In the Footsteps of Love: Exploring the Life and Teachings of Hazrat Barkatullah Marehrawi of Uttar Pradesh
By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
19 April 2025
Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah Ishqi Pemi Marehrawi was a revered Sufi saint who spread divine love and service through the Barkati Silsilah, leaving a global spiritual legacy of compassion
Main Points:
1. Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah Ishqi wa Pemi Marehrawi championed divine love, inner purity, and spiritual compassion rooted in Islamic teachings.
2. He founded the Barkaatiyya Silsilah, a branch of the Qadriya order, promoting ishq (love), prem (affection), and barakah (blessings) in everyday life.
3. His teachings beautifully combined affection, sacred knowledge, and tireless service to humanity, encouraging humility and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Ta'aala Alayhi Wassallam.
4. Marehra Sharif, under his guidance, became a vibrant spiritual centre attracting seekers from across India and the wider world.
5. His enduring legacy continues globally through his descendants and disciples, spreading the timeless message of love, unity, and peace.
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Introduction
Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah Ishqi Pemi Marehrawi is one of the most sacred personalities in Sufism, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. He is the founder of the Barkaatiyya order and is held in great regard for his efforts in the dissemination of love-centred mysticism within the framework of conventional Islamic teaching. His legacy stands as a testament to the unity of spiritual knowledge, divine love, and ethical conduct, and highlights the supreme importance of following the path of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Ta'aala Alayhi Wassallam through the lens of Sufi philosophy.
Ancestry and Early Life: A Noble Heritage
Hazrat Shah Barkatullah Ishqi Pemi was born on 26 Jamadi-us-Sani 1070 (19 January 1641) to Hazrat Syed Shah Uwais bin Hazrat Syed Shah Abdul Jaleel Bilgrami into a revered family descending from the Prophet Muhammad through Imam Zaid Ibn Ali ibn Hussain, the Prophet’s grandson. His lineage traced its roots to the Wasit region in Iran and his ancestor Hazrat Syed Abul Faraas bin Hazrat Syed Abul Farah Wasti had migrated to India during the early medieval period, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, spirituality, and devotion. His family heritage was deeply entrenched in Islamic learning and piety, with his father and forefathers renowned for their scholarship and religious purity.
He was born in the year 1641, and from an early age, he exhibited extraordinary spiritual qualities. His parents were held in high esteem for their strict adherence to Islamic principles and their active engagement in religious and spiritual activities.
He married Wafiyah Bibi, the noble daughter of Syed Maudud Bilgrami and they had 5 children together including Syed Shah Aal-e-Muhammad Marehrawi alias Badi Sarkar and Syed Shah Nijaatullah alias Chhoti Sarkar.
Spiritual Training and the Path of Sufism
Hazrat Shah Barkatullah’s education in the Islamic sciences began at a young age under the guidance of his father Hazrat Syed Shah Uwais, a sufi of Chishtiyya order. He was introduced to foundational Islamic theology, Qur’anic interpretation, and Hadith studies. As he grew, his spiritual inclination deepened, and he became particularly drawn to the inner dimensions of Sufism, aligning himself with the teachings of the great Sufi masters.
A profound influence on his spiritual journey came from the Chishtiyya silsila to Qadriya Silsilah, one of the most widespread Sufi orders known for its emphasis on love for Allah and the Prophet. However, Hazrat Barkatullah carved out his own spiritual path within this tradition by establishing the Barkati Silsilah, an offshoot of Qadriya order distinguished by its focus on Ishq (divine love), Pem (affection), and the path of Barakah (blessings) through a life of selfless service.
He is celebrated with the takhallus "Ishqi" and "Pemi", denoting his complete surrender to divine love. Unlike many contemporaries who adopted an ascetic or isolated lifestyle, Hazrat Barkatullah advocated for active spiritual engagement through love, compassion, and service.
Creating the Marehrawi Legacy
A key aspect of Hazrat Barkatullah’s life was his establishment of a spiritual centre in Marehra, a village in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh. This Khanqah (spiritual retreat) evolved into a vibrant hub of Sufi learning and divine remembrance, drawing seekers from across India and abroad. Under his guidance, Marehra became a flourishing spiritual centre known for its inclusive atmosphere and emphasis on love and harmony.
The Barkaatiyya Silsilah he founded was rooted in the principle of Ishq, with a strong emphasis on Pema expressed in day-to-day interactions. His followers embodied values of humility, mercy, and service, carrying forward his mission of universal love.
Though deeply connected to classical Sufi practices, the Barkaatiyya branch adapted seamlessly to the Indian milieu. Hazrat Barkatullah’s teachings prioritised a heart-centred, relational approach to spirituality over doctrinal rigidity, encouraging a personal connection with Allah through the prophetic model.
Teachings of Love, Service, and Knowledge
Hazrat Barkatullah’s message is encapsulated in a harmonious blend of Ishq, Pema, and Barakah. His Sufism was not merely academic but practical, grounded in love and service to others. He maintained that real spirituality stemmed not from rituals alone, but from a sincere transformation of the heart.
One of his core teachings was that love for Allah is attainable only through deep and genuine love for the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Ta'aala Alayhi Wassallam. This love, for him, was not superficial or rhetorical; it was lived and demonstrated through his character and actions.
He also stressed the value of knowledge, both religious and intellectual. Well-versed in jurisprudence, Hadith, Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), and other Islamic disciplines, Hazrat Barkatullah believed that true scholarship must be accompanied by moral refinement. He advocated for the cultivation of virtues such as humility, generosity, and compassion in those who pursued knowledge.
He authored many books including Chaar Anwa, Sawaal-o-Jawaab, Majma al-Barkaat, Bayaadh Zaahir-o-Baatin, Risala Takseer, Awareef Hindi, Risala Tasawwuf, Wasiyyah and his poetry book includes, Deewan-e-Farsi, Pem Prakash, Mathnawi Riyaad-e-Ishq and Riqa'at-e-Sufiya.
Miracles and Spiritual Grace
As with many great Sufi saints, Hazrat Barkatullah was known to have performed several karamat (miracles), which were seen as divine affirmations of his sincerity and spiritual station. Among the most frequently cited are his miraculous healings and his uncanny ability to resolve both spiritual and worldly matters.
Nevertheless, the enduring power of his legacy lies not in these supernatural feats, but in his ability to awaken hearts and lead souls towards the path of divine love and service.
Wisaal and Legacy
Hazrat Shah Barkatullah Ishqi Pemi Marehrawi passed away on 10 Muharram 1182 (27 May 1768), but his influence remains profound. His dargah (tomb) in Marehra Sharif is a site of pilgrimage and reflection, drawing devotees from all corners of the globe. His annual Urs is observed with soulful gatherings, recitations, and spiritual discourses that celebrate his enduring contributions.
The Barkaatiyya Silsilah, now led by his descendants and students, has spread far and wide, from the Indian subcontinent to Pakistan, South Africa, the UK, and Mauritius. His message of love, peace, and inner transformation continues to resonate with seekers of all backgrounds.
Among his successors, his son Hazrat Shah Aley Ahmad Marehrawi stands out for preserving and expanding his spiritual mission. Today, the Barkaatiyya tradition remains a living testimony to the timeless appeal of divine love and compassionate living.
Conclusion: The Eternal Message of Love
The life and teachings of Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah Ishqi wa Pemi Marehrawi are a radiant chapter in the history of Indian Sufism. His unwavering devotion to Allah and His Prophet, his commitment to selfless service, and his accessible model of spirituality offer a powerful blueprint for anyone seeking closeness to the Divine. In a world often beset by division and strife, his legacy continues to illuminate the path of love, unity, and spiritual fulfilment.
References:
Tahseen Raza Hamdani Nuri (2020) "The Seven Cardinal Saints of Marehrah" Ajmeri Press
Ahmad Mujtaba Siddiqi Barkati "Hayat-e-Mashaikh-e-Marhehra"
Ahmad Mujtaba Siddiqi Barkati (2012) "Tazkira Mashaikh Marehra" Abirti Publications
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Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism