The Legacy of Bibi Kamal: Unveiling the Mystical Heritage of a Sufi Saint
By Syed Amjad Hussain,
New Age Islam
23 July
2024
The Honorific ‘Kamal,’ Meaning ‘Miracle,’ Was
Bestowed Upon Bibi Kamal Due To Her Extraordinary Spiritual Feats And
Miraculous Acts, Or ‘Karamat,’ That
Earned Her Widespread Reverence. These Acts, Deeply Embedded In The Lore
Surrounding Her Life, Highlight Her Exceptional Spiritual Prowess And The
Mystical Power Attributed To Her.
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In the
tranquil town of Kako Sharif, also known as Kamalabad, located in Jehanabad
district of Bihar, the legacy of Bibi Kamal also known as Bibi Hadiya continues
to captivate the hearts and minds of many. A revered Sufi saint and daughter of
the eminent Peer-e-Jagjot Syed Shahabuddin Suhrawardy, Bibi Kamal's life and
spiritual contributions have been subjects of increasing interest in the study
of Sufism and Islamic mysticism.
Tomb
of Bibi Kamal
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Bibi Kamal
reached Kako Sharif with her daughter Bibi Daulati and her husband Sulaiman
Langar Zameen, also a Sufi saint of Suhrawardiyya order in A. D. 1274.
Bibi Kamal,
whose name translates to "Miraculous Lady" or "Magician
Women," was born into a distinguished family known for its deep spiritual
heritage. She was born in 1211 as Bibi Syeda Hadiya bint Syed Shahabuddin. Her
father, Peer-e-Jagjot Qazi Syed Shahabuddin Suhrawardy, rests in Kachchi
Dargah, Patna, and is celebrated for his significant role in the Suhrawardiyya
Sufi order. Her familial connections further extend to Shaikh Sharfuddin Yahiya
Maneri, whose mother was Bibi Kamal’s sister, linking her to a lineage of
profound spiritual influence.
The
honorific ‘Kamal,’ meaning ‘Miracle,’ was bestowed upon Bibi Kamal due to her
extraordinary spiritual feats and miraculous acts, or ‘Karamat,’ that earned her widespread reverence. These acts, deeply
embedded in the lore surrounding her life, highlight her exceptional spiritual
prowess and the mystical power attributed to her.
Recent
scholarly research has shed light on the impact of Bibi Kamal’s life and
teachings. Historians and Sufi scholars have been delving into the oral
traditions and historical accounts that detail her contributions to the Sufi
community. Her shrine in Kako Sharif has become a significant site of pilgrimage,
where devotees and researchers alike visit to seek blessings and explore her
spiritual legacy.
The impact
of Bibi Kamal’s teachings is seen in the continued practices and rituals
observed at her shrine. Followers believe that her blessings and spiritual
interventions continue to influence their lives, offering solace and guidance.
Her shrine serves not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for
studying Sufi traditions and the mystical practices she espoused.
In addition
to her spiritual contributions, Bibi Kamal’s legacy is also preserved through
the stories of her miracles, which are integral to the oral history of the
region. These stories, passed down through generations, illustrate her deep
spiritual insight and the transformative effects of her presence on her
followers.
As interest
in Sufi history and mysticism grows, Bibi Kamal’s life and legacy offer a rich
field for exploration. Her role as a key figure in the Sufi tradition of Bihar
reflects the enduring significance of mystical practices and the continued
relevance of her teachings in contemporary spiritual discourse.
The
research and preservation of Bibi Kamal’s legacy not only honour her
contributions but also enhance our understanding of the historical and
spiritual fabric of the region. As scholars continue to study her life, Bibi
Kamal remains an enduring symbol of spiritual excellence and mystical devotion.
She died in
1296 at Kako Sharif, Jehanabad and was laid to rest in the Dargah where Firoz
Shah Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri and Jahan Ara had visited and offered ‘Chadar’ to the sufi saint. Her tomb is
located at the Kako Sharif, almost 50 Kilometres from the Capital city Patna on
the Jehanabad-Bihar Sharif road. While, her husband is resting at Bankanagar,
which is around 2 km distant from Bibi Kamal’s resting place.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar of
Sufism. He is affiliated with the Shyama Prasad Institute of Technology and
Management, Kolkata.
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