Sultan-e-Awadh Hazrat Shaykh Saarang: A Sultan Who Chose the Path of Sufism

 

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam

10 June 2025

Hazrat Syed Mohammad Khaamis, famously known as Hazrat Shaykh Saarang Chishti, was among the rare Indian Sufi saints whose life reflected both political influence and deep spiritual transition. Once a regional ruler, he later devoted himself fully to Tasawwuf and became a key figure in the Chishtiyya and Suhrawardiyya Silsila.

Main Points:

1.    Founded Saarangpur town in his name.

2.    Took bay‘ah from Hazrat Shaykh Qawaamuddin Lakhnawi

3.    Received khilafat from both Chishtiyya (Naasiri) and Suhrawardiyya (Jalaali) Silsila of Sufism.

4.    Mazar in Majhgawan, Barabanki (UP), visited during annual Urs.

5.    Served as commander of 12,000 cavalry under Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

-----

Introduction

Hazrat Shaikh Saarang Chishti was a Sufi figure whose biography stands at the intersection of governance and Tasawwuf (Sufism). Born in a family of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad, he held military and administrative power in Malwa but eventually abandoned political life to pursue spiritual commitment. His journey through multiple Sufi Silsilas and the establishment in Awadh left a quiet but respected legacy in Indian Sufi history.

Early Life and Family

He was born as Syed Mohammad Khaamis in a family tracing lineage to Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn Imam Ali, through the Surkh-Posh Bukhari dynasty of Uch, Punjab. His father, Hazrat Syed Safdar Ali, was a missionary of Islam who settled in Malwa. As per record, he was offered in childhood to a local ruler, who named him "Saarang" and raised him in the palace. Later, the same ruler appointed him as Malik and then he established Saarangpur in his name.

He was also related through marriage to the Tughlaq dynasty. He arranged the marriage of the *Raja’s daughter* to Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s son, Muhammad.

Spiritual Transformation and Bay‘ah

Initially a commander of 12,000 cavalry under Sultan Firoz Tughlaq, Hazrat Shaykh Saarang came in contact with Sufi masters Hazrat Makhdoom Jahaniya Jahan Gasht and Hazrat Sadruddin Rajan Qattal. Both played a role in redirecting him toward tasawwuf.

He later took bay‘ah in Lucknow from Hazrat Shaykh Qawaamuddin Lakhnawi Chishti and was awarded khilafat. He also received a second khilafat in the Suhrawardiyya silsila from Hazrat Sadruddin Rajan Qattal. His training was further enriched under Hazrat Shaykh Yusuf Airji.

Spiritual Practices and Incidents

One of the well-known events associated with Hazrat Shaykh Saarang is a Hajj journey in which his family miraculously rejoined their caravan after falling behind. Another moment came during prayer in Awadh’s forests, when an attack by the Rajbhar tribe was halted mid-strike, reportedly due to divine intervention.

In Mecca, he received instructions to return to India and settle at a place where he witnessed something “new.” That “new” sign was fulfilled when, during a confrontation in Awadh, attackers fell immobilised. The location later became Majhgawan, where he stayed permanently.

Death and Legacy

Hazrat Shaykh Saarang passed away on 17 Shawwal 855 Hijri (12 November 1451 CE), at Majhgawan, Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh. His burial is connected with a spiritual narrative that martyrs of Karbala themselves performed the funeral rites on instruction of Prophet Muhammad.

He appointed his son, Hazrat Shah Meena Lakhnawi, as his Janasheen (spiritual heir). Other Khalifas include Hazrat Hisaamuddin Fatehpuri. His teachings emphasised the importance of spiritual discipline, regular prayer, and acceptance of the divine plan with peace. His Mazar remains active, and his Urs is observed annually.

-----

Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.

 

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/sultan-awadh-hazrat-saarang-sufism/d/135823

 

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