsequently filled them with Divine light. Any true seeker of Allah who joined his company with pure intention never returned empty handed. His single glance proved sufficient to exalt the seekers to Divine presence.
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali never gave lengthy lectures rather inculcated righteousness into souls by his Divine attention. As, this is the unique attribute of perfect and accomplished spiritual guide according to the teachings of Sultan Bahoo.
He was reminiscent of these words;
یک زمانہ صحبت با اولیا
بہتر از صد سالہ طاعت بے ریا
Meaning: One moment in the company of Saints and Friends of Allah is better than hundred years of sincere worship.
ARRANGEMENT OF SPIRITUAL EVENTS
All round the year, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali used to arrange countrywide spiritual gatherings of the Milad of Holy Prophet. The purpose of arranging these gatherings was to enhance love of Holy Prophet in the hearts of people. Moreover, to spread the beneficence of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. People got spiritual beneficence by attending these programs. In these celebrations, hundreds of people took oath of allegiance at his sacred hand and received blessing of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. For these ceremonies, he used to arrange a grand langar (sacred meal) that was available for all and sundry. Encomiums (naat) and eulogies were recited and the grandeur of Holy Prophet Mohammad was elaborated.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS STATUS OF SULTAN Ul FAQR SIXTH
In August 1997, during Milad of Holy Prophet in Ochali, Soon Sakesar valley, District Khushab, a Dervish Mohammad Ilyas (late) of Chakwal read Risala Roohi Sharif loudly on stage by permission and then announced his inspiration that Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani has ordered him to declare that Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali holds the status of Sultan ul Faqr. In this way the personality of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth manifested in the world. Hence, the masses got to know the Sultan ul Faqr status of Sultan Asghar Ali. Afterwards, a lot of seekers of Allah got confirmation of this good news through dream or by Divine inspiration.
Moreover, the way he held Faqr, spread the Divine light of gnosis in this materialistic world and elevated thousands of his disciples to Divine presence is a proof that he holds the status of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth
TITLE
The title of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali is Sultan-ul-Faqr in accordance to his status. It was conferred upon him from the Mohammadan Assembly. He is the Sultan ul Faqr Sixth in the Sarwari Qadri order.
BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali had an exceptional inward as well as physical beauty. He was extremely handsome and had a flawless personality. Every part of his sacred body was the manifestation of eternal Divine Beauty. Especially his sacred face was the perfect demonstration of Ism-e-Allah Zaat. Just on seeing his sacred face, true seekers became sure that he is the exact manifestation of the Divine Essence. Though, lovers tried to fix gaze at the countenance of Sultan Asghar Ali but theophanies radiating from it forced them to lower their eyes. His personality was just in accordance with the Hadith:
اِذَا رَاٰہُ ذُکِرَ اللّٰہَ
Meaning: When you see them, they remind you of Allah. (Hadith)
MORALS
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was very humble, good natured and blessed with an elevated morality. He was perfect blend of politeness, benevolence, generosity and kindness towards the poor. His faith in Allah was so strong that he never visited any ruler, minister or authoritative personality. Nor did he ever accept gifts or favours from them. He ever remained prostrated in the court of Allah and sought His Compassion and Mercy. As regards his worldly life, he was so humble that he easily mixed with people inspite of his grand status. He listened to their requests with complete attention and did whatever he could for them.
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was the personification of mercy for poor and destitute. His followers and disciples were mostly the poor and he loved them a lot. He always forgave mistakes of his disciples and strictly disliked publicity of others’ faults. Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali especially honoured relationships and was always the first one to greet. Serenity and modesty were his unique attributes.
Although he was soft-natured yet the state of his majesty was such that there was complete discipline in his meetings. There prevailed a pin drop silence and nobody dared to slip away or whisper. When Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali passed by people, they stood in two parallel rows with great respect. He had such an exalted grandeur that the great theologians, scholars and learned people attended his meetings respectfully. His disciples have witnessed many great scholars sitting humbly with lowered eyes in front of him.
MIRACLES
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali spent his whole life anonymously and always avoided fame and media. He never showed any outward miracle that would bring him in limelight. However, there are infinite esoteric miracles of Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali observed by true seekers. His greatest miracle was that he converted lakhs of depraved people into true seekers of Allah. Plight of many wayward drunkards and womanizers changed as soon as they entered his court.
Moreover, he turned many ignorant into scholars. When he ordered Saad Ameer Khan Niazi to translate books of Sultan Bahoo, he replied, “I don’t know Persian.” He again said, “Mr. Niazi! Do start it.” Then, by the grace of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali, he became such a translator of books of Sultan Bahoo that he excelled all others. Similarly, by the powerful sight of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali, two of his disciples, Haji Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Anayatullah (late) got excellence in knowledge of Quran and its exegesis inspite of being illiterate. Sufi Allah Ditta was a butcher, having no worldly or religious knowledge. When he reached Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali’s court he became an orator.
Furthermore, he resolved the worldly issues of his disciples esoterically even before they presented them before him. It was their clear observation that he knew all about their spiritual and physical conditions. Above all, he raised the true seekers to ultimate station of Divine presence in just a blink of eye without putting them in mystic struggles.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali was the follower of Imam Abu Hanifa in Islamic law. That is, he belonged to the Hanafi school of thought. He considered that all four Islamic schools of thought are true. However, it is compulsory to follow any one school of thought exactly according to its spirit.
FAMILY
Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali married twice. He first married to a woman belonging to his family in 1979. The couple had three sons and two daughters.
In 1997, by the spiritual command of Prophet Mohammad, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali had his second marriage with Kausar Bibi. She is a perfect Mystic and Rabia of her time. She got Divine knowledge from Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali and then preached it among the women. Due to her preaching, thousands of women took oath of allegiance at the sacred hand of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. She has two daughters.
TRANSFERENCE OF DIVINE TRUST TO THE SPIRITUAL SUCCESOR SULTAN MOHAMMAD NAJIB-UR-REHMAN
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen took oath of allegiance at the hand of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali on April 12, 1998. They recognized each other as lover and beloved in the very first meeting. Thereafter, slavery of spiritual guide became sole purpose of Sultan Najib-ur-Rehman’s life. He devoted each moment of his life to serve his beloved guide and sacrificed his every possession for him. Due to his intense love, he annihilated in spiritual guide to such an extent that he became his complete reflection. Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Asghar Ali also loved him extremely and trusted him the most. For every important responsibility, he considered Sultan Najib-ur-Rehman the best choice.
Trials of Sultan ul Ashiqeen
From 1998 till 2001 he took various esoteric and exoteric trials of Sultan Najib ur Rehman. By the Grace of Allah he met each and every trial successfully. Their companionship had to cross many hurdles of jealousy as well.
When Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali had thoroughly tested his heir of Divine Trust, he intended to go for hajj. On February 28, 2001 he went to Makkah with his selected disciples. After performing hajj on March 9th they went to Madina on March 18, 2001. On 21st March, Sultan Asghar Ali presented his beloved seeker Sultan ul Ashiqeen Najib-ur-Rehman in esteemed court of Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet approved him as the heir of his heritage of Faqr. Hence, Sultan ul Faqr Sixth Sultan Asghar Ali transferred Divine Trust to Sultan Najib-ur-Rehman there and then, at tomb of Holy Prophet.
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen adorned the throne of Sarwari Qadri order after the death of Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali. Following the sunnah of his Murshid Khanqah Sultan ul Ashiqeen is established where seekers of Allah work under the supervision of Sultan Mohammad Naji-ur-Rehman to spread the teachings of Faqr.
DEATH
After transferring the Divine Trust to Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman, Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali trained him for two years to hold the throne of Divine guidance and persuasion. On its accomplishment, he left physical world on Friday, December 26, 2003 (Dhul al-Qadah 2, 1424 Hijri). A large crowd of his devotees offered his funeral prayer at the shrine of Sultan Bahoo.
SHRINE
Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali is buried at right side of the grave of his spiritual guide Sultan Mohammad Abdul Aziz. Their shrine is half kilometer away from the shrine of Sultan Bahoo in District Jhang, Pakistan.
NOTE:
For detailed study of biography of Sultan-ul-Faqr VI Sultan Asghar Ali please read the book Sultan-ul-Faqr VI Sultan Mohammad Asghar Ali-Life and Teachings authored by Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman.