Sheikh Shah Shoaib Firdausi: The Pioneer Who Gave Sheikhpura Its Name and Spiritual Foundation
By Syed Amjad Hussain,
New Age Islam
1 August
2024
Shah Shoaib Was Cousin of Shaikh Sharfuddin
Yahya Maneri. As Per Official Page of Sheikhpura District of Bihar, The Name
“Sheikhpura” Is Taken from The Name of Sufi, Sheikh Shah Shoaib
Main Points:
1.
Sheikh Shah Shoaib Firdausi, a
pivotal Firdausi Sufi, played a crucial role in establishing Sheikhpura, Bihar,
settling in Sukoonat Mohalla.
2.
His tomb, Badi Dargah, is a
significant spiritual site, with ongoing architectural enhancements planned.
3.
His genealogical lineage highlights
prominent Sufi figures and contributions to justice.
4.
His Persian manuscript,
'Manaqib-ul-Asfiya,' remains a critical Sufi scholarly resource.
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In the
annals of Bihar’s rich spiritual history, Sheikh Shah Shoaib Firdausi stands
out as a seminal figure, particularly in the context of Sheikhpura’s origins.
Known for his pivotal role in the Firdausi Sufi tradition, Shah Shoaib’s legacy
is etched deeply into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. His
influence extends beyond his lifetime, marking him as a key figure in the establishment
and development of Sheikhpura.
Historical Background and Heritage
Sheikh Shah
Shoaib Firdausi was born in Maner Sharif, Bihar, into a distinguished lineage
of Sufi saints and Islamic scholars. His father, Shaikh Jamaluddin Yahya
Maneri, was closely related to prominent Sufi figures, including Shaikh
Kamaluddin Yahya Maneri and the renowned Firdaussiya sufi Shaikh Sharafuddin
Ahmad Yahya Maneri, who was also the cousin of Shah Shoaib. This rich heritage
positioned Shah Shoaib as a significant figure within the Firdausi Order, where
he was not only a dedicated disciple but also a notable khalifa.
Establishment of Sheikhpura
Shah
Shoaib's arrival in Bihar Sharif marked the beginning of his influential role
in the region. Under the guidance of his mentor and cousin, Shaikh Sharafuddin
Ahmad Yahya Maneri, Shah Shoaib ventured into a relatively undeveloped area
approximately 50 kilo-meters from Bihar Sharif. This region, now known as
Sukoonat Mohalla, which means the “Place of Living” nestled between the markets
of Katra and Girhinda, became the focal point of his spiritual and communal
endeavours. He also stayed at Kamasi, a village around 3 kilo-meters from
Sukoonat Muhalla.
The
settlement in Sukoonat Mohalla laid the groundwork for what would eventually
become the district of Sheikhpura. Shah Shoaib’s tomb, situated in this area,
has become a major spiritual center, often referred to as Badi Dargah. The
mausoleum’s distinctive architecture, combined with ongoing efforts to enhance
the site, underscores the enduring significance of Shah Shoaib’s legacy.
Architectural and Spiritual Legacy
The
architectural beauty of Shah Shoaib’s tomb reflects his esteemed position in
Sufi tradition. Recent initiatives include plans to add a dome to the
mausoleum, which will further honour his contributions and those of his
descendants like Makhdoom Shah Hasan Ali Sheikhpurwi. The area also hosts other
significant Sufi shrines, such as the tomb of Syed Jamaluddin at Jamuara, son
of Syed Ahmad Jajneri, a Khalifa of Shaikh Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri and Dargah
of Hazrat Nooruddin’s located near the mountains between Jamuara and Noorpur
(now Nirpur).
Genealogical Lineage
Sheikh Shah
Shoaib’s genealogical heritage is notable for its prominence in Sufism. His
lineage is as follows:
1. Sheikh
Shah Shoaib Firdausi Sheikhpurwi
2. Sheikh
Jamaluddin Ahmed Yahya Maneri
3. Sheikh
Israil Hashmi Maneri
4. Imam
Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi
This
lineage highlights their significant role in the Sufi tradition, with ancestors
known for their efforts in defeating tyrannical rulers and restoring justice.
Scholarly Contributions
In addition
to his spiritual and communal work, Sheikh Shah Shoaib Firdausi made
substantial contributions to Sufi scholarship. His Persian manuscript,
‘Manaqib-ul-Asfiya’, offers detailed accounts of Firdausi Sufi saints, their
lives, and teachings. This influential work is preserved in the library of the
Khanqah Balkhiyya Firdausiyya in Patna, serving as a critical resource for
scholars and followers of the Firdausi Order.
Conclusion
Sheikh Shah
Shoaib Firdausi’s impact on Sheikhpura district and the broader spiritual
landscape of Bihar is profound and enduring. His role in establishing
Sheikhpura, along with his contributions to Sufism and scholarship, continues
to be a subject of study and reverence. The ongoing preservation and
enhancement of his tomb and the study of his writings ensure that his legacy
will remain a vital part of the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
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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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