Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandavi: A Sufi Scholar Who Led with Books, Silence, and Sacred Diplomacy

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 20 June 2025 A leading figure in Bengal’s Chishti-Nizami spiritual lineage, Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandavi (818 AH) upheld the silsila’s spiritual and social presence during intense political change. As the son and successor of Hazrat Alaul Haq Pandavi, he guided Bengal’s Muslims through crises with ilm, khidmat, and silent strength leaving behind over 120 writings and a living khanqah. Main Points: 1. Son and successor of Hazrat Alaul Haq; buried beside him in Pandua. 2. Oversaw Raja Ganesha’s son Jadu’s conversion into Sultan Jalaluddin. 3. Appointed his son Hazrat Shaykh Anwar as khalifa in Pandua. 4. Bengal’s Chishti-Nizami guide during Raja Ganesha’s crisis. 5. Authored 121 books, including Persian and Dobhashi texts on Tasawwuf. ----- Introduction Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandavi was a central figure in the spiritual and socio-political landscape of Bengal in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Born in Pandua, he inherited the legacy of his father, Hazrat Alaul Haq Pandavi, a Chishti saint and treasury official. Known for humility, literary brilliance, and firm leadership during crises, Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam became a symbol of unity and faith for the Muslims of Bengal. Early Life and Background He was born into a noble family tracing their lineage to Khalid ibn al-Walid. His grandfather, hazrat Shaykh Asad Khalidi, had migrated from Lahore and served as finance minister under the Bengal Sultanate. His father, Hazrat Alaul Haq Pandavi, was a disciple and khalifa of Akhi Siraj Aainae Hind. Noor Qutb-e-Alam was trained both in ilm (Islamic sciences) and adab (refined manners) from a young age. He studied under Qadi Hamiduddin Nagauri in Rajnagar and was a classmate of Hazrat Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah. His childhood was spent in an atmosphere filled with ilm, adab, and khidmat. Spiritual Training, Bay‘ah, and Khilafat He took bay‘ah from his father and was granted khilafat within the Chishti-Nizami silsila. From an early age, he engaged in acts of khidmat, He maintained a strict code of humility and simplicity, reflecting the true spirit of Chishti discipline. As the head of the Pandua khanqah, he promoted a culture of balanced devotion and scholarship. He also undertook Hajj multiple times, reinforcing his spiritual rank among the Sufis of the time. Role in the Raja Ganesha Crisis In the early 15th century, Raja Ganesha usurped power in Bengal, endangering the position of Muslims in the Sultanate. Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam resisted the threat through letters and spiritual influence. He reached out to Sultan Ibrahim Sharqi of Jaunpur and Hazrat Ashraf Jahangir Semnani to address the crisis. Eventually, Raja Ganesha agreed to let his son Jadu convert to Islam. Under Hazrat Noor Qutb’s supervision, Jadu embraced Islam and became Sultan Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah. This act restored Muslim sovereignty without violence, reflecting Hazrat’s strategic wisdom and spiritual authority. His peaceful negotiation remains a key event in the religious history of Bengal. Son and Students Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam had two notable sons: Hazrat Shaykh Shah Anwar, who was sent to Sonargaon for religious teaching. He was martyred and is remembered as a noble spiritual figure. His grave is still visited by followers in present-day Bangladesh. Hazrat Shaykh Rafaq uddin, who stayed in Bengal and continued the family’s spiritual legacy by leading the khanqah and training disciples. Among his most influential disciples was Hazrat Shaykh Husamuddin Manikpuri and Hazrat Makhdoom Fareeduddin Tavile Bukhsh Chisht, who was not only his disciple, but also his sister’s husband. who spread Chishti teachings further into central India. Literary Contributions Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam is credited with authoring approximately 121 books. His key works include: 1. Anis al-Ghuraba, a spiritual guide for seekers 2. Mughith al-Fuqara, a manual for Sufi conduct and ethics His writings reflect spiritual depth and practical guidance. He also contributed to the Dobhashi tradition by writing Bengali in Persian script, making Islamic teachings accessible to the local population. Thirteen of his letters were compiled into a collection titled Maktubat-e-Noor Qutb ʿAlam, preserved today in the National Archives of India. Other manuscripts are housed in Khanqah-e-Shahbazia, Bhagalpur, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna and the Asiatic Society of Calcutta. His books were studied by his contemporaries, and citations appear in later Chishti works. Death and Mazar He passed away in 818 AH or 1415–16 CE in Pandua, Bengal. He was buried beside his father at the Shash Hazari Dargah, reflecting the close familial and spiritual lineage. The dargah remains active to this day, hosting annual urs, sama mehfils, and gagar rituals, attended by people from Bengal, Bihar, and Bangladesh. The site also houses the graves of several family members and early khulafa. Its care has remained largely within the family line across centuries. Legacy Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandavi’s contributions to Bengal’s spiritual and political fabric remain enduring. His literary works are studied in madrasas and khanqahs across Bengal, Bihar, and beyond. His spiritual lineage through sons and disciples continued the Chishti message of love, tolerance, and service. His shrine is not just a structure of devotion but a living institution of guidance. His role during the Raja Ganesha crisis is still remembered as a lesson in spiritual diplomacy and saintly resilience. Through his khanqah, books, and descendants, his roohani noor still continues to inspire. ----- 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/hazrat-noor-qutb-pandavi-sufi-scholar-sacred/d/135939 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