Shams-e-Marehra Huzur Achche Miyan of Uttar Pradesh: The Radiant Sun of the Barkaati Sufi Order
By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
5 May 2025
Hazrat Syed Shah Aal-e-Ahmad Barkaati, known as Huzur Achche Miyan, was a radiant Sufi leader of the Barkaatiyya–Qadiriyya order, revered for his spiritual depth, healing, and unwavering devotion.
Main Points:
1. Huzur Achche Miyan was born in 1160 Hijri in Marehra Sharif, Uttar Pradesh.
2. He inherited spiritual leadership and received khilafat from his father.
3. Deeply devoted to Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani, who guided countless seekers.
4. Esteemed scholars revered his understanding of complex Sufi concepts.
5. He was also a known healer and hakim.
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Introduction
Hazrat Syed Shah Aal-e-Ahmad Barkaati, also famously referred to as Huzur Achche Miyan and spiritually addressed as Shams-e-Marehra (The Sun of Marehra), was a giant figure in the Barkaatiyya Sufi tradition. Adored as Sultan al-Mashaikh al-Jahan (King of the Mystics of the World) and Naib-e-Mutlaq of Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani, he was centrally placed in the Qadiriyya Barkati spiritual chain.
Birth
He was born on 28th Ramadan, 1160 Hijri (4 October 1747), in Marehra Sharif to Hazrat Syed Hamzah Aini Marehrawi. Before his birth, his great-grandfather, Hazrat Syed Shah Barkatullah Marehrawi, had predicted the arrival of a blessed soul and left a special khirqa (robe) with his grandmother. At his Bismillah ceremony, this robe was presented to him, fulfilling the prophecy.
Spiritual Influence
Hazrat Syed Shah Aal-e-Ahmad Barkaati’s spiritual presence illuminated not only India but was felt across the Arab world and Persia. As the spiritual pole of his era and the outward deputy of Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani, he led innumerable seekers to the right path. His influence spiritually brought life and glory and made the name Barkaati one radiating with the light of the Qadiriyya order.
Education and Training
He received religious and spiritual education from his father and gained medical knowledge under the guidance of Hakim, Hazrat Nasrullah Marehrawi. His Tarbiyat was personally overseen by Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani, and he received bay'ah and khilafat from his father.
Spiritual Leadership
Upon his father’s passing, he became the Sajjada Nasheen of the Barkaatiyya Khanqah and the Sufi order and served as its spiritual head for around 37 years. His era was marked by immense spiritual enlightenment. With one glance, he was able to bestow guidance and inner illumination to lost souls.
Relationship with Ghaus-e-Azam
His unwavering devotion to Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani shaped his entire life. In his final will, he stressed unflinching loyalty to Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani as the key to success in both worlds.
Notable Incident
A well-known episode involves Hazrat Shah Ainul Haq Abdul Majeed Qadri Badayuni, who initially rejected Huzur Achche Miyan but was guided by a dream from Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani himself to seek bay'ah. Humbled, he returned, became his murid, and earned a title of Ahabbul Khulafaa (Most Beloved of Succesors).
Reverence Among Modern Scholars
Even eminent thinkers such as Hazrat Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlavi, Hazrat Qazi Sanaullah Panipati, and Hazrat Mullah Ali Usmani acknowledged his spiritual grandeur. Hazrat Shah Abdul Aziz once sent a seeker to him, saying only a man of marif'ah like Huzur Achche Miyan could explain complex Sufi doctrines like Wahdat-ul-Wujood.
Healing and Hikmat
In addition to spiritual guidance, he was a celebrated hakim (physician). It is said he could cure ailments with simple herbs or even water. A memorable incident involves Hazrat Maulvi Mujahid-uddin Zakir Badauni’s father, whose eye pain vanished after washing with water from Huzur’s suraahi on his instruction.
Legacy and Conclusion
Hazrat Achche Miyan left behind a profound legacy of spiritual mentoring, healing, wisdom, and steadfast allegiance to Ghaus-e-Azam Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani. His spiritual radiance continues to glow in the Barkaati Sufi order, and his title Shams-e-Marahra remains ever apt—the sun whose rays still illuminate hearts across generations.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is the author of 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', a research book based on the history of Sufism in Bihar.
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