Shaykh Abdul Quddus Gangohi: A Sufi Scholar’s Legacy in South Asia
By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam
8 April 2025
Shaykh Abdul Quddus Gangohi (1456–1537) Was an Influential Sufi Scholar, Poet, And Spiritual Leader in The Sabiri Branch of The Chishti Order. His Persian Poetry and The Book Maktubat Quddoosiya Were Key in Shaping Sufi Ideas in South Asia. He Focused On Divine Love, Tolerance, And Inner Spirituality, Which Made a Lasting Impact On Islamic Spirituality.
Main Points:
1. He was a key figure in the Sabiri branch of the Chishti order, emphasizing self-purification and divine love.
2. His collection of letters provided spiritual guidance, ethical teachings, and interpretations of mystical concepts.
3. He taught unity of existence and believed that love (ʿešq) was the best spiritual path.
4. Writing as “Alakh-Das,” he composed Persian and Hindi poetry, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
5. He advised rulers like Ibrahim Lodi, highlighting the role of Sufis in medieval Indian society.
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Birth and Early life
Shaykh Abdul Quddus was born in 860 AH (1456-1457 CE) in Rudauli, now in Uttar Pradesh, India. His family was deeply religious and scholarly, linked to Imam Abu Hanifa. His father, Shaykh Muhammad Ismail, was a respected scholar. The family had moved from Ghazna to Delhi before settling near Rudauli.
As a young boy, Abdul Quddus showed a strong interest in religious studies. Initially, he studied traditional Islamic sciences, but he soon turned to Sufism for a deeper spiritual connection. He found guidance from Shaykh Muhammad, the grandson of Shaykh Ahmad Abdul Haqq, who introduced him to the Sabiri branch of the Chishti order. To strengthen his connection to Sufi practices, he married Shaykh Muhammad’s sister.
Spiritual Journey and Teachings
After joining the order, Abdul Quddus spent seventeen years focusing on spiritual practices and meditation near Rudauli. He practiced inverted prayer (Namaz-e- Makoos) and supreme meditation (Soltaan-e Zikr), advanced Sufi methods for self-purification and understanding the divine. He aimed to go beyond the physical world for spiritual enlightenment.
He believed in Wahdat Ul-Wujood (unity of existence), meaning all creation reflects the Divine. He taught that love Ishq) is the best spiritual path and urged followers to seek God through selfless devotion rather than just rituals. His teachings emphasized:
Inner spirituality over outside rituals
Love and tolerance as crucial values
Personal experience with the Divine
Self-purification as the path to enlightenment
His followers saw him as a wise and humble spiritual guide.
Writings and Literary Contributions
Shaykh Abdul Quddus was known for his Persian poetry and spiritual letters. His notable work, Maktubat Quddoosiya, is a collection of letters to his students and other scholars. These letters cover:
Spiritual discipline and ethical behaviour
The role of a Sufi master in guiding students
Interpretation of mystical concepts
Thoughts on political and social issues of his time
His Persian poetry explored themes of divine love, unity, and longing for God. Writing as “Alakh Das,” he also produced poetry in Hindi, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps. His works are still studied for their rich insights and poetic beauty.
Political Engagement and Historical Context
Shaykh Abdul Quddus lived during significant changes in India, including the fall of the Delhi Sultanate and the rise of the Mughal Empire. Sufi leaders often mediated between rulers and the public.
In 1526, Sultan Ibrahim Lodi sought his blessings before the First Battle of Panipat, which resulted in the end of the Lodi dynasty and Mughal rule under Babur. Although he did not engage in politics directly, his spiritual influence was acknowledged by rulers and common people. His interactions with Mughal emperors and regional sultans demonstrate the significant influence Sufi scholars had on governance and society during his era.
Death and Enduring Legacy
Shaykh Abdul Quddus Gangohi died on 23 Jumada al-Thani 944 AH (28 November 1537 CE) in Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, where his shrine is still a pilgrimage site. His students continued to spread his teachings, ensuring his enduring influence on Sufi practices in South Asia.
His focus on love, self-purification, and spiritual awakening continues to inspire people worldwide. His writings remain a significant source of Sufi knowledge, and his legacy lives on in those who pursue the mystical path of divine love.
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Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.
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