Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Arif Riwgari: A Naqshbandi Master of Inner Devotion
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
19 January 2026
Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Arif Riwgari was a prominent Naqshbandi Sufi master whose life reflected inner devotion, scholarship, and moral courage. His teachings emphasised sincerity, remembrance of Allah, and spiritual discipline while remaining engaged with society.
Main points:
· Leading saint of the Naqshbandi Sufi order
· Third master among the Khwajagan
· Disciple of Khwaja Abdul Khaliq Ghijduwani
· Known for wisdom, humility, and silent remembrance
· Played a humane role during the Mongol invasion
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“It is surprising to see so many righteous people (ṣāliḥīn), and yet so few truthful believers (ṣādiqīn).”
— Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Arif Riwgari
Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Arif Riwgari occupies a distinguished place in the spiritual history of Islam as one of the most revered Sufi saints of Central Asia. He is recognised as the third master among the Khwajagan (the spiritual Masters) of the Naqshbandi silsila and an important link in the celebrated Golden Chain (Silsila-e-Zahab) of the order. His life exemplified the Naqshbandi ideals of inner devotion, outward discipline, humility, and constant remembrance of Allah while remaining actively engaged in the world.
Born in the village of Riwgar (also known as Rivger), situated approximately 45 kilometres north of Bukhara, Hazrat Arif Riwgari lived an exceptionally long life, reportedly spanning 130 years. From an early age, he demonstrated remarkable intelligence and spiritual sensitivity. His childhood education began in the local madrasas of the Bukhara region, where he immersed himself in the study of Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and other classical Islamic sciences. His sharp memory, intellectual depth, and refined manners earned him early recognition among scholars and peers alike.
Bukhara, during this period, was one of the most vibrant centres of Islamic learning in the Muslim world, especially during the Seljuk era. The city attracted scholars, jurists, theologians, and mystics from far-flung regions. Within this intellectually rich environment, Khwaja Arif also attained mastery over Arabic and Persian, languages essential for engaging with religious texts and scholarly discourse. His erudition and dignified appearance led people to refer to him affectionately as “Khwaja Mohitabon” (the Beautiful Master).
A defining turning point in his life came when he met Hazrat Khwaja Abdul Khaliq Ghijduwani (r.a.), one of the foremost spiritual figures of the Naqshbandi path. Khwaja Arif entered his service with complete devotion and remained closely attached to him until the end of his master’s life. He was renowned for the deep love, obedience, and reverence he showed towards his spiritual guide. He often recalled Khwaja Abdul Khaliq’s advice, which became a guiding principle of his own spiritual teaching:
“Every Muslim who walks on the path of Truth must remember that for every moment of peace and comfort, gratitude to Allah is obligatory.”
Physically, Hazrat Arif Riwgari was described as fair-complexioned and of medium height, but it was his spiritual presence that left the deepest impression on those who met him. His life reflected the Naqshbandi emphasis on silent remembrance (dhikr-e-khafi), self-discipline, and inward awareness while remaining outwardly engaged in society.
Numerous sayings attributed to Hazrat Maulana Arif Riwgari reveal the depth of his spiritual insight and practical wisdom. According to the website naqshbandi.org, some of his sayings include:
“Trust in Allah until He Himself becomes your Teacher. Keep the remembrance of death as your constant companion.”
“Excessive hope in the future veils a person from the goodness present in Allah’s path.”
“It is astonishing to see so many righteous people, yet so few who are truly truthful.”
“If you seek healing from any affliction, conceal it from people. They can neither benefit you nor prevent what has been decreed.”
“There are three kinds of hearts: one like a mountain, unmoved by anything; one like a palm tree, firm at the roots but swaying in its branches; and one like a feather, blown in every direction by the wind.”
One of the most well-known episodes associated with Hazrat Arif Riwgari is linked to the Mongol invasion of Central Asia. According to an account preserved on the SufiSpirit website, at the time of Genghis Khan’s advance towards Bukhara, Hazrat Arif was serving as the Grand Master of the Naqshbandi Order. While most inhabitants fled Rivger in fear, Khwaja Arif remained behind, calmly working at a weaving loom of his own design.
When Genghis Khan entered the deserted town and encountered the saint, he was struck by Khwaja Arif’s tranquillity and composure. Through an interpreter, he asked how the Khwaja could remain so unaffected by the chaos unfolding around him. Hazrat Arif replied with profound simplicity:
“My outer attention is on my work, and my inner attention is on the Truth. I have no time to notice what happens in the world around me.”
Deeply impressed, Genghis Khan ordered that the inhabitants of Rivger be spared and later invited Khwaja Arif to accompany him to Bukhara as an advisor. Historical accounts note that although Bukhara was eventually captured in February 1220, the intervention of Khwaja Arif helped mitigate suffering. At his request, Genghis Khan permitted the displaced population to return to the city within days, saving tens of thousands of lives and enabling Bukhara to recover more quickly than many other cities devastated by the Mongols.
Hazrat Arif Riwgari also made a lasting contribution to Sufi literature. He authored a treatise on tasawwuf titled “Arif Nama”, a manuscript of which is preserved in the library of Khaniqah Musa Zai in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The work reflects his emphasis on inner purification, sincerity, and spiritual discipline.
Towards the end of his life, Hazrat Arif Riwgari appointed Hazrat Mahmud Anjir Faghnawi as his spiritual successor. After his passing, all his companions and disciples pledged allegiance to Mahmud Faghnawi, ensuring the continuity of the Naqshbandi silsila.
Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Arif Riwgari passed away on December 1219 CE. He was laid to rest in his native town of Riwgar (modern-day Shafirkon, near Bukhara, Uzbekistan). His blessed shrine continues to be a place of reverence, drawing seekers and devotees who find inspiration in his life of humility, steadfast faith, and unwavering remembrance of Allah.
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A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
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