Hazrat Shaykh Bahauddin Zakariya Multani: Founder of the Suhrawardiyya Order in South Asia

 

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam

31 May 2025

Hazrat Shaykh Bahauddin Zakariya was a 13th-century Sufi who established the Suhrawardi order in South Asia. Based in Multan (Pakistan), he influenced both spiritual and political circles and became one of the most respected Sufis of his time.

Main Points:

1.    Suhrawardiyya Sufi rooted deeply in Multan’s religious landscape

2.    Received Khilafat from Hazrat Shaykh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi in Baghdad.

3.    He mentored leading Sufi figures, including Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Hazrat Jalaluddin Bukhari Naqvi.

4.    He played a supportive role in the politics of Sultan Iltutmish’s rule

5.    Passed away in 1262, buried in Multan, near the Multan fort.

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Introduction

Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya was a prominent Sufi leader in spreading the Suhrawardiyya Sufi order in the Indian subcontinent. He built a strong spiritual network based in Multan that combined Islamic scholarship, mysticism, and public leadership. His influence reached far beyond his lifetime, leaving behind a respected spiritual legacy.

Early Life and Family Background

He was born around 1170 CE in Kot Kehror, His full name was Abu Muhammad Bahauddin Zakariya. His father, Hazrat Shaykh Wajihuddin was a religious scholar. His mother was the daughter of Hazrat Maulana Husamuddin Tirmizi. His family traced its lineage to Asad ibn Hashim. This strong family background in knowledge and religion helped shape his early path. His family was originally from the Khwarazm region in Central Asia.

Spiritual Training and Bay'ah

As a child, he memorised the Qur'an Sharif and mastered the seven styles of Quranic recitation. He traveled widely for advanced learning, visiting Khurasan, Bukhara, Medina, and Palestine. In Baghdad, he became a disciple of Hazrat Shaykh Shahabuddin Suhrawardi. After only 17 days, Hazrat Shahabuddin Suhrawardi gave him Khilafat, impressed by his readiness. Hazrat Zakariya then returned to Multan in 1222 CE.

Teachings and Practices

Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya emphasised strict following of Islamic law (Shariah). Unlike the other order which preferred poverty, his Suhrawardiyya approach accepted lawful wealth used with good intention. He discouraged exaggerated practices like bowing to leaders and focused on simplicity, education, fasting, charity, and remembrance of God. Music was used

Khanqah, Influence, and Disciples

His khanqah in Multan became a famous center of Sufi learning. He had significant influence in both religious and political matters. During the conflict between Nasir-ud-Din Qabacha and Sultan Iltutmish, he supported Iltutmish. Later, the Sultan gave him the title "Shaykh-ul-Islam". Among his disciples were prominent figures like Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari Naqvi, both of whom continued his spiritual work.

Death and Urs Traditions

He passed away on 21 December 1262. His tomb is located near the old Multan Fort. It is a two-story structure with blue glazed tiles and brickwork, serving as a model for later shrines in southern Punjab. His annual Urs is attended by lacs follower.

Legacy

Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya’s legacy continues through the Suhrawardiyya order and the activities at his shrine. His descendants still play an active role in religious and social affairs; among them is Hazrat Shah Mehmood Qureshi, a modern political figure and hereditary custodian of the shrine. Multan’s title “Baghdad of the East” is closely tied to his presence and spiritual impact on the city. The Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, the largest institution in southern Punjab (Pakistan), is named in his honour and stands as a modern testament to his enduring influence.

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Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.

 

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hazrat-shaykh-multani-suhrawardiyya-order/d/135725

 

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